applied

sciences
Article
Mechanical Strength Characterization of Plastic Fiber
Reinforced Cement Concrete Composites
Sivakumar Anandan * and Majed Alsubih

Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia;
malsubih@[Link]
* Correspondence: ksiva@[Link]

Featured Application: The futuristic application of plastic waste beneficiation and its recycling
in concrete production provides a niche area of safe disposal without polluting the environment.

Abstract: The reinforcing efficiency of plastic fibers obtained from shredded plastic waste was
tested in plain concrete mixes and experimentally verified in this study. Plastic fibers up to 0.15%
Vf were added to the design concrete mix to assess the fiber effectiveness in terms of improved
load carrying capability of various plastic fiber incorporated concrete composites. The effects
of plastic fibers distributed homogenously in the entire depth of concrete and confined in the
tension zone were evaluated in flexural bending properties. Mechanical strength properties were
evaluated for two different types of concrete containing (i) plastic fibers added homogenously
throughout the entire depth of concrete and (ii) the plastic fibers confined in the tension zone only.
Flexural bending parameters such as toughness, residual strength, crack width, post-peak drop load
resistance, and fiber performance index of various plastic fiber substituted concrete mixes were
tested in compressive and flexural bending to assess the fiber reinforcing efficiency. Test results



indicated that the plastic fibers added in tension zone confinement exhibited higher flexural strength

 (5.26 N/mm2 ) improvements compared to homogeneously distributed concrete systems. Flexural
Citation: Anandan, S.; Alsubih, M. bending characteristics in terms of absolute toughness and post peak strain softening were found to be
Mechanical Strength Characterization appreciably higher (132%) in tension zone confined plastic fiber concretes compared to homogeneous
of Plastic Fiber Reinforced Cement fiber concrete systems.
Concrete Composites. Appl. Sci. 2021,
11, 852. [Link] Keywords: plastic fibers; tension zone; post-crack toughness; residual strength; strain hardening
10.3390/app11020852

Received: 8 December 2020

Accepted: 13 January 2021
1. Introduction
Published: 18 January 2021
Plastic waste disposal is a major environmental concern in many under-developed
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral
countries and there is an urgent need to find a viable disposable solution. It is well known
with regard to jurisdictional claims in
that most of the plastic waste generated is primarily discarded from domestic use such
published maps and institutional affil- as soft drink plastic cans and canned mineral water bottles. Compared to other types of
iations. plastic waste generated, the plastic bottle refuse from domestic household applications
has become a huge solid waste disposal problem. Fiber reinforcements are generally used
for special concrete applications wherein short discrete fibers are used as additional rein-
forcing material. The fibers are added in low volume (less than 2% Vf ) to that of the total
Copyright: © 2021 by the authors.
volume of concrete in order to improve the hardened concrete properties. Compared to
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
traditionally used steel and polymeric fibers in concrete applications, the use of shredded
This article is an open access article
waste plastic bottles as fibers can serve as an alternative solution since they are obtained
distributed under the terms and from the domestic plastic waste disposal. A more detailed review on the various recycled
conditions of the Creative Commons plastic wastes on the improvement of fresh and hardened concrete properties has been
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// studied [1]. Hence, plastic waste disposal has emerged as a challenging task for environ-
[Link]/licenses/by/ mentalists to identify a safe reuse technique without polluting the environment. In recent
4.0/). research studies, plastic wastes have been safely used as inert filler materials in concrete

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852. [Link] [Link]

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 2 of 21

production. Effective utilization of plastic waste can save the surrounding environment
from pollution and can beneficially increase the plastic waste consumption in concrete
systems. There have been few research works to beneficiate the plastic waste addition
in concrete systems and some of the salient works are reviewed further. A new type of
plastic concrete was developed using Polyvinyl alchol (PVA) fibers and an optimal fiber
volume fraction of 0.2% addition was found to increase the compressive strength, splitting
strength, ductility, and toughness without decreasing the elastic modulus [2]. The reliable
application of flexible plastic fiber concrete was tested in the tunnel lining to prevent the
damage caused by the fault movement. Test results indicated that the plastic strain added
near the flexible joints in concrete provides favorable ductility and toughness properties,
leading to less deformation. The beneficial use of discarded synthetic plastic wastes was
studied to analyze the failure mechanisms in compression, splitting failure, and in flexural
bending modes [3]. Plastic materials have been widely used in soft drink bottles and are
most commonly used as packaging materials for processed food products. In addition,
the plastic containers are typically used for industrial liquid storageas a thermal resistant
sealant material and in many household wrapping consumables. There have been several
treatment methods practiced for the safe disposal of synthetic wastes, but most treatment
methods have not been effective in terms of excessive plastic waste generation. In another
study, the mechanical properties of shredded plastic Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
were investigated as partial replacement materials for aggregate. Experimental results
on the mechanical properties of concrete and mortar were found to be typically altered
with the size of PET flakes [4–6]. In another study, waste plastic was used as an aggregate
replacement for partial replacement of sand at 0%, 10%, 15%, and 20% and proved to be
beneficial in improving the compressive properties as well as crack arresting mechanism.
However, with an increase in percentage replacement of plastic aggregate, he compressive
and flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and bond strength were found to be affected [7].
A comprehensive review on the various types of wastes was conducted and the effect of
various types of fibers such as PET, rubber tires, and glass was analyzed [8]. Studies were
also conducted on using recycled plastic as aggregate (RPA) fillers up to 70% replacement
for conventional sand and quarry dust. The test results suggested that the RPA aggregate
bonding with filler materials enhanced the compressive properties, and the angular particle
of quarry fines was found to provide better strength properties than normal sand fillers.
The reduction in compressive strength for RPA was noted and was primarily due to weak
interface properties, RPA aggregate, and cement mortar due to hydrophobic surface char-
acteristics of the plastic aggregates [9].Three different types of recycled waste plastic have
been used as partial replacement for conventional aggregates. The mechanical properties
were found to be affected with large volume replacements of RPA [10]. In recent times, a
most versatile technique for plastic disposal is to recycle them as shredded plastic fiber,
which, in turn, is used as matrix reinforcement for concrete. Steel fibers have been typi-
cally used in many research studies due to high modulus and large tensile strength [11].
Nowadays, synthetic fibers are becoming more popular for its reinforcing ability in the
production of lightweight precast concrete elements. Fiber performance improves in a
concrete matrix with a maximum fiber volume fraction up to 1% [12]. With increasing fiber
volume fraction, the concrete mix becomes too stiff, resulting in a harsh mix and more
void formation, leading to poor concrete strength. The replacement of steel fibers with the
polypropylene fibers at a rate of 0.2% by volume fraction improved the overall mechanical
properties of the concrete. Many research investigations have shown that fiber pullout
strength is primarily dependent on its embedment length and the volume fraction of fibers
available at the crack front. [13]. Experimental investigations on metalized plastic waste
(MPW) generated from discarded food packaging were analyzed in another study [14]. The
MPW films were shredded into the macro fibers of varying lengths of 5 mm, 10 mm, and
20 mm and mixed into the concrete by volume fractions from 0% to 2%. The test results
showed excellent improvement of the impact resistance by concrete containing MPW fibers
of 20 mm length compared to the conventional concrete. In another typical study, the im-
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 3 of 21

