Investigating the effect of glass fiber on the mechanical properties of cement composites

In this research, a comparison has been made between the mechanical properties of cement based mixtures containing glass fiber. For this purpose, a type II portland cement and a calcium aluminate cement have been used. In order to investigate the mechanical characteristics, the tests including compressive strength, flexural strength, toughness, ultimate tensile strength, impact resistance and drying shrinkage of the mixtures were evaluated at ages from 28 days to 270 days. Glass fiber was incorporated in the mixes at replacement levels of 2 and 4 percent (percent of the total volume of the mixture). Based on the tests, the results indicate that the mixtures made with calcium aluminate had improved properties compared to the mixtures made with Portland cement. Furthermore, by adding glass fiber to the mixes, the flexural strength was increased by about 32% in 28 days compared to the plain mixture. Adding glass fibers in both types of cement also improved tensile strength, flexural toughness and impact resistance, as well as drying shrinkage.