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ABSTRACT
Road transportation is undoubtedly the lifeline of the nation and its development is a crucial concern. The
traditional bituminous pavements and their needs for continuous maintenance and rehabilitation operations
points towards the scope for cement concrete pavements. There are several advantages of cement concrete
pavements over bituminous pavements. This paper explains on POLYMR !"#R R"$!OR%&
%O$%RT P'(M$T)* which is a recent advancement in the field of reinforced concrete pavement
design. P!R% pavements prove to be more efficient than conventional R% pavements* in several aspects*
which are explained in this paper. The design procedure and paving operations of P!R% are also discussed
in detail. ' detailed case study of Polyester fiber waste as fiber reinforcement is included and the results of
the study are interpreted. The paper also includes a brief comparison of P!R% pavements with conventional
concrete pavement. The merits and demerits of P!R% pavements are also discussed. The applications of
P!R% in the various construction pro+ects in ,erala are also discussed in brief.
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1. INTRODUCTION
"n a developing country such as "ndia* road networ,s form the arteries of the nation. ' pavement is the
layered structure on which vehicles travel. "t serves two purposes* namely* to provide a comfortable and
durable surface for vehicles* and to reduce stresses on underlying soils. "n "ndia* the traditional system of
bituminous pavements is widely used.
Locally available cement concrete is a better substitute to bitumen which is the by product in
distillation of imported petroleum crude. "t is a ,nown fact that petroleum and its by-products are dooming
day by day. henever we thin, of a road construction in "ndia it is ta,en for granted that it would be a
bituminous pavement and there are very rare chances for thin,ing of an alternative li,e concrete pavements.
ithin two to three decades bituminous pavement would be a history and thus the need for an alternative is
very essential. The perfect solution would be POLYMR !"#R R"$!OR%& %O$%RT
P'(M$T)* as it satisfies two of the much demanded re/uirements of pavement material in "ndia*
economy and reduced pollution. "t also has several other advantages li,e longer life* low maintenance cost*
fuel efficiency* good riding /uality* increased load carrying capacity and impermeability to water over
flexible pavements.
!iber reinforced concrete pavements are more efficient than ordinary cement concrete pavement.
FRC is defined as composite mateia! consistin" of concete einfoced #it$ discete andom!% &'t
'nifom!% dispesed s$ot !en"t$ fi&es()The fibers may be of steel* polymer or natural materials. !R% is
considered to be a material of improved properties and not as reinforced cement concrete whereas
reinforcement is provided for local strengthening of concrete in tension region. !ibers generally used in
cement concrete pavements are steel fibers and organic polymer fibers such as polyester or polypropylene.
This is an environment friendly approach in the field of pavement construction as almost all sorts of
polymer waste can be recycled and used as a reinforcing admixture in the concrete pavements. 's waste
polymers which are produced in large /uantities are non bio degradable they can cause immense
environmental issues. "nstead of disposing it we can efficiently ma,e use of its properties in the pavementconstruction.
2. FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE
%oncrete is well ,nown as a brittle material when sub+ected to normal stresses and impact loading*
especially* with its tensile strength being +ust one tenth of its compressive strength. "t is only common
,nowledge that* concrete members are reinforced with continuous reinforcing bars to withstand tensile
stresses* to compensate for the lac, of ductility and is also adopted to overcome high potential tensile
stresses and shear stresses at critical location in a concrete member.
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ven though the addition of steel reinforcement significantly increases the strength of the concrete* the
development of micro-crac,s must be controlled to produce concrete with homogenous tensile properties.
The introduction of fibers was brought into consideration* as a solution to develop concrete with enhanced
flexural and tensile strength* which is a new form of binder that could combine Portland cement in bonding
with cement matrices.
!ibers are generally discontinuous* randomly distributed through out the cement matrices. Referring to
the 'merican %oncrete "nstitute 4'%"5 committee 633 * in fiber reinforced concrete there are four categories
namely
2. )!R% - )teel !iber Reinforced %oncrete
0. 7!R% - 7lass !iber Reinforced %oncrete
8. )$!R% - )ynthetic !iber Reinforced %oncrete
3. $!R% - $atural !iber Reinforced %oncrete
!iber Reinforced concrete can be defined as a composite material consisting of mixtures of cement*
mortar or concrete with discontinuous* discrete* uniformly dispersed suitable fibers. %ontinuous meshes*
woven fabrics and long wires or rods are not considered to be discrete fibers.