pact resistance of concrete composites incorporating metalized plastic fibers in palm oil fuel
ash (POFA) were investigated [15]. Concrete mixes were proportioned with 20 mm plastic
fibers and added up to 1.25% by volume of concrete. Test results were indicative of the
improved impact resistance and strength properties of plastic fiber incorporated hardened
concrete. The effect of waste plastic fibers on the behavior of self-compacting concrete
was investigated to evaluate the resistance of chloride attack [16]. Test results showed the
integrity of fibers in crack inhibition and thereby provide good chloride ingression into the
concrete surface.
Fiber addition does marginally improve the pre-peak strain hardening region with
an appreciable increase in the elastic modulus. The addition of steel fibers has shown
a maximum increase in compressive strength up to 15% [17]; however, an appreciable
increase in bond strength and toughness was noted with the addition of steel fibers [18].
The maximum volume fraction of fibers at the crack plane plays an important role in stable
crack growth formation. Many investigations have proven the beneficial addition of high
modulus fiber on the overall improvement in strength, ductility, toughness, and durabil-
ity [19]. The basic fiber mechanism is to prevent the crack origination and propagation.
The use of high strength fibers at a large volume fraction does possess relative advantages
on the flexural and tensile strength [20,21]. The use of thermosetting plastic waste as an
admixture can be used to produce lightweight concrete, but the reduction in compressive
strength was noticed [22]. A review of the various literature has provided the basic mechan-
ical properties of plastic fiber addition in concrete. Limited studies have been conducted in
the past to analyze the composite performance of plastic fibers to evaluate the synergistic
interaction in the cementitious matrix. This study was primarily aimed at exploring the
beneficial aspects of plastic fiber addition on the compressive and flexural properties of
a concrete system. Characteristic evaluations on the fiber performance in brittle concrete
with respect to mechanical strength gain and toughness were studied. The present study
was also more focused on determining the fiber performance index in a homogeneous fiber
concrete system than that of tension zone confined plastic fiber reinforcement.

Problem Statement
The present study focused on producing plastic fiber reinforced concrete composites
that can provide improved post elastic deformation characteristics in order to control the
sudden failure by ductile yielding.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Materials and Properties
Concrete mixes chosen for this study were manufactured using locally available basic
raw materials free from chlorides and sulfates. Cement of 43 grade, fine sand obtained
from nearby river sediments, and crushed granite rocks as aggregates were used in the
concrete production. The detailed properties of various constituent materials are provided
in Table 1.

Table 1. Properties of the concrete ingredients.

Properties Cement River Sand Crushed Aggregate

Grade 43 4.75 mm (passing) 12.5 mm (passing)
Specific gravity 3.12 2.45 2.61
Average particle size (µm) 42
Fineness modulus 2.36 6.45
Bulk density (kg/m3 ) 3125 2205 2415
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 4 of 21
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Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 21

2.2. Plastic Fibers
2.2. Plastic Fibers
Used waste plastic bottles collected from domestic discards, as shown in Figure 1,
Used Fibers
2.2. Plastic
were shreddedwaste
by plastic bottlescutting
a mechanical collected from domestic
machine and madediscards, as shown
as thin flat in Figure
fiber sections, as1,
were shredded
shownUsedin Figure by a mechanical cutting machine and made as thin flat fiber sections, as
waste2. plastic bottles collected from domestic discards, as shown in Figure 1,
shown in Figure 2.
were shredded by a mechanical cutting machine and made as thin flat fiber sections, as
shown in Figure 2.

Figure 1. Waste plastic bottles.

Figure 1. Waste plastic bottles.
Figure 1. Waste plastic bottles.

Figure 2. Fibers obtained from the shredded plastic bottles.

Figure 2. Fibers obtained from the shredded plastic bottles.

Figure Short cutobtained
2. Fibers flat plastic
fromfibers with anplastic
the shredded average length of 15 mm were used in this study
bottles.
to evaluate the fiber performance in concrete. The basic properties of plastic fibers used in
Short cut flat plastic fibers with an average length of 15 mm were used in this study
thisShort
studycut
areflat plastic fibers
provided with
in Table an average
2 and length
these fibers of 15
were mm were
added used inhomogenously
in concrete this study to
to evaluate the fiber performance in concrete. The basic properties of plastic fibers used in
evaluate the fiber performance in concrete. The basic properties of plastic
by dry mixing in the concrete ingredients. This ensures fiber segregation and ballingfibers used inef-
this study are provided in Table 2 and these fibers were added in concrete homogenously
this study
fects arebeing
while provided
mixed inwith
Tablewater.
2 and these fibers were added in concrete homogenously
bydry
by drymixing
mixing in in
thethe concrete
concrete ingredients.
ingredients. ThisThis ensures
ensures fiberfiber segregation
segregation and balling
and balling effectsef-
fects being
while while mixed
being mixed with water.
with water.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 5 of 21

Table 2. Properties of the plastic fibers used in this study.

Average Average Aspect Yield Failure

Specific
Type of Fiber Length Width Ratio Strength Strain
Gravity
(mm) (mm) (L/W) (N/mm2 ) (%)
Shredded plastic
waste fibers—flat 0.92 15 1.13 13.27 31.5 52
cross section type

2.3. Fresh Concrete Design

In order to study the reinforcing characteristics of plastic fibers in concrete, different
fiber proportions were considered. The basic compositions of concrete materials were var-
ied to obtain the required design concrete strength. Trial concrete mixes were proportioned
as given in Table 3 to obtain the desired concrete strength and further investigations were
carried out using these concrete mixtures.

Table 3. Basic concrete proportions used in the experimental study.

Mix Constituents Design Concrete—30 N/mm2

Cement (kg/m3 ) 342
Sand (kg/m3 ) 694
Coarse Aggregate (kg/m3 ) 1194
w/c ratio 0.43
Water (kg/m3 ) 175
Superplasticizer (kg/m3 ) 1.2%
Trial Concrete compressive strength (after 28 days curing) 22.3
Note: Basic mix proportions for reference concrete without plastic fibers.

A total of seven different concrete mixes were cast; out of which a reference concrete
mixture (without fibers) designated as RCM1 and the remaining six fiber concrete mixes
were designated as PFC followed by fiber proportion (0.05, 0.10, 0.15) and distribution
(H or T). The detailed fiber proportions and the various fiber concrete mixes tested are
provided in Tables 4 and 5. The different fiber proportions for preparing the plastic fiber
concrete mixes are given in Table 4. It can be noted that the plastic fibers were taken in
terms of total volume fraction of concrete, and finally the required quantity was arrived at
in terms of weight fraction.

Table 4. Fiber proportions used in this study.

Volume Fraction of Plastic Fibers Weight of Plastic Fibers Added for

S. No.
(Vf in %) 1 m3 of Concrete (kg)
1 0.05 0.46
2 0.10 0.92
3 0.15 1.38
Note: Volume fraction of fibers refers to % by volume of concrete; weight fraction of fibers obtained in terms of
density ratio of plastic to concrete (i.e., 24 KN/m3 ).

