| INTRODUCTION |
This is a summarised report based on findings by
Dr. Stefan Bernard at the University of Western Sydney on evaluation
of long term durability performance of synthetic and steel fibre
reinforced concrete specimens.
|
EXPERIMENTAL
PROGRAM |
Round
determinate panel specimens of nominal compressive strength
40MPa were prepared and stored for 28 days in standard laboratory
curing conditions.
-
Initial
specimens were tested for energy absorption at 28 days
of age.
-
Long
term specimens were loaded in the testing apparatus to
create a nominal 1 mm crack width prior
to being placed outdoors for a period of 1 year.
|
| RESULTS |
The
results expressed hereunder are an average of three specimens
for each set and represent the total energy absorption, being
the sum of :
- the energy required to achieve the initial 1mm nominal crack
width.
- the
energy required to load the pre-cracked specimen to ultimate
failure.
|
No.
|
Product
|
Initial
Specimens
(28 Days Curing)
Total Energy Absorption
|
Long
Term Specimens
(1 Year Outdoors)
Total Energy Absorption
|
Energy
Absorption
(% of Original)
|
1 |
Barchip M
Synthetic Fibre |
549 Joules |
548 Joules |
99.8 % |
2 |
Hooked End
Steel Fibre |
596 Joules |
324 Joules |
54.4 % |
|
|
| CONCLUSION |
The
ability of Barchip fibres to maintain load carrying capacity
across cracks in concrete provides significant
benefits over steel fibres where long term durability
and structural integrity is of concern.
|
| |
This information has been provided as a guide to performance
only, for specific and supervised conditions. The user is advised
to undertake their own evaluation and use the services of professionals
to determine product suitability for any particular project or
application prior to commercial use.
|