!iber reinforced concrete 4!R%5 is concrete containing fibrous material which increases its structural
integrity. "t contains short discrete fibers that are uniformly distributed and randomly oriented. !ibers may
generally be classified into two9 organic and inorganic. "norganic fibers include steel fibers and glass fibers*
whereas organic fibers include natural fibers li,e coconut* sisal* wood* bamboo* +ute* sugarcane* etc and
synthetic fibers based on acrylic* carbon* polypropylene* polyethylene* nylon* 'ramid* and polyester. ithin
these different fibers the character of fiber reinforced concrete changes with varying concretes* fiber
materials* geometries* distribution* orientation and densities.
!ibers are usually used in concrete to control plastic shrin,age crac,ing and drying shrin,age
crac,ing. They also lower the permeability of concrete and thus reduce bleeding of water. )ome types of
fibers produce greater impact* abrasion and shatter resistance in concrete.
The amount of fibers added to a concrete mix is measured as a percentage of the total volume of the
composite 4concrete and fibers5 termed volume fraction 4( f5. (ftypically ranges from 1.2 to 8:. 'spect
ratio 4l;d5 is calculated by dividing fiber length 4l5 by its diameter 4d5. !ibers with a non-circular cross
section use an e/uivalent diameter for the calculation of aspect ratio. "f the modulus of elasticity of the fiber
is higher than the matrix 4concrete or mortar binder5* they help to carry the load by increasing the tensile
strength of the material. !ibers which are too long tend to
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2.1 POLYMER FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE (PFRC)
Polymeric fibers are gaining popularity because of its properties li,e >ero ris, of corrosion and cost
effectiveness. The polymeric fibers commonly used are polyester* Recron 8s* and polypropylene. (arious
forms of recycled fibers li,e plastic* disposed tires* carpet waste and wastes from textile industry* and !orta
cono net* can also be used as fiber reinforcements.
These fibers act as crac, arresters* restricting the development of crac,s and thus transforming a brittle
material into a strong composite with superior crac, resistance* improved ductility and distinctive post
crac,ing behavior prior to failure.
%oncrete pavements may be wea, in tension and against impact* but P!R% is a suitable material
which may be used for cement concrete pavement as it possesses extra strength in flexural fatigue and
impact etc. The usage of fibers in combination with concrete also results in a mix with improved early
resistance to plastic shrin,age crac,ing and thereby protects the concrete from drying shrin,age crac,s. "t
accomplishes improved durability and reduced surface water permeability of concrete. "t reduces the ris, of
plastic settlement crac,ing over rebar. "t enables easier and smoother finishing. "t also helps to achieve
reduced bleeding of water to surface during concrete placement* which inhibits the migration of cement and
sand to the surface and the benefits of the above will be harder* more durable surface with better abrasion
resistance. ' uniform distribution of fibers throughout the concrete improves the homogeneity of the
concrete matrix. "t also facilitates reduced water absorption* greater impact resistance* enhanced flexural
strength and tensile strength of concrete. The use of polymer fibers with concrete has been recogni>ed by the
#ureau of "ndian )tandards 4#")5 and "ndian Road %ongress and is included in the following )tandard
documents9
")936?90111 @ 'mendment $o.A* 011A
"R%933-011B @ %ement %oncrete Mix &esigns for Pavements with fibers
"R%9)P9A?9011B @ 7uidelines for Cltra Thin hite Topping with fibers
(ision9 0102 by Ministry of )urface Transport* $ew &elhi
Polymer !iber Reinforced concrete has been approved by $ational bodies li,e9
%entral Public or,s &epartment 4%P&5
'irport 'uthority of "ndia
Military ngineering )ervices
&efence 'irfields
$!;)outhern Railway
")RO* #angalore
3. MATERIALS
The two components of P!R% are concrete mix and polymer fibers.
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3.1 CONCRETE MIX
%ement used shall be OP% 38 grade. %oarse sand of fineness modulus 0.30* washed and stone
aggregate of 21 mm si>e with minimum fineness modulus of 6.DD shall be used. P!R% has been provided
with a design mix of 29090 grading. The concrete shall have a flexural strength of 31 ,g;mE at 0B days. ater
cement ratio shall be as per ") specification mentioned for M81or M86grade concrete. !ly ash and ground
granulated blast furnace 477#!5 slag is added along with OP% in concrete mixes because they prolong the
strength gaining stage of concrete.