2.4. Concrete Production

Initially, the basic raw materials required for concrete (with calculated proportions),
as given in Table 3, were added into a standard concrete mixer of 100 kg capacity and
dry mixed initially for 2 min. Furthermore, the required mix water and plasticizers
(CERAPLAST-300) were added into the concrete mixer followed by the addition of plastic
fibers. Workability agents in the form of plasticizers are typically added in high strength
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 6 of 21
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fiber concrete production. The wet mix is then transferred to the required molds and cast
3. PFC-10H Plastic fiber—homogenous 0.10
(as shown in Figure 3). After sufficient concealed curing (28 days), the hardened concrete
specimens were tested according to compressive and flexural bending tests.0.15
4. PFC-15H Plastic fiber—homogenous
Plastic fiber—tension
5. PFC-05T 0.05
Table 5. Various plastic fiber concrete mixesconfined
tested.
Plastic fiber—tension
6. PFC-10T Fiber 0.10
Proportions
S. No. Mix ID confined
Type of Concrete Mix
(Vf in %)
Plastic fiber—tension
7.1. PFC-15T RCM-30 Reference concrete 0.15
0
confined
2. PFC-05H Plastic fiber—homogenous 0.05
3.
2.4. Concrete PFC-10H
Production Plastic fiber—homogenous 0.10
4.
Initially, PFC-15H
the basic Plastic fiber—homogenous
raw materials required for concrete (with calculated0.15
proportions),
as given in Table 3, were added into a standard concrete mixer
Plastic fiber—tension of 100 kg capacity and dry
5. PFC-05T 0.05
mixed initially for 2 min. Furthermore, the required mix water and plasticizers
confined
(CERAPLAST-300) were added into the concrete mixer followed by the addition of plastic
Plastic fiber—tension
6. PFC-10T
fibers. Workability agents in the form of plasticizers are typically added in0.10
confined high strength
fiber concrete production. The wet mix isPlastic
then transferred to
fiber—tension the required molds and cast
7.
(as shown in Figure PFC-15T
3). After sufficient concealed curing (28 days), the 0.15 concrete
hardened
confined
specimens were tested according to compressive and flexural bending tests.

Figure 3. Controlled casting and sealed curing of concrete specimens.

Figure 3. Controlled casting and sealed curing of concrete specimens.
2.5. Experimental Methodology and Testing
2.5. Experimental Methodology and Testing
The experimental research consisted of investigating the properties of concrete sub-
The experimental
stituted with plastic research
fibers at consisted
different of investigating
volume theMost
fractions. properties of concrete
importantly, the substi-
signifi-
tuted with plastic fibers at different volume fractions. Most importantly, the significance of
cance of this research consisted of evaluating the fiber reinforcing efficiency in terms of
this research consisted of evaluating the fiber reinforcing efficiency in terms of the distribu-
the distribution of discrete fibers as either homogeneous (full depth) or tension zone con-
tion of discrete fibers as either homogeneous (full depth) or tension zone confined fiber
fined fiber reinforcement. The detailed experimental methodology carried out in this in-
reinforcement. The detailed experimental methodology carried out in this investigation is
vestigation is presented in the flow chart given in Figure 4.
presented in the flow chart given in Figure 4.

2.6. Experimental Testing

Hardened concrete properties were tested according to the ASTM C-39 [23] testing
methodology in order to determine the stress-strain characteristics of concretes. Compres-
sive loading was applied in a compressive testing machine of 1000 KN capacity. Com-
pressive load versus linear strain of various fiber concrete specimens was determined
using a compressometer fitted to the lateral sides (10 cm gauge length) of the cylindrical
specimens of 150 mm × 300 mm. Flexural strength properties of concrete were evaluated
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 7 of 21

using notched prism specimens of size 100 mm × 100 mm × 1000 mm with 10 mm notch
depth and RILEM TC-34 [24] standard specifications was used for the flexural testing.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW The
7 of 21
detailed experimental test setup is shown in Figures 5 and 6.

Figure 4. Experimental methodology and layered casting of plastic fibers.

2.6. Experimental Testing

Hardened concrete properties were tested according to the ASTM C-39 [23] testing
methodology in order to determine the stress-strain characteristics of concretes. Compres-
sive loading was applied in a compressive testing machine of 1000 KN capacity. Compres-
sive load versus linear strain of various fiber concrete specimens was determined using a
compressometer fitted to the lateral sides (10 cm gauge length) of the cylindrical speci-
mens of 150 mm × 300 mm. Flexural strength properties of concrete were evaluated using
notched prism specimens of size 100 mm × 100 mm × 1000 mm with 10 mm notch depth
and RILEM TC-34 [24] standard specifications was used for the flexural testing. The de-
Figure
[Link]
Figure Experimental
Experimentalmethodology
setup is and
methodology
test andlayered
shownlayeredcasting of
casting5
in Figures plastic
ofand 6. fibers.
plastic fibers.

2.6. Experimental Testing

Hardened concrete properties were tested according to the ASTM C-39 [23] testing
methodology in order to determine the stress-strain characteristics of concretes. Compres-
sive loading was applied in a compressive testing machine of 1000 KN capacity. Compres-
sive load versus linear strain of various fiber concrete specimens was determined using a
compressometer fitted to the lateral sides (10 cm gauge length) of the cylindrical speci-
mens of 150 mm × 300 mm. Flexural strength properties of concrete were evaluated using
notched prism specimens of size 100 mm × 100 mm × 1000 mm with 10 mm notch depth
and RILEM TC-34 [24] standard specifications was used for the flexural testing. The de-
tailed experimental test setup is shown in Figures 5 and 6.

Figure 5. Compressive stress test setup.

Figure 5. Compressive stress test setup.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 8 of 21

Figure 6. Flexural bending test setup.

From the experimental observations, the following measurements were used to quan-
tify the test results:

2.6.1. Compressive Test Measurements

(a) Ultimate compressive strength—maximum peak strength of concrete.
(b) Residual strength—concrete specimens loaded at 95% of ultimate load and unloaded
completely; then reloaded till failure to obtain the residual strength.
(c) Elastic modulus—the ratio of stress–strain value obtained from stress-strain plot.
(d) Pre-peak strain hardening toughness—the area under the stress-strain plot until the
ultimate stress.
(e) Absolute toughness—the entire area under the stress-strain plot until failure of concrete.
(f) Post ultimate compressive toughness—the area under the stress-strain plot between
the ultimate stress and complete failure.
(g) Compressive strength increase—the ratio of compressive strength of reference con-
crete to that of fiber incorporated concrete mixes.
(h) Compressive toughness increase—the ratio of absolute toughness of reference concrete
(RCM-30) to that of plastic fiber concretes.
(i) Fiber performance index—the sum of compressive strength and absolute toughness
increase of plastic fiber concretes to that of reference concrete.

2.6.2. Flexural Test Measurements

(a) First crack strength—the strength of concrete beam specimens at the first visible crack
during loading.
(b) Flexural strength—the maximum ultimate strength of concrete beam.
(c) Crack width—the maximum crack opening at complete failure.
(d) Residual flexural strength capacity—concrete specimens loaded at 95% of ultimate
flexural load and unloaded completely; then reloaded until failure.
(e) Flexural toughness—area under the entire load—CMOD curves obtained from the
various fiber concrete mixes.
(f) Post-peak drop load resistance—the sudden drop in load carrying capacity of the
beam after the peak load.
(g) Flexural strength increase—the ratio of absolute toughness of reference concrete
(RCM-30) to plastic fiber concretes.
(h) Fiber effective index—the sum of flexural strength increase and absolute toughness of
plastic fiber concretes to that of reference concrete.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 9 of 21

