Evaluation of Polyester Fiber Reinforced Concrete for use in Cement Concrete Pavement Works

ABSTRACT Polyester Fiber Reinforced Concrete (PFRC) has been evaluated for use as a cement concrete pavement material. The study focused on laboratory evaluation of various mechanical and durability properties of PFRC, with and without fly ash. Few tests were also conducted at the age of 24 months to study the long-term behaviour of PFRC. The PFRC exhibited improved flexural and compressive strength, abrasion resistance, and reduced drying shrinkage over that of plain cement concrete (PCC). There is no significant change/reduction in resistance to durability as compared to PCC. There is also no reduction in the long-term properties of PFRC. Load-deflection test carried out on PFRC slabs through a Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) indicated that the deflection of PFRC and PCC slabs, of similar thickness, are comparable. It is concluded that polyester fibers are alkali resistant, and PFRC can be used in the pavement quality concrete (PQC), and as over lays, with no adverse affect on concrete. The use of fibers can result in cement saving up to 10 percent, and in the presence of fly ash, the saving in cement can be up to 35 percent. Due to their non-biodegradability, the use of polyester fibers in cement concrete road works can also help in conservation of environment.