The code "R%9 33-011B is followed for cement concrete mix designs for pavements with fibers.
!ig.2.concrete mixing plant 4ref9http9;;cebd.asce.org;cgi5
3.2 POLYMER FIBERS
The various polymer fibers that are manufactured specially for improving the properties of concrete
that are used for construction of pavements and other construction wor,s are9
Recron 8)
Polypropylene
!orta ferro
!orta econo net
Polymer fiber waste can also be recycled and used for the pavement construction. aste polymer
fibers commonly used are9
Plastic
!rom carpet industry
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!rom textile industry
!rom disposed tires
Polymeric fibers normally used are either polyester or poly propylene. "t should be 211: virgin
synthetic fiber si>e 20mm long and 1.36 mm diameter. "t shall be mixed at the rate of D11 gms per cum of
concrete. Other fibers used are acrylic* aramid* carbon etc. These fibers reduce plastic shrin,age and
substance crac,ing. This increase the toughness and post crac,ing integrity. !ibers named !iber mesh and
Recron 8) are now produced by !"#R%OM-%! %ompany Ltd C)' and in "ndia !ibers li,e polypropylene
and Recron 8) are manufactured by Reliance "ndustries Ltd.
Polypropylene is one of the cheapest and abundantly available polymers. Polypropylene fibers are
resistant to most chemical attac,s. "ts melting point is high 4about 2?6 degrees centigrade5. )o that it can
withstand a wor,ing temp* as 4211 degree centigrade5for short periods without detriment to fiber properties.
Polypropylene fibers being hydrophobic and can be easily mixed. Polypropylene short fibers in small
volume fractions between 1.6 to 26 commercially used in concrete.
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Polyester fibers Polypropylene fibers
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$ylon fibers Recycled plastic fibers
Tire fibers
Polymeric
fiber 4!iber
mesh5
!ig 0.
(arious
polymer
fibers used
in concrete
4ref9http9;;cebd.asce.org;cg5
4. PAVEMENT DESIGN
The base coarse of &ry Lean %oncrete 4&L%5 serves as wor,ing platform for supporting P!R% slabs
which by slab action distributes the wheel load to larger area. The &L% base layer rests on granular sub-base
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!ig 8.
%ross section
of a typical
P!R%
pavement
4ref9http9;;cebd.asce.org;cgi5
Over the well compacted sub grade 7ranular )ub base is constructed using big stone boulders and
mud. Over that the &ry Lean %oncrete of mix 2939B is made* which is compacted* leveled and floated.
)urface of &L% is also corrected for road camber. 'n antifriction separation membrane of 206 micron
thic,ness is spread over the &L% surface so as to impart free movement of the upper slab caused due to
temperature warping stresses. The separation membrane may be stuc, to the lower layer with patches of
adhesives or appropriate tape or concrete nails with washer so that polythene sheet does not move during
placement of concrete.
Many of the thic,ness design methods for cement concrete pavement adopted internationally derive
their origin from the method evolved by Portland %ement 'ssociation 4P%'5. "n this technology thic,ness of
the pavement is assumed on trial basis.
hen dewatered concrete is provided on lean concrete* it has no problem of water being coming out on
surface during compaction process but when it is done over #M* a considerable amount of water is
soa,ed by #M and thus the concrete loses the water to M# and the water which comes out during
dewatering; compaction process is not in same /uantity as in case of lean concrete. "t appears that it is better
to provide base concrete than #M as the base.
&ue to repeated application of flexural stresses by the traffic loads* progressive fatigue damage ta,es
place in the cement concrete slab in the form of crac,s especially when the applied stress in terms of flexural
strength of concrete is high. The ratio between the flexural stress due to the load and the flexural strength is
termed as the stress ratio 4)R5.
The following table shows the experimental results relating repetitions and )R.
Table 1. Stress rat! a"# All!$able Re%ett!"s " &e'e"t &!"&rete
)R 'llowable
Repetitions
)R 'llowable
Repetitions
1.36 ?.0ADA 1.?A 3321
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1.3A 6.0? 1.?D 0682
1.3D 2.0BA? 1.A2 2362
1.62 3.B66 1.A8 B80
1.68 0.0D6 1.A6 3AA
1.66 2.033 1.AA 0A31.6D 3.1B3 1.AD 26A
1.?2 0.833 1.B2 D1
1.?8 2.833 1.B8 60
1.?6 AA11 1.B6 81
"f the )R is less than 1.36* the concrete pavement is expected to sustain infinite number repetitions. 's
the )R decreases the no. of load repetitions re/uired to cause crac,ing increases. This is also considered in
the design of pavement.