3. Results
3.1. Compressive Strength Evaluation
The compressive strength test results for the fiber incorporated mixes with homoge-
neous fiber addition is presented to compare the effects of plastic fiber substituted concrete
mixes to that of the reference concrete mix. Since the concrete is subjected to pure com-
pressive force throughout the concrete specimen; the mechanism of fiber reinforcements in
homogenously substituted concrete mixes is of importance. Hence, a reference concrete
and three concrete mixes (PFC-05H, PFC-10H, PFC-15H) containing plastic fibers were
tested for compressive performance. On the other hand, the concrete mixes PFC-05T,
PFC-10T, and PFC-15T were not evaluated due to the non-significance of the confined
tensioned plastic fibers in compressive performance. A maximum compressive strength
up to 33.25 N/mm2 with a 10% increase was noted with 0.15% Vf substituted plastic fiber
concrete mixes (PFC-15T) compared to the reference concrete (RCM-30). This increase
in trend was noted in another study [25] where a maximum strength attainment up to
42.67 N/mm2 was achieved for a high grade concrete. However, studies revealed that
mortar strength enhancement with the addition of fibers derived from waste PET was
optimal up to a maximum volume fraction and decreased with further increase in plastic
fiber volume [26]. In order to assess the mechanistic action of plastic fibers in the compres-
sive failure mode of concrete, various parameters were carefully evaluated as provided in
Table 6. The wide range of compressive properties with the influence of plastic fibers to
enhance the crack arresting properties is collectively provided in Table 6. The influence
of plastic fibers on the compressive strength variations of various concretes mixes are
provided in Figure 7. Graphical trends clearly represent the influence of plastic fibers in
the matrix as it controls the progress of compressive failure. Initially, the reference plain
concrete (RC-30) without fibers showed a sudden failure without post peak controlled
yielding, resulting in a sudden drop in load carrying capacity exhibiting brittle failure. This
behavior was completely absent in the plastic fiber incorporated concrete mixes (PFC-05H)
as the pre-peak strain hardening and post peak strain softening were well controlled by
the presence of fibers during matrix cracking. This was clearly interpreted for all the fiber
substituted concrete mixes and the post peak characteristics were well improved during
the progress of strain energy released during the failure process. However, the presence of
fibers had a greater role during the post-peak crack propagationas the crack growth is well
controlled by the presence of plastic fibers. In the case of high fiber incorporated concrete
mixes (PFC-15H), the increased fiber availability at the crack-opening mode envisages
effective stress redistribution in the nearby crack vicinity.

Table 6. Compressive properties of various plastic fiber concretes.

Pre-Peak Strain Post

Ultimate Residual Elastic Absolute Strength Toughness Fiber Per-
Hardening Ultimate
Mix ID Strength Strength Modulus Toughness Increase Increase formance
Toughness Toughness
(N/mm2 ) (N/mm2 ) (×103 N/mm2 ) (N-m) (%) (%) Index (%)
(N-m) (N-m)
RCM-30 30.21 2.34 26.16 122.51 122.51 0 - - -
PFC-05H 31.53 15.61 28.05 192.38 378.02 185.29 4.37 208.56 220.26
PFC-10H 33.12 17.23 28.78 159.3 516.38 357.75 9.63 321.5 338.95
PFC-15H 33.25 18.16 28.91 158.63 509.63 351 10.06 315.99 333.72
Note: Test results denote the average of five concrete specimens tested for each concrete mix type.
 The ratio of ultimate compressive strength of plastic fiber concrete to that of plain
concrete is defined as compressive strength ratio, which gives a direct measure of strength
improvement. It can be noted that all plastic fiber incorporated concrete mixes showed a
gradual increase in compressive strength compared to the reference concrete (as noted in
Figure 7). Test results provided in Table 6 show that the plastic fiber addition showed a
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 10 of 21
reasonable strength increase in the case of all three fiber concrete mixes. Among the vari-
ous concrete mixes, a maximum compressive strength of 33.20 N/mm2 with an increase
up to 17.73% was noted in the case of the plastic fiber substituted concrete mix (PFC-15H).

40
y = -0.2975x2 + 2.5585x + 27.863 Ultimate strength
35 R² = 0.976 (N/mm2)
Mean strength Index

30 Residual strength
y = -0.44x2 + 3.098x + 23.53 (N/mm2)
25
20 Elastic modulus (GPa)
y= -3.085x2 + 20.333x - 14.36
15
Poly. (Ultimate strength
10 (N/mm2))
5 Poly. (Residual strength
0 (N/mm2) )
RCM-30 PFC-05H PFC-10H PFC-15H Poly. (Elastic modulus
Type of concrete mix (GPa) )

Figure 7. Characteristic compressive strength results of various plastic fiber concrete mixes.
Figure 7. Characteristic compressive strength results of various plastic fiber concrete mixes.

3.3. Residual Compressive

Fibers did Strength
not bridge crack opening in compressive mode, but rather acted as stress
Residual strength
redistribution is a measure
for controlled of the strength
failure process, since thecarrying capacity
failure mode of concrete speci-
in compression is not
mens upondue
essentially loading–unloading–reloading cyclesfailure
to fracture as it leads to crushing until 95% of ultimate
accompanied byload
shearcapacity and
plane along
the diagonal
then unloaded. tension. Hence, to the
Upon reloading validate the specimens,
concrete real merits theof plastic
maximum fibersstrength
in the matrix,
regain
the load
until capacity
failure of fiber
is termed concretes
as residual after multiple
strength. A maximumcracking needed
residual to be tested.
strength of 18.16This
N/mm was2
essentially
was noted in measured
the caseusing the residual
of concrete capacity of
mix (PFC-15H) fiber concrete
containing 0.15%mixes and the
Vf plastic highSimi-
fibers. fiber
volume
larly, concrete
other plasticmixes
fiber(PFC-15H) exhibited
substituted better
concretes strength
exhibited ancapacity.
increased The suddenstrength
residual drop in
load for all fiber concrete mixes was drastically improved and better controlled with high
fiber incorporated concrete mixes (PFC-10H and PFC-15H).
In order to assess the fiber influence on the concrete matrix, compressive test results
obtained were systematically categorized to identify the significance of plastic fiber re-
inforcements. Compressive strength enhancements were favorably noticed in all fiber
substituted concrete mixes as a result of the effective bonding of the fiber–matrix interface.
As the fibers were not essentially stressed in compressive loading, the strength increase was
only reasonably increased in all plastic fiber substituted concretes. However, compressive
strength increase was reasonably improved compared to plain concrete specimens. In
order to evaluate the fiber efficiency in the compressive direction, the study was intended
to identify new strength parameters as determined from the compressive stress-strain
properties of different concretes as described in the following sections.

3.2. Ultimate Compressive Strength

The ratio of ultimate compressive strength of plastic fiber concrete to that of plain
concrete is defined as compressive strength ratio, which gives a direct measure of strength
improvement. It can be noted that all plastic fiber incorporated concrete mixes showed a
gradual increase in compressive strength compared to the reference concrete (as noted in
Figure 7). Test results provided in Table 6 show that the plastic fiber addition showed a
reasonable strength increase in the case of all three fiber concrete mixes. Among the various
concrete mixes, a maximum compressive strength of 33.20 N/mm2 with an increase up to
17.73% was noted in the case of the plastic fiber substituted concrete mix (PFC-15H).

