DURABILITY OF SCC REINFORCED WITH POLYMERIC FIBERS: INTERACTION WITH ENVIROMENT AND BEHAVIOUR AGAINST HIGH TEMPERATURES

In last years there is a great interest in developing materials with enhanced performance in construction, as for instance the Self Compacting Concrete (SCC). The addition of fibers to concrete considerably improves its structural properties such as static flexural strength, impact strength, tensile strength, ductility and flexural toughness. However, it is necessary assuring that this enhancement on the mechanical properties is not accompanied by a detrimental effect on the durability properties. Self-Compacting Concrete reinforced with polymeric fibers (Polypropylene fibers, PPF) has been considered in present work. First, the mechanical and microstructural characterization has been determined. Further the influence of the presence of the PPF in the SCC durability properties of the material has been studied at laboratory, using different indicators. Finally, the response of both types of material with respect to resistance at high temperature was evaluated through microestructural analyses and mechanical properties changes suffered for the material.