International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 06 | Jun 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE INFLUENCE OF MINERAL ADMIXTURES AND POLYPROPYLENE FIBERS ON FRESH, MECHANICAL AND SHRINKAGE PROPERTIES OF SELF COMPACTING CONCRETE. Pragathi R1, S Bhavanishankar2, 1M-tech Dept of Civil Engineering, UVCE, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560056 2Associate Professor, Dept of Civil Engineering, UVCE, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India-560056
---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - Despite the availability of various concrete types,
impact of cement production, mineral admixtures are incorporated as partial cement replacements, offering benefits like improved durability and lower CO₂ emissions. Polypropylene fibers, known for enhancing toughness and controlling shrinkage cracking, are used to further increase SCC durability. This thesis investigates the influence of varying proportions of mineral admixtures and polypropylene fibers on the fresh and hardened properties of SCC, with a focus on short-term drying shrinkage relative to a control mix.
self-compacting concrete (SCC) is favoured by architects and designers due to its vibration-free flowability and excellent compactibility. This experimental study evaluates the influence of mineral admixtures—fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS)—on the fresh, mechanical, and drying shrinkage properties of SCC, both with and without polypropylene fibers (PPF). Eight concrete mixes were prepared: the first four without fibers and the remaining four with 0.2% PPF (by binder weight). Mix 1 served as the control with only OPC. In mixes 2–4, 50% of OPC was replaced with SF (10% fixed), and combinations of GGBS and FA at varying ratios (30%-10%, 20%-20%, 10%-30%). The same trend was followed in fiber-reinforced mixes (5–8). Fresh properties were evaluated using slump flow, J-ring, Vfunnel, and U-box tests in line with EFNARC guidelines. Mechanical properties, including compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength, were tested at 7, 28, and 56 days. Drying shrinkage was measured at 3-, 7-, 28-, and 56-days using ASTM C157. All mixes satisfied EFNARC criteria and exhibited adequate strength. Among fiber-free mixes, Mix 4 (10% SF, 30% GGBS, 10% FA) showed the best performance in strength and shrinkage. Similarly, the fiber-reinforced counterpart, Mix 8, demonstrated the highest strength and lowest shrinkage. Results indicate that higher GGBS and the addition of PPF significantly enhance both mechanical properties and shrinkage resistance in SCC.
2.Objectives
To arrive at proper design mix as per OKAMURA method. To test fresh properties of SCC as per EFNARC guidelines To test the mechanical properties of hardened SCC. To determine the impact of adding supplemental cementitious materials (SCMs) and polypropylene fibers to concrete. To conduct drying shrinkage test for all eight mixes of SCC according to ASTM-157 C Finally, the results of this experimental investigation are reviewed, to conclude the shrinkage characteristics of different SCC mixes using mineral admixture with and without polypropylene fibers
3.Materials and Material Properties Cement: -
KeyWords:-Compactibilty1,Drying-Shrinkage2, polypropylene Fiber3, Architects4,Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) 5
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) Grade 43 (Ramco) was used, conforming to IS: 269-2015. It acts as a hydraulic binder, gaining strength through hydration. Tests per IS: 4031-1988 confirmed compliance in terms of specific gravity, consistency, and setting time. Fine Aggregate: - Fine aggregates are natural or crushed sand particles used in concrete. Manufactured sand (M sand), produced by crushing hard rocks under controlled conditions, offers consistent quality and gradation. As natural river sand becomes scarce due to environmental concerns, M sand has emerged as a sustainable, reliable alternative for producing high quality concrete,
1.Introduction Self-compacting concrete (SCC) represents a major advancement in concrete technology, designed to address labour shortages and durability concerns. Characterized by its ability to flow and fill formworks without external vibration, SCC enhances placement efficiency, especially in congested reinforcement zones. It is composed of cement, aggregates, water, mineral admixtures (e.g., fly ash, GGBS, silica fume, metakaolin), chemical admixtures (superplasticizers, viscosity-modifying agents), and fibers. To improve sustainability and reduce the environmental
© 2025, IRJET
|
Impact Factor value: 8.315
|
ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal
|
Page 1021