3.3. Residual Compressive Strength

Residual strength is a measure of the strength carrying capacity of concrete specimens
upon loading–unloading–reloading cycles until 95% of ultimate load capacity and then
unloaded. Upon reloading the concrete specimens, the maximum strength regain until
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 11 of 21

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 21

failure is termed as residual strength. A maximum residual strength of 18.16 N/mm2 was
noted in the case of concrete mix (PFC-15H) containing 0.15% Vf plastic fibers. Similarly,
other plastic fiber substituted concretes exhibited an increased residual strength compared
compared to plainResidual
to plain concrete. concrete. Residual compressive
compressive strength is a strength is a characteristic
characteristic property noticed property
in the
noticed in theconcretes
case of fiber case of fiber
as it concretes as ability
refers to the it refersoftofiber
the concretes
ability of to fiber concretes
resist load evento resist
after
sustaining
load multiple
even after fractures
sustaining on the fractures
multiple concrete surface. This is an
on the concrete important
surface. Thismeasurement
is an important of
fiber concretesofasfiber
measurement the fibers present
concretes in the
as the matrix
fibers envisages
present in the the strength
matrix retention
envisages capacity
the strength
even aftercapacity
retention multiple fractures
even are sustained
after multiple fracturesby are
thesustained
concrete specimens uponspecimens
by the concrete attaining
ultimate
upon load capacity.
attaining ultimate However, this However,
load capacity. residual capacity of plain
this residual concrete
capacity is completely
of plain concrete
absent
is as the concrete
completely absent as specimens sustain
the concrete multiplesustain
specimens fractures, and upon
multiple reloading,
fractures, and the
uponstress
re-
capacity of failed specimens did not show any increment on the load
loading, the stress capacity of failed specimens did not show any increment on the load carrying capacity.
Hence, the
carrying plain concrete
capacity. Hence, thespecimens failed suddenly
plain concrete specimensupon failedre-loading, whichre-loading,
suddenly upon exhibited
poor residual
which exhibitedstrength. However,
poor residual the test
strength. results represented
However, the test results in represented
the characteristic
in thecurve
char-
signifies the
acteristic residual
curve strength
signifies capacity
the residual of all fiber
strength concrete
capacity of allspecimens.
fiber concrete specimens.

3.4. Elastic
3.4. Elastic Modulus
Modulus
The stiffness of the composite can be better represented in terms of elastic modulus
The stiffness of the composite can be better represented in terms of elastic modulus
and the value was the maximum for the maximum fiber substitution at 0.15% Vf of plastic
and the value was the maximum for the maximum fiber substitution at 0.15% Vf of plastic
fibers. In general, the elastic modulus of all plastic fiber substituted concrete mixes varied
fibers. In general, the elastic modulus of all plastic fiber substituted concrete mixes varied
between 28.05 N/mm2 to 28.91 N/mm2 and showed gradual improvements compared to
between 28.05 N/mm2 to 28.91 N/mm2 and showed gradual improvements compared to
plain concrete. The substitution of plastic fibers in concrete mix (PFC-15H) improved the
plain concrete. The substitution of plastic fibers in concrete mix (PFC-15H) improved2 the
matrix strengthening and also achieved a maximum elastic modulus of 28.91 N/mm .
matrix strengthening and also achieved a maximum elastic modulus of 28.91 N/mm2.
3.5. Pre-Peak Strain Hardening Toughness
3.5. Pre-Peak Strain Hardening Toughness
It is well represented in stress-strain curve given in Figure 8 that the pre-peak strain
It is well
hardened represented
region in stress-strain
of concrete specimens iscurve given
a good in Figure
indicator 8 that the pre-peak
of continuous strain
load carrying
hardened region of concrete specimens is a good indicator of continuous load
capacity with significant nonlinear region. Strain hardening of the concrete is a function carrying
capacity with significant
indirect measure nonlinear
of micro-crack region. with
generation Strain
thehardening of theincrease
corresponding concreteinisthe
a function
ultimate
indirect measure of micro-crack generation with the corresponding increase
strength of the composite. However, compared to the reference concrete, the pre-peak in the ulti-
and
mate strength
post peak of the composite.
characteristics However,
of all plastic fiber compared
substitutedtoconcrete
the reference
mixes concrete, the pre-
were appreciably
peak and post
improved. The peak characteristics
overall toughnessof all plastic fiber
characteristics substituted
were primarilyconcrete mixesdue
influenced were
to ap-
the
preciably
controlledimproved. The overall
failure offered toughness
by plastic fibers. characteristics were primarily influenced due
to the controlled failure offered by plastic fibers.

Figure 8. Stress-strain plot of various fiber concrete mixes in compression.

Figure 8. Stress-strain plot of various fiber concrete mixes in compression.
The sudden failure in brittle plain concrete (RCM-30) was altered suitably in plastic
fiber substituted concrete mixes. A maximum pre-peak strain hardening toughness of
192.38 N-m was observed for the PFC-05H concrete mix and a maximum post-peak tough-
ness of 357.75 N-m was observed in the case of the PFC-10H concrete mix. Nevertheless,
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 12 of 21

The sudden failure in brittle plain concrete (RCM-30) was altered suitably in plastic
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 21
fiber substituted concrete mixes. A maximum pre-peak strain hardening toughness of
192.38 N-m was observed for the PFC-05H concrete mix and a maximum post-peak tough-
ness of 357.75 N-m was observed in the case of the PFC-10H concrete mix. Nevertheless, a
amaximum
maximumoveralloverall toughness
toughness of of 516.38
516.38 N-mN-mwaswas obtained
obtained in the
in the casecase of PFC-10H.
of PFC-10H. The The
test
test results
results justify
justify the the
factfact
thatthat effective
effective fibers
fibers in tension
in tension zone
zone confined
confined concretes
concretes were
were able
able to
control
to controlthe originating
the originatingcracks
cracksininthe
thematrix
matrixand
andat atlarge
largedeformation
deformation (post-peak), bridge
the crack
the crack opening.
opening. Fibers
Fibers present
present in in the
the matrix
matrix tended
tended to to delay
delay the crack origination
origination and
subsequently control
subsequently control the
thecrack
crackmultiplication
multiplication in in
thethe
matrix, leading
matrix, to improved
leading first crack
to improved first
[Link].
crack Additionally, the overall
Additionally, toughness
the overall increase
toughness of 321.5%
increase was noticed
of 321.5% in the in
was noticed case
theofcase
the
PFC-10H concrete mix. Thus, the parameters measured in this study
of the PFC-10H concrete mix. Thus, the parameters measured in this study signify the signify the importance
of plastic fiber
importance action fiber
of plastic in theaction
matrix. in the matrix.

3.6. Absolute
3.6. Absolute Toughness
Toughness
The toughness
The toughness obtained
obtained from
from the
the entire
entire stress-strain
stress-strain curve
curve of
of the
the concrete
concrete specimens
specimens
provides the measure of energy absorbed during the progress of loading.
provides the measure of energy absorbed during the progress of loading. The absolute The absolute
toughness calculations for the various fiber concrete mixes are provided in
toughness calculations for the various fiber concrete mixes are provided in the sample the sample
calculation shown in Figure 9. This parameter estimates the combined efficiency of fibers
calculation shown in Figure 9. This parameter estimates the combined efficiency of fibers
in pre-peak and post-peak toughness characteristics. Among the different plastic fiber
in pre-peak and post-peak toughness characteristics. Among the different plastic fiber
concretes, the maximum absolute toughness of 516.38 N-m was obtained in the PFC-10H
concretes, the maximum absolute toughness of 516.38 N-m was obtained in the PFC-10H
concrete mix. The absolute toughness of all plastic fiber substituted concrete mixes was
concrete mix. The absolute toughness of all plastic fiber substituted concrete mixes was
improved considerably and the relative percentage of increase in compressive toughness
improved considerably and the relative percentage of increase in compressive toughness
was above 200%.
was above 200%.

