Improved Early-Age Cohesive Stress Response from Hybrid Blends of Micro and Macro Fibers

The fracture response of macro polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete (PPFRC) and hybrid blend of macro and micro polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete (HyFRC) are evaluated at 1, 3, 7 and 28 days. There is an improvement in the early-age fracture response of HyFRC compared to PPFRC. The changing cohesive stress-crack separation relationship produced by ageing of the concrete matrix is determined from the fracture test responses. An improved early-age cohesive stress response is obtained from the hybrid blend containing micro and macro fibers. The hybrid fiber blend also has a higher tensile strength at early age when compared to an identical volume fraction of macro polypropylene fibers.