POLYPROPYLENE FIBERS POTENTIALS IN THE IRAQI CEMENTITIOUS CONCRETE CONSTRUCTIONS

An experimental study is achieved to investigate the polypropylene fibers potentials on the mechanical performance of concrete constructions. It is found that an addition of 1% and 2% of polypropylene fibers to concrete mixes produces a reduction of concrete slump 20% and 28% respectively comparing with conventional mix (0% of polymer) and an increasing in compressive strength of (13.1 % and 19% after 7days), (8.5% and 14.3% after 28days), and (12.25% and 17.2% after 90days) respectively. There is also an increasing in flexural strength of (11.1 % and 18.3% after 7days), (13% and 24% after 28days), and (13.8% and 20.7% after 90days) respectively as well as an increasing in splitting tensile strength of (7 % and 11.6% after 7days), (12.5% and 17.8% after 28days), and (19% and 22.4% after 90days) respectively. It can also be observed that at the age of 90days the addition of the polypropylene enhances the tensile mechanical performance of the concrete members due to the strengthening effect of polypropylene fiber reinforcement to concrete paste.