(. PAVING OPERATION
5.1 FULLY MECHANIZED PAVEMENT CONSTRUCTION
Mechani>ed construction of P!R% pavement is necessitated for achieving a faster pace of construction
and better riding /ualities which are otherwise could not be achieved by manual laying techni/ues.
Cse of highly sophisticated electronic sensors controlled by slip form paving machines consist of
power machines* which spreads compacts and finishes the paving concrete in continuous operation.
%oncrete shall be placed with slip form pavers with independent unit design to spread* consolidate* screed
and float finish* texture and cure the freshly placed concrete in one complete pass of the machine in such a
manner that a minimum of hand finishing will be necessary so as to provide a dense and homogenous
pavement in conformity with the plans and specifications.
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!ig 3. !ully mechani>ed pavers 4ref9http9;;cebd.asce.org;cgi5
"t is imperative from the studies that P!R% should be laid in panels* or else grooves should be
provided* so that concrete acts li,e in panels. %utting grooves is easy as it can be made after casting of
concrete. #ut it should not be delayed for long and should be made before concrete achieves its desired
strength. The si>e of panels may be ,ept around 3m x 3m which is obtained from comparative studies.
%utting of dummy contraction +oints of 8mm width after the final set of concrete while partly
removing the covering material should be commenced preferably 8-3 hours after paving in summer and ?-B
hours in winter. The wor, of sawing +oints in green concrete should continue even at night so that concrete
does not become very hard and thus drying shrin,age crac,s may not occur. The is subse/uently widened to
Bmm width up to a depth of 0? mm to receive the sealant after 0B days curing. The +oint groove is to be
protected from ingress of dirt or any foreign matter by inserting performed neoprene sealant.
5.2 REQUIREMENTS FOR PAVING OPERATIONS
425 Cse of microfilm or antifriction layer of 206 micron in between P!R% and &L% layers.
405 The &L% layer is to be swept clean of all the extraneous materials before applying microfilm
which may be nailed to the &L% layer without wrin,les and holes.
485 %oncreting wor, in hot weather should be carried out in early or later hours.
435 The laying temperature of concrete should always be below 86degree%elsius.
5.3 CURING
Membrane curing is applied with the help of texture-cum-curing machine. The resin based curing
compound is used at the rate of 811 ml per s/uare meter of the slab area. 'fter about 2.6 hours moist
Fessian cloth is spread over the surface covered with curing compound spray. ater curing by ,eeping the
Fessian moist by sprin,ling water is ensured for 8 days.
!ig 6. %ompleted P!R%
pavement
4ref9http9;;cebd.asce.org;cgi5
5. PROTECTION AND
MAINTANANCE
The +oint groove is to be
protected from ingress of dirt
or any foreign matter by inserting performed neoprene sealant. To exercise a very stringent /uality control
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the test are to be conducted on fine and coarse stone aggregates* water cement* granular sub base* &L% etc
as per standards and specification published by "ndian roads congress.
$o vehicular traffic should be allowed to run on the finished surface of a new cement concrete
pavement until the completion of 0B days of curing* sealing of +oints and completion of paved shoulder
construction.
). A CASE STUD* + POL*ESTER FIBER ,ASTE IN PFRC
This involves a feasibility study on use of polyester fiber waste as reinforcing admixture in concrete
for use in road wor,s. "n this* concrete pavement slabs of si>e 8.6m x 8.6m* with thic,ness of 21cm and
26cm were cast with plain cement concrete 4P%%5 and polyester fiber reinforced concrete 4P!R%5. The slabs
were sub+ected to load deflection test using !alling eight &eflectometer 4!&5. %oncrete cube specimens
were also sub+ected to abrasion resistance test. !urther* cube specimens were tested under compression and
for their Cltrasonic Pulse (elocity after a period of 0 years. The polyester fibers used in this study is
primarily a waste product from textile industry and* are non bio-degradable.
