Experimental investigation of reinforced cement concrete and nylon fiber reinforced concrete beam

ABSTRACT Concrete is brittle substance whose tensile strength and flexural strength are low and may easily crack and its lifespan is limited. The proposed research aims at assessing how the addition of nylon fiber affects the mechanical and workability of M30 grade reinforced cement concrete (RCC). The originality of this study is that the nylon fibers used are used at optimal dosage (0.25% and 0.5% by volume) in order to improve both strength and durability without impairing the workability. Six series of specimens were cast and experimented on compressive, split tensile and flexural strength, and slump cone testing of fresh concrete workability. The findings showed that the compressive, split tensile and flexural strengths were increased by 11, 14 and 17 percent respectively by the addition of 0.5 percent nylon fiber over plain M30 concrete. The enhancement in mechanical performance is attributed to improved fiber matrix interfacial bonding and crack-bridging mechanisms provided by the dispersed nylon fibers. The fibers effectively delay crack propagation and redistribute tensile stresses within the concrete matrix. Engineering wise, the nylon fiber-reinforced concrete is a cost-effective and structural-friendly substitute of structural application in which enhanced tensile and flexural strengths are needed.