Mechanical Properties of Mortar Using Polypropylene Fibers

Abstract

In the present paper the behavior of mortar reinforced with polypropylene fibers was studied. Different percentages of polypropylene fibers such as 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8% as volumetric fractions were used. Different properties which are flowability, density, compressive strength, flexural strength and splitting tensile strength were evaluated for all mix combinations. The experimental results indicated that a reduction in flowability was obtained with increased polypropylene fibers content. Besides, it can be concluded that the incorporation of polypropylene fiber may significantly reduce the density of mortar. The use of low volume fraction of polypropylene fiber improves the mechanical properties of HPM. Thus, the use of 0.2% of such fiber increases compressive 
strength by about (4-10%), at various ages.