Effect of polyolefin fibers on the permeability of cement-based composites

Hui-Mi Hsu, Wei-Ting Lin and An Cheng

Abstract

This study evaluates the permeability of cement-based composites, which are a mix of polyolefin fibers and silica fume. Test results indicate that permeability increases as the water/cementitious ratio increases. Silica fume in cement-based composites produced hydrated calcium silicate and filled the pores. However, permeability decreased as the addition of silica fume increased. Specimens containing polyolefin fibers also provided higher permeability resistance. The polyolefin fiber length did not have a significant effect on permeability. The decrease in the permeability is mainly due to the addition of silica fume and lower water/cementitious ratio. Addition of fibers marginally decreases the permeability. Incorporating polyolefin fiber and silica fume in composites achieved more significant decreases in permeability. The correlated test results reveal the interrelationship between them.

Key Words

polyolefin fiber; silica fume; diffusion coefficient; ponding depth; corrosion rate.

Address

Hui-Mi Hsu and An Cheng: Dept. of Civil Engineering, National Ilan University, Ilan 26047, Taiwan Wei-Ting Lin: Dept. of Civil Engineering, National Ilan University, Ilan 26047, Taiwan; Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan, 1000 Wenhua Road, Longtan 32546, Taiwan

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