!.1 EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS
A) M"#$%&%'%
' preliminary study on compressive strength and abrasion resistance using different proportions of
polyester fibers resulted in an optimum fiber dosage of 1.06 percent by weight of cement. "n the present
study* experimental concrete slabs of si>e 8611mm x 8611mm* in thic,ness of 211mm and 261mm* both
with P%% 4control concrete5 and optimum P!R% 4OP!R%5 with experimental fibers were cast and tested for
deflection by !& after 0B days of curing. Tests were also conducted for abrasion resistance and long term
compressive strength. The long term compressive strength test was carried out to study if there is any
reduction in strength due to possible degradation of the fibers in the concreteGs al,aline environment.
B) M*#"+,*'-
Ordinary Portland %ement 4OP%5 of grade 68 conforming to ")9200?D was used for the studies. Locally
available /uart>ite aggregate with a maximum si>e of aggregate 4m.s.a5 of 21mm and 01mm* and a pit sand
4locally ,nown as badarpur sand5* were used as coarse aggregate and fine aggregate* respectively. ' high
range water reducing admixture* conforming to ")9D218 was used to improve the wor,ability of concrete.
The discrete polyester fibers of ? mm length* used in the study were tested for salient properties and the test
results are presented in the Table 0. ' photograph of the
fibers is presented !ig ?.
Table 2. Sale"t %r!%ertes !- te %!l/ester -bers
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Properties Test &ata
&iameter 4&5* mm 1.1336
Length 4l5* mm ?.01
'spect Ratio 4l;&5 28D.88
Tensile )trength MPa 81B
)pecific 7ravity 2.88
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!ig ?.
Polyester
fibers used in
the study.
4ref9http9;;cebd.asce.org;cgi5
%5 Preparation of P%% and OP!R% mixes
' P%% mix was designed for a compressive strength of 31.1 MPa as per "R% 33. The mix proportions are
presented in Table 8.
Table 3. M0 %r!%!rt!"s !- %ae'e"t alt/ &!"&rete P5C6 a"# #r/ lea" &!"&rete DLC6
)l. $o Mix %onstituents Huantity* ,g; mI
PH% &L%
2 %ement 311 4?A3.2?5 2D1 4801.035
0 !ine 'ggregate ?BD 422?2.85 ?A0 42280.?65
8 %oarse 'ggregate 01-21mm 20.6-06mm
41.ABA-1.8D3 in5 41.6-2.1 in5
660 4D81.8D5 8BA 4?60.0B5
21-3.A6mm J 20.6mm
41.8D3-1.2BA in5 4J 1.6 in5
660 4D81.8D5 BA1 423??.8A5
3 ater 2AB 48115 23?.0 406?.305
6 )uper plastici>er 1.3 percent by
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weight of cement
The !R% mix was prepared by adding 1.06 percent 4by weight of cement5 fibers of ? mm length to
P%% mix. The fibers were added to the dry mix first and then water was added as this method appeared to
produce a uniform !R% mix. The P%% and OP!R% mixes were used for laying the Pavement Huality
%ontrol 4PH%5 slabs* for preparation of test specimen for abrasion resistance test and for long term
compressive strength.
D) L*, %/ "0"+,"#*' *""# -'*4-
#efore laying the pavement slabs* the sub grade 4alluvial type of soil5 was duly prepared by
compacting to its maximum dry density at an optimum moisture content. The %alifornia #earing Ratio
4%#R5 value of the soil was 8.6 ,g;cm0;cm. )ince a sub-grade with %#R less than ?.1 ,g;cm0;cm is
considered as wea,* it was strengthened with a base course. ' &ry Lean %oncrete 4&L%5 mix was designed
for a minimum compressive strength of 21.1 MPa at A days* as per "R%9)P-3D and its mix proportion are
given in table. The thic,ness of &L% was ,ept uniform at 211 mm. ' total of 3 PH% slabs* each of 8611 mm
x 8611 mm si>e comprising of 0 P%% and 0 OP!R% slabs were laid over the &L% base course. ' cross-
section of the concrete slab structure is shown in fig A. $o separation layer was provided between the &L%
and PH% layers. The slabs were cast side by side with a small gap in between without any dowel or tie bars.
!ig A. Typical
cross section
of the
experimental
slab.
!.2 TESTS
AND
RESULTS
A) S%" -*',"# +%"+#,"- %/ OPFRC /+% '*4%+*#%+ -#&
OP!R% exhibited increase in 0B day compressive and flexural strength by about 02 percent and ?.3
percent* respectively* as compared to control mix. "t also exhibited a significant reduction in drying
shrin,age. The drying shrin,age of control concrete was 1.1?0 percent while that of the !R% was 1.18percent. The shear bond strength of !R% mix with old concrete was 8.8 MPa indicating that the OP!R% was
suitable for repair wor,.