Figure 9. Absolute toughness calculation using a graph (shaded area) for various fiber concretes.
Figure 9. Absolute toughness calculation using a graph (shaded area) for various fiber concretes.
3.7. Post-Ultimate Compressive Toughness
3.7. Post-Ultimate Compressive
The gradual decrease Toughness
in the load carrying capacity of the concrete after peak stress
was characterized by the significant
The gradual decrease in the load drawdown of the stress-strain
carrying capacity curve.
of the concrete Thepeak
after poststress
ulti-
mate toughness calculations
was characterized for the drawdown
by the significant various fiber of concrete mixes are
the stress-strain provided
curve. The postin the sam-
ultimate
ple calculation
toughness as shownfor
calculations in the
Figure 10. Infiber
various the concrete
case of allmixes
fiber are
substituted
providedconcrete mixes,
in the sample
the sudden drop
calculation in load
as shown capacity
in Figure [Link] controlled
In the by fiber
case of all the fiber bridgingconcrete
substituted the cracks at non-
mixes, the
steady
suddencrack
drop growth propagation.
in load capacity However,by
was controlled thethe
unstable crack growth
fiber bridging after
the cracks at peak stress
non-steady
was
crackwell diminished
growth with theHowever,
propagation. addition the
of high fiber volume
unstable in the after
crack growth concrete
peakmatrix.
stress This
was
was
wellevidently
diminishedseen in the
with thePFC-15H
addition concrete mix,volume
of high fiber which incorporated
in the concretea high fiberThis
matrix. volume
was
(0.15% Vf) of plastic fibers.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 13 of 21

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW

evidently seen in the PFC-15H concrete mix, which incorporated a high fiber volume (0.15%
13 of 21
Vf ) of plastic fibers.

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 21

Figure 10. Post ultimate compressive toughness calculation using a graph (shaded area) for various fiber concretes.
Figure 10. Post ultimate compressive toughness calculation using a graph (shaded area) for various fiber concretes.

3.8. Compressive Strength Increase

3.8. Compressive
The ratio of Strength Increase strength of fiber concrete to that of the reference concrete
the compressive
Figure 10. Post ultimate compressive toughness calculation using a graph (shaded area) for various fiber concretes.
is denoted
The ratioas the compressive
of the compressive strength
strength index. This
of fiber gives the
concrete direct
to that estimation
of the referenceofconcrete
the in-
crease
is3.8. in
denoted the ascompressive
the strength
compressive
Compressive Strength Increase value
strength in terms
index. of
Thisthe number
gives the of times
direct of the
estimation reference
of the
[Link]
increase in can
the be seen
compressive from Table
strength 6, the
value strength
in terms index
of the was
number a maximum
of
The ratio of the compressive strength of fiber concrete to that of the reference concrete times of 17.73%
the in the
reference
case of
[Link] high
is denoted ascan volume
the be fiber
seen from
compressive concrete
Tableindex.
strength mixes
6, theThis (PFC-15H).
strength index
gives the However,
was
direct the
a maximum
estimation strength increase
17.73% in the
of the in-
crease
was
case of in thehigh
gradual
the compressive
volumestrength
depending upon value
the in terms
increase
fiber concrete mixes inofplastic
the number
fiberofHowever,
(PFC-15H). times of fraction
volume thethe
reference
and thereupon
strength increase
[Link]
was
the gradualcan
strength be seenwas
depending
increase from Table
upon the6, increase
saturated the strength
upon index was
in plastic
reaching a maximum
fiber
the volume fiber
maximum 17.73%
fraction in and
volumethe thereupon
fraction.
case of the high volume fiber concrete mixes (PFC-15H). However, the strength increase
the strength increase was saturated upon reaching the maximum fiber volume fraction.
was gradual depending upon the increase in plastic fiber volume fraction and thereupon
3.9. Compressive Toughness Increase
the strength increase was saturated upon reaching the maximum fiber volume fraction.
3.9. Compressive Toughness Increase
The post elastic deformation and the energy absorption capacity of fiber concrete
The
are post
3.9. Compressive
mixes elastic
commonlyToughnessdeformation
Increaseto as an
referred andindicator
the energy absorptionThe
of toughness. capacity of fiber concrete
mean toughness values
mixes
for arepost
The
various commonly
elastic
fiber referred to
deformation
incorporated as an
and
concretethe indicator
energy ofprovided
mixes absorption
are toughness. in The
capacity mean
of fiber
Figure toughness values
concrete
11.
for various
mixes fiber incorporated
are commonly referred to asconcrete
an indicator mixes are provided
of toughness. in Figure
The mean toughness11. values
for various fiber incorporated concrete mixes are provided in Figure 11.
600
600
500
value

500
Pre-peak strain
value

400 Pre-peak strain

hardening toughness
400
toughness

hardening toughness
(N-m)
Mean toughness

(N-m)
300
300 Absolute toughness
Absolute toughness
(N-m) (N-m)
200
200
Mean

Post ultimate
Post ultimate
100
100 compressive
compressive
toughness (N-m)
0 toughness (N-m)
0 RCM-30 PFC-05H PFC-10H PFC-15H
RCM-30TypePFC-05H
of concretePFC-10H
mix PFC-15H
Type of concrete mix
Figure 11. Mean compressive toughness performance values of various fiber concrete mixes.
Figure 11. Mean compressive toughness performance values of various fiber concrete mixes.
FigureFailure
11. Mean compressive
accompanied toughnesscrushing
by controlled performance values ofthe
after attaining various fiber
ultimate concrete
strength in mixes.
concrete is most desired in a ductile composite system. The inclusion of plastic fibers in
Failure accompanied by controlled crushing after attaining the ultimate strength in
concrete is most desired in a ductile composite system. The inclusion of plastic fibers in
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 14 of 21

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 21

Failure accompanied by controlled crushing after attaining the ultimate strength in
concrete is most desired in a ductile composite system. The inclusion of plastic fibers in
concrete
concrete provided
providedsufficient confinement
sufficient during
confinement compressive
during forces forces
compressive due to due
the large strain
to the large
atstrain
failureatand thereupon providing the composite ductile failure mode. The increase
failure and thereupon providing the composite ductile failure mode. The increase in
toughness
in (321.5%) was phenomenal with the maximum fiber volume fraction
toughness (321.5%) was phenomenal with the maximum fiber volume fraction up to up to 0.10%
. . Delayed crack formation and propagation provided adequate build up in strain energy
Vf0.10% Vf.. Delayed crack formation and propagation provided adequate build up in strain
for reaching maximum stress capacity, and further upon, the fibers played a dominant role
energy for reaching maximum stress capacity, and further upon, the fibers played a dom-
in gradual energy dissipation (by fiber straining) until complete failure.
inant role in gradual energy dissipation (by fiber straining) until complete failure.
3.10. Fiber Performance Index
3.10. Fiber Performance Index
The overall analysis of the compressive parameters as calculated from the stress-strain
curve ofThetheoverall
variousanalysis of the compressive
reference/plain concrete andparameters
plastic fiberassubstituted
calculated concrete
from themixes
stress-
strain curve
indicates of the various
the performance reference/plain
measurements concrete andloading.
in compressive plastic fiber
The substituted concrete
fiber performance
index for various plastic fiber substituted concrete mixes is represented in Figure [Link]-
mixes indicates the performance measurements in compressive loading. The fiber The
mance index
maximum fiberfor various plastic
performance fiber
index substituted
(338%) concreteatmixes
was observed a highisplastic
represented in Figure
fiber volume
12. The
fraction of maximum
0.1% Vf . It fiber
can beperformance
summarizedindex (338%)
from the was observed
test results at a yielding
that the post high plastic fiber
charac-
volume fraction of 0.1% V f. It can be summarized from the test results that the post yield-
teristics of concretes were well controlled with the influence of plastic fibers in the matrix.
ing characteristics
Since the plastic fibers of concretes
used in thiswere wellitself
study controlled
had a with
high the influence
plastic of plastic
deformation fibers in
capacity,
the inclusion
their matrix. Since the plastic
in concrete had fibers used
positive in this
effects on study itself hadfailure
the controlled a highcharacteristics.
plastic deformation
The
capacity, their inclusion in concrete had positive effects on the controlled
fiber substituted concrete mixes showed positive effects on the compressive toughness as failure charac-
teristics.
the The fiberthe
fiber enhanced substituted
post peakconcrete mixes showed
strain-softening region positive effects on the compressive
of the concrete.
toughness as the fiber enhanced the post peak strain-softening region of the concrete.

