Evaluation of hybrid fiber reinforced concrete subjected to freezing and thawing cycles using relative dynamic modulus of elasticity

Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Concrete, a composite obtained by mixing at least 2 different types of fibers, is extensively explored by researchers due to its superior mechanical properties. The present study is aimed to investigate the effect of incorporation of steel, glass and polypropylene fibers as well as the air entraining admixture on the durability of concrete subjected to freezing and thawing cycles, compressive strength and split tensile strength. In order to evaluate the durability of concrete specimens after subjecting the specimens to freezing and thawing cycles, relative dynamic modulus of elasticity and the percentage of the weight loss were measured in 3 different stages (1) prior to staring the main test (2) after subjecting the specimens to 150 cycles of freezing and thawing (3) after subjecting the specimens to 300 cycles of freezing and thawing. Based on the results of the experimental program it appears that utilization of specific combination of fibers at specific volume fractions along with air entraining admixture results in significant improvement of durability of the concrete specimens. The best performance in freezing and thawing test belongs to the specimen containing 0.5% of PP fibers and 1% of steel fibers in which the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity measured after 300 cycles dropped 5%, while the modulus of elasticity for control specimens decreased 30% after these cycles. It is worth noting that the simultaneous monitoring of modulus of elasticity and the weight loss in a specimen can provide more detailed information on the durability of the specimen.