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B) P*""# -'*4 &"/'"6#,%
The pavement slabs were tested for deflection under load applied through &ynatest B111 !&. The
deflection of pavements was measured as per ')TM & 3?D6-2DD? at four impact loads vi>. 3111,gf*
6111,gf* B111,gf and 20111,gf* at three locations on each slab* i.e. centre* edge and corner. The deflections
of P%% slabs at centre for thic,ness of 211 mm and 261mm were observed to be 2B1 im and 23D im
respectively. The corresponding deflection values for !R% slabs are 01A im and 26A im respectively. The
deflections are well within maximum deflection limit of 2061 im suggested by the "R%96B.
C) A4+*-,% +"-,-#*6" %/ 6%6+"#"
The abrasion resistance test was carried out on 211 mm concrete cube specimens in a pneumatic sand
blasting cabinet conforming to ")9 D0B3-2DAD* which involves impinging the test specimen with a standard
sand 4abrasive charge5 driven by air pressure at 1.23 MPa. The !R% mix exhibited an abrasion loss of 1.26
percent while the P%% mix resulted in an abrasion loss of 1.01 percent. The test results indicate that addition
of fibers to P%% mix increases the abrasion resistance by 06 percent.
D) L% #"+ 6%+"--," -#+"#$
OP!R% cube specimens of 261mm si>e were also cast at the time of laying of the slabs. The cubes
were water cured for 0B days and then left exposed to the laboratory environment. The cubes were tested for
compressive strength as per ")9 62? after 03 months. The average of three test specimens was calculated.
The ultrasonic pulse velocity 4CP(5 of the OP!R% specimen was tested as per ")9 2822-Pt 2 at therespective ages of 0B days and 03 months. The OP!R% cube specimens yielded compressive strength of
?1.1 MPa and ?1.3 MPa* respectively* when tested at an age of 0B days and 03 months* indicating that there
is no reduction in compressive strength of !R%. The test specimen exhibited CP( of 3.B2 and 3.32 ,m;sec
at the age of 0B days and 03 months.
E) P$-,6*' ,-"6#,% %/ 6%6+"#" -'*4-
' visual inspection of slabs after 03 months revealed satisfactory condition of the surface with no
crac,s or any other defects. The 03 months duration included one summer and one winter season. The pea,
summer day temperature was about 36 degree % and the lowest temperature during winter was around 0
degree %. This indicates that there has not been any surface degradation of !R% slabs.
!.3 INFERENCES OF THE STUDY
The following inferences are made from this study on !R% made with polyester fibers of ?mm length9
2. The polyester !R% in thic,nesses of 211mm or more can be used for pavements or other similar
applications.
0. The use of polyester fibers increases the abrasion resistance of concrete by 06 percent ma,ing it
more suitable for pavements.
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8. The polyester fibers are resistant to the strong al,aline conditions in concrete. There is no decrease
in long term compressive strength or CP( of P!R%.
3. The results of this study promote effective disposal of these non bio-degradable synthetic fibers.
7 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
A.2 '&('$T'7)
425 ater logging is a ma+or reason for potholes in roads. #M and 'sphalt roads are permeable to
water which damages the road and sub grade. #ut P!R% roads are highly impermeable to water so they will
not allow water logging and water being coming out on surface from sub grade.
405 "mplementation of sensors in roads will be easier while using polymer fibers for concrete.
485 nvironmental load of P!R% pavement was found to be significantly lower than the steel fiber
reinforced pavement.
435 Maintenance activities related to steel corrosion will be reduced while using P!R%.
465 "n fresh concrete polymer fibers reduces the settlement of aggregate particles from pavement
surface resulting in an impermeable and more durable* s,id resistant pavement.
4?5 !ibers reduce plastic shrin,age and substance crac,ing. !ibers also provide residual strength after
crac,ing occurred.
4A5 The use of P!R% produces concrete of improved abrasion resistance and impact resistance.
4B5 P!R% also enhances ductile and flexural toughness of concrete.
4D5 The use of fibers in concrete can result in cement saving up to 21: and in the presence of fly ash*
savings may be up to 86:.