400.00
Fiber performance index

350.00
300.00
250.00
200.00
150.00
PFC-05H
100.00
50.00 PFC-10H
0.00 PFC-15H
- - -
Compressive Compressive Fibre reinforcing
strength increase toughness efficiency (%)
(%) increase (%)
Compressive strength index

Figure 12. Relationship between the compressive strength index vs. fiber performance index.
Figure 12. Relationship between the compressive strength index vs. fiber performance index.

3.11.
3.11. Flexural
Flexural Characteristics
Characteristics
Theexclusive
The exclusivetest test parametersevaluated
parameters evaluatedbased
basedononthe the flexural
flexural bending
bending results
results areare
provided in Table 7 and the significant effects of randomly/homogenously
provided in Table 7 and the significant effects of randomly/homogenously distributed distributed
(full
(full concrete
concrete volume)
volume) versus
versus tension
tension zone
zone confined
confined fiber
fiber concretes
concretes areare discussed
discussed inin this
this
section.
section. The
The fiber
fiber alignment
alignment showed
showed significant
significant effects
effects on theon stress
the stress sharing
sharing during during flex-
flexural
ural bending.
bending. Additionally,
Additionally, instudy,
in this this study, the effects
the effects of fiber
of fiber alignment
alignment in the
in the tension
tension zone
zone
showed
showedmaximum
maximumimprovements
improvements on the flexural
on the flexuralbending
bendingaccompanied
accompanied byby increased
increased flex-
flexural stresscapacity.
ural stress [Link] The fiberreinforcements
fiber reinforcementsshowed showedreal realmerits
meritsininterms
termsofofload
loadre-
resistance
sistance upon cracking
cracking without
withoutanyanysudden
suddendropdropininloadloadresistance.
[Link] discrete
discreteplastic
plastic
fibers
fibersdistributed
distributed inin
the concrete
the concretematrix
matrix homogeneously
homogeneously andandconfined
confinedin inthethetension
tensionzone
zone
were
were systematically
systematically evaluated
evaluated using
usingdifferent experimental
different experimental parameters. The The
parameters. importance
importanceof
plastic fibersfibers
of plastic was convincing in improving
was convincing the firstthe
in improving crack
firststrength of plain of
crack strength concrete, which
plain concrete,
which can be noted from the load-crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) curves
provided in Figure 13.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 15 of 21

can be noted from the load-crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) curves provided
in Figure 13.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 15 of 21

Table 7. Flexural evaluations of various plastic fiber incorporated concretes.

Table 7. Flexural evaluations of various plastic fiber incorporatedPost

Residual concretes. Flexural
First Crack Flexural Flexural Flexural Peak-Drop Fiber
Crack Strength
Mix ID Strength Strength ResidualStrength
Flex- Toughness Load Effective
First(N/mm
Crack2 ) Flexural Width(mm) Increase
(N/mm2 ) Crack ural Strength Capacity Flexural (N-m) Post Peak-
Resistance Flexural Fiber
IndexEffec-
(%)
Mix ID Strength Strength Width (%)
(N/mm ) Toughness Drop Load
2 (%) Re- Strength In- tive Index
Capacity
RCM-30 (N/mm
3.72)
2 (N/mm
3.8 )
2 (mm)1.25 (N-m)0 sistance0 (%) crease
- (%) (%)
(N/mm2) 0 -
PFC-05H
RCM-30 3.89
3.72 3.84.12 1.25 1.54 0 2.05 0 5.39 065.2 8.42
- 73.62
-
PFC-05H
PFC-10H 3.89
4.17 4.124.36 1.54 1.86 2.05 3.18 5.3915.39 65.2
73.3 8.42
14.74 73.62
88.04
PFC-10H
PFC-15H 4.17
3.95 4.36 4.2 1.86 1.8 3.18 3.21 15.3920.78 73.3
88.4 14.74
10.53 88.04
98.93
PFC-15H
PFC-05T 3.95
4.27 4.24.72 1.8 2.12 3.21 2.98 20.7810.42 88.4
90.9 10.53
24.21 98.93
115.11
PFC-05T 4.27 4.72 2.12 2.98 10.42 90.9 24.21 115.11
PFC-10T 4.89 5.26 2.75 4.18 29.57 93.7 38.42 132.12
PFC-10T 4.89 5.26 2.75 4.18 29.57 93.7 38.42 132.12
PFC-15T 4.51 4.85 3.15 4.37 33.43 96.2 27.63 123.83
PFC-15T 4.51 4.85 3.15 4.37 33.43 96.2 27.63 123.83
Note:Note: Test results denote the average of five concrete specimens tested for each concrete mix type.
Test results denote the average of five concrete specimens tested for each concrete mix type.

Figure 13. Load-CMOD curves for various plastic fiber incorporated concrete mixes.
Figure 13. Load-CMOD curves for various plastic fiber incorporated concrete mixes.
Compared
Compared to tofull
fulldepth
depthhomogeneous
homogeneousfiber concrete,
fiber concrete,thethe
first crack
first crackstrength waswas
strength ev-
idently improved in the tension zone confined concrete. The maximum
evidently improved in the tension zone confined concrete. The maximum first crack first crack strength
of 4.89 N/mm
strength of 4.89was
2 observed
N/mm 2 wasfor the PFC-10T
observed for theconcrete
PFC-10T mix. It is well
concrete [Link]
It is that
wellthe tension
noted that
zone confined plastic fiber concrete consistently performed in all the
the tension zone confined plastic fiber concrete consistently performed in all the flexural flexural parameters
evaluated.
parametersItevaluated.
is apparently It evident that theevident
is apparently flexuralthatstrength and residual
the flexural strengthflexural
and strength
residual
were increased in all tension zone confined fiber concretes compared
flexural strength were increased in all tension zone confined fiber concretes compared to to the homogenous
fiber concretes. The
the homogenous effect
fiber of fiberThe
concretes. alignment
effect ofandfiberconfinement
alignment and in tension
confinementzone in
had more
tension
pronounced
zone had more effects on the effects
pronounced flexural onperformance as the fibersaswere
the flexural performance effectively
the fibers strained
were effectively
along thealong
strained bendingthe axis.
bendingHence,
[Link] stressthe
Hence, transfer
stressmechanism was readily
transfer mechanism wasshared
readilyinshared
direct
fiber alignment along the bending plane. A maximum flexural toughness
in direct fiber alignment along the bending plane. A maximum flexural toughness of 33.432 of 33.43 N/mm
was
N/mm obtained in PFC-15T
2 was obtained and the toughness
in PFC-15T was notably
and the toughness wasincreased at higheratfiber
notably increased volume
higher fiber
fraction. It can be well derived from the test results that the toughness
volume fraction. It can be well derived from the test results that the toughness of higher of higher volume
fiber
volumeconcrete is greatlyisimproved.
fiber concrete However,However,
greatly improved. the confinement of fiber volume
the confinement of fiberat lower
volume
fiber fraction
at lower fibershowed
fractionconsistent improvement
showed consistent on the overall
improvement on theflexural
overallresponse
flexuralcompared
response
to the homogenously distributed plastic fiber concrete systems. The maximum response
values obtained from the various flexural parameters are discussed below

