A comparative Investigation of the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Conventional Hydraulic Concrete and Polyethylene Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

The primary objective of this study is to enhance the mechanical performance and durability of concrete by incorporating polyethylene (P.E) fibers as non-degradable hybrid reinforcement materials. The research addresses the challenge of improving strength and crack resistance while maintaining acceptable workability, a critical issue in modern construction materials. This topic is significant within civil engineering as the demand for durable and sustainable infrastructure continues to increase. An experimental research design was adopted to compare conventional hydraulic concrete with polyethylene fiber-reinforced concrete (PE-FRC). Polyethylene fibers measuring 32 mm in length and 0.3 mm in diameter were introduced at volume fractions of 1 %, 1.5 %, 2 %, 2.5 %, and 3 %. Cylindrical specimens (16×32 cm) and prismatic (4×4×16 cm) specimens were prepared. Workability was assessed using the slump test while compressive and flexural strengths were determined through standardized mechanical testing procedures. Physical properties, including density and unit weight, were also evaluated. Results indicate a reduction in slump from 5.8cm to 4.1cm as the fiber content increased confirming decreased workability. However, mechanical performance improved in compressive and flexural tensile tests, demonstrating enhanced crack-bridging capacity. A gradual reduction in density was also observed. The novelty of this study lies in its systematic evaluation of moderate PE fiber dosage and their dual mechanical-physical effects. Limitations include the laboratory-scale and absence of long-term durability testing. Practically, PE-FRC can improve structural resilience buildings and infrastructures contributing to sustainable construction and enhance infrastructure performance.本研究的核心目标是通过掺入聚乙烯（polyethylene, PE）纤维作为不可降解混杂增强材料，提升混凝土的力学性能与耐久性能。本研究旨在解决在保持可接受工作性的同时提升强度与抗裂性能的难题，这是现代建筑材料领域的关键议题。随着社会对耐久且可持续的基础设施需求持续增长，该研究方向在土木工程领域具有重要意义。 本研究采用实验研究设计，对比常规水硬性混凝土与聚乙烯纤维增强混凝土（polyethylene fiber-reinforced concrete, PE-FRC）的性能差异。实验所用聚乙烯纤维长度为32mm、直径为0.3mm，掺量分别设置为体积分数1%、1.5%、2%、2.5%及3%。研究制备了圆柱形（16×32 cm）与棱柱形（4×4×16 cm）试件。采用坍落度试验（slump test）评估工作性，通过标准化力学测试流程测定抗压强度与弯曲抗拉强度，同时对密度、容重等物理性能进行了测试。 试验结果表明，随着纤维掺量提升，坍落度从5.8cm降至4.1cm，证实工作性有所下降。但抗压与弯曲抗拉测试结果显示力学性能得到提升，体现出更强的裂缝桥接能力。同时观测到混凝土密度呈逐渐降低的趋势。本研究的创新之处在于，系统评估了中等掺量PE纤维的应用效果及其对力学与物理性能的双重影响。本研究的局限性在于仅在实验室规模开展，且未进行长期耐久性能测试。从工程应用角度来看，PE-FRC可提升建筑与基础设施的结构韧性，助力可持续建筑发展，并改善基础设施的整体性能。