Effect of Glass Fibers on the Mechanical Behavior as Well as Energy Absorption Capacity and Toughness Indices of Concrete Bridge Decks.

In this study, the incorporation of glass fibers in concrete bridge decks has been studied for improving its mechanical properties as well as energy absorption capacity and toughness indices. The mix proportion of 1:3:2 (cement:sand:aggregate) was selected having water-cement ratio of 0.71. For the manufacturing of glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), the glass fibers (2-inch) were incorporated at a percentage level of 1 %, 2 %, 3 % and 4 % by weight of cement in concrete mixes. The findings reveal that the split-tensile and flexural strength of GFRC increases at all the percentage levels, however, the compressive strength of the blended mixes get reduced by increasing the dosage of glass fibers in the concrete. Besides, the energy absorption and toughness indices are also studied for different types of loadings (i.e. compressive, splitting-tensile and flexural loadings) up to a percentage level of 4 %. The findings reveal that the split-tensile and flexural energy absorption was increased with the increase in the dosage of glass fibers in comparison with the conventional concrete mixes, however, the compressive energy absorption of the blended mixes get reduced by increasing the dosage of glass fibers in the concrete. Whereas, the toughness indices for compressive, spilt-tensile and flexure was increased while increasing the percentage of glass fibers as compared to the conventional concrete. Among the different percentages of glass fibers, its 4 % addition gives better results as compared to 1 %, 2 % and 3 %. Hence, the 4 % of GF can be suggested to be the optimum percentage of the fibers for the selected mix-design in controlling the resistance of concrete in the bridge decks. Although, the energy absorption of GFRC is lesser in comparison with the toughness indices, GFRC are appropriate for enhancing ductility and resistance against loadings in concrete bridge decks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]