3.12. First Crack Strength

The variation of flexural strength properties are shown in Figure 14. Maximum first
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 16 of 21

compared to the homogenously distributed plastic fiber concrete systems. The maximum
response values obtained from the various flexural parameters are discussed below

3.12. First Crack Strength

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 16 of 21
The variation of flexural strength properties are shown in Figure 14. Maximum
first crack strength (4.89 N/mm2 ) was obtained in the case of the PFC-10T concrete mix
and the corresponding first crack strength value of 4.17 N/mm2 was noted in PFC-H.
corresponding first crack
Most significantly, strength
all fiber value of
substituted 4.17 N/mm
concrete mixeswas
2 notedrelative
showed in PFC-H. Most signif-
improvements
icantly, all fiber substituted concrete mixes showed relative improvements
in first crack strength compared to the reference concrete. This apparently shows in first crack
that
strength compared to the reference concrete. This apparently shows that
the effective fiber volume in tension zone confined concrete systems exhibited better the effective fiber
volume in tension
performance comparedzonetoconfined concrete systems
the homogeneously exhibited
distributed fiberbetter performance
concretes. com-
The first crack
pared to the homogeneously
improvements distributedincrease
were due to corresponding fiber concretes.
in matrixThe first crackwith
strengthening improvements
an effective
were due to corresponding
fiber placement increase
along the bending in matrix
plane. Hence, strengthening with
the test results arean effective
more fiber place-
convincing when
ment along the bending plane. Hence, the test results are more convincing
the total fiber volume are effectively confined in the tension zone rather than distributedwhen the total
fiber volume are in
homogeneously effectively
the entireconfined
depth ofinthe
theconcrete
tensionbeam.
zone rather than distributed homoge-
neously in the entire depth of the concrete beam.

4
First crack strength (N/mm2)
Fiber strength

3 Flexural strength (N/mm2)

2 Crack width (mm)

Residual flexural strength

1 capacity (N/mm2)

0
RCM- PFC- PFC- PFC- PFC- PFC- PFC-
30 05H 10H 15H 05T 10T 15T
Type of concrete mix

Figure 14. Variation of flexural strength parameters for various plastic fiber concrete mixes.
Figure 14. Variation of flexural strength parameters for various plastic fiber concrete mixes.
3.13. Flexural Strength
[Link]
Flexural Strengthultimate flexural strength (5.26 N/mm2) of concrete beam was ob-
maximum
tained in maximum
The the case ofultimate
PFC-10T. The flexural
flexural strengthstrength increase
(5.26 N/mm 2 ) ofwas on par
concrete for was
beam all fiber sub-
obtained
stituted concrete mixes and more specifically for tension confined fiber concrete
in the case of PFC-10T. The flexural strength increase was on par for all fiber substituted systems.
However, the flexural
concrete mixes and morestrength increase
specifically was optimal
for tension confined only at 0.1% V
fiber concrete f of theHowever,
systems. plastic fiber
the
substituted concrete
flexural strength mixes
increase wasand this only
optimal improvement
at 0.1% Vf was
of theconspicuous for all plastic
plastic fiber substituted fiber
concrete
substituted concretes.
mixes and this improvement was conspicuous for all plastic fiber substituted concretes.

3.14. Crack
3.14. Crack Width
Width
The maximum
The maximum crack
crack opening
opening atat complete
complete failure
failure depends
depends onon the maximum
maximum fiber
availability and
availability and the
the type
type of
of fiber
fiber confinement.
confinement. Hence,
Hence, the
the maximum
maximum fiber
fiber volume
volume (0.15%)
(0.15%)
provided the maximum crack width (3.15 mm) until complete failure, which
provided the maximum crack width (3.15 mm) until complete failure, which was evi- was evidently
dently noted for the PFC-15T concrete mix. It can be also seen that the maximum crack
width is a function of fiber volume at the crack front. Compared to homogenous fibers
aligned in a random orientation, the effective fibers present in the tension zone were more
effective in post elastic deformation.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 17 of 21

noted for the PFC-15T concrete mix. It can be also seen that the maximum crack width is a
function of fiber volume at the crack front. Compared to homogenous fibers aligned in a
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW 17 of 21
random orientation, the effective fibers present in the tension zone were more effective in
post elastic deformation.

3.15. Residual
3.15. Residual Flexural
Flexural Strength
Strength Capacity
Capacity
The strength
The strengthretaining
retainingcapacity
capacity ofof concrete
concrete specimens
specimens whenwhen subjected
subjected to 95%
to 95% of
of ulti-
ultimate flexural loading and thereafter unloading to initial reloading cycles
mate flexural loading and thereafter unloading to initial reloading cycles until failure wereuntil failure
were analyzed.
analyzed. As anticipated,
As anticipated, the tension
the tension zone zone confined
confined fiberfiber concrete
concrete systems
systems showed
showed the
the maximum residual strength of 4.37 N/mm 2 at 0.15% V of plastic fiber substitution. It
maximum residual strength of 4.37 N/mm at 0.15% Vf of plastic
2 f fiber substitution. It was
was well
also also noted
well noted that fibers
that fibers actively
actively participated
participated in loadinsharing
load sharing
along along the axis.
the beam beamMore
axis.
More specifically, the effective fiber volume in the aligned tension direction could
specifically, the effective fiber volume in the aligned tension direction could provide ade- provide
adequate
quate loadload resistance
resistance at cracking.
at cracking.
3.16. Flexural Toughness
3.16. Flexural Toughness
The variation of flexural parameters for different fiber incorporated concrete mixes is
The variation of flexural parameters for different fiber incorporated concrete mixes
shown in Figure 15. Similarly, the total energy absorbed (toughness) was calculated from
is shown in Figure 15. Similarly, the total energy absorbed (toughness) was calculated
the load-CMOD curves for various fiber concrete mixes as shown in Figure 16. Maximum
from the load-CMOD curves for various fiber concrete mixes as shown in Figure 16. Max-
flexural toughness of 33.43 N-m was noticed for the PFC-15T concrete mix, which contained
imum flexural toughness
the maximum fiber volume of 33.43 N-mand
fraction wasfibers
noticed forconfined
were the PFC-15T concrete
in the tensionmix,[Link]
As
contained
anticipated,theallmaximum
the plasticfiber
fibervolume
concretefraction and fibers
mixes showed were confined
consistently increasedin the tension
toughness
zone.
due toAs anticipated,
plastic strainingallofthe
theplastic
plasticfiber
fibersconcrete mixes
at yielding. showed
This consistentlywas
test observation increased
similar
toughness due to plastic straining of the plastic fibers at yielding. This test
compared to the addition of polypropylene fibers at 0.20% Vf , which exhibited an increasing observation
was
trendsimilar compared
of toughness to the
values andