Effects of PET fiber arrangement and dimensions on mechanical properties of concrete

Concrete has low tensile strength and crack resistance. Its weaknesses could be enhanced with the addition of fiber. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers are generally used in concrete as discrete reinforcement in substitution of steel fiber. Fibers obtained by hand cutting of PET bottles are in the form of straight slit sheets, which impart weaker bonding in concrete matrix. The bonding of the fibers however may be improved by using other geometries such as flattened-end sheet pattern. So far, there are no guidelines for defining the geometry and dimensions of PET fibers. Therefore, this paper focuses on the use of fibers with different geometries and dimensions and investigates their effects on the mechanical properties of concrete. Test results show that geometry of fibers has a small effect on the workability of concrete. The use of smaller dimensions of fiber improves the workability. Enhancement in the strength and energy dissipation capacity of fiber concretes was observed from the use of flattened-end fibers of smaller dimensions. Furthermore, a higher ultrasonic pulse velocity value was observed for concrete made from smaller fibers as compared to fibers of larger dimensions.