4215 'll these advantages result in overall improved durability of concrete.
A.0 &")'&('$T'7)
425 The use of P!R%* being a relatively new technology poses a threat of a high initial cost of
construction.
8. COMPARISONS BET,EEN PFRC AND NORMAL CONCRETE
)l.
$o
Properties 7ain over $ormal
%oncrete
Test 'gency
2 %ompressive
)trength
K 20 to 2? : ""T Madras* "PR" Pun+ab*
%RR" @ $ew &elhi* 'l @
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FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER CONCRETE PAVEMENTS
!uttaim* #odycote &ubai
0 !lexural
)trength
K A to 23 : %RR" @ $ew &elhi* 'l @
!uttaim* #odycote &ubai*
"PR" Pun+ab
8 )plit Tensile
)trength
K A to 23 : 7R" #aroda* "PR" Pun+ab*
)($"T )urat* %T
%oimbatore
3 "mpact
Resistance
K 31 to 231 : ""T Roor,ee* "PR" Pun+ab*
(isvesvaraya ngg. %olleg*
#angalore Cniversity
6 'brasion
resistance
K 06 ""T Madras
? &rying
)hrin,age
-3B to B1: %RR" @ $ew &elhi* ""T
Madras
A ater
Percolation
-33 to ?1 %RR" @ $ew &elhi* 'l @
!uttaim* #odycote &ubai
B Permeability
* cm;sec
$il "PR" @ Pun+ab* ""T Madras
D !atigue Life
4cycles5
Figher by 081 : M.) Cniversity #aroda
21 &ing
under dynamic
load5
0? : )($"T )urat
22 nergy
absorption
66 : )($"T )urat* 7u+arat
20 YoungGs
Modulus
08.A : )($"T )urat* 7u+arat
28 %oncrete
)trength @
$&T by
Rebound
Fammer
K 00.0 : %RR". $ew &elhi
23 #ond strength
of old concrete
't par with new concrete %RR". $ew &elhi
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FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER CONCRETE PAVEMENTS
26 &urability in
terms of
strength of
!R%
't par with control
concrete after 81 cycles of
heating;cooling
%RR"* $ew &elhi
2? %hec,s
expansion
stress
)ignificant in crac,
control
'l @ !uttaim #odycote*
&ubai
9. APPLICATIONS OF PFRC
)lab On 7rade9 'll types of pavements and overlays* industrial floors* roads* taxi ways*
hangars* etc.
)tructural %oncrete9 !oundations 4deep and shallow5* machine foundation* slabs* column
beams and lintel* bridge dec,s and girders etc.
ater retaining )tructures9 R%% retaining walls* water tan,s* cross drains* swimming pools*
hydel pro+ects* chec, dams* canal lining* TPs* +etties* ports* spillways etc.
ater proofing in rooftops* sun,en toilets* etc.
1:. ;ERALA BASED PRO
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FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER CONCRETE PAVEMENTS
specific design considerations and construction procedures to obtain optimum performance. The higher
initial cost by 26-01: is counterbalanced by the reduction in maintenance and rehabilitation operations*
ma,ing P!R% cheaper than flexible pavement by 81-86:. "n a fast developing and vast country li,e "ndia*
road networ,s ensure mobility of resources* communication and in turn contribute to growth and
development.
Resistance to change though however small disturbs our society* hence we are always reluctant to
accept even the best. "ts high time that we overcome the resistance and reach for the pea,s. P!R% opens a
new hope to developing and globali>ing the /uality and reshaping the face of the
mechani>ed construction of cement concrete pavement=* $#MN# vol 20 ppA?-D8
8. #..'7R''L* "ndroduction to ngineering Materials=* 3thedition* Tata Mc 7rawhill Publishingcompany ltd* pp2D3-2D6
3. $$TF 7. #C&F"$)"* M"%FL . #C&F"$)"*= ngineering materials-Properties N
selection=* Bthedition* Prentice Fall "ndia* pp 2D3-2D6
6. 7opal rishna* uly 011A*=ey role of chemical admixtures for pavement /uality concrete=*
$#MN# vol 28* pp2??-2?D.
?. .M.L. Reis* $ov 011?*=!racture and flexure characteri>ation of natural fibers-reinforced polymer
concrete= %onstruction and #uilding Materials vol 01 pp ?A8-?AB
A. 'mnon at>* $ov;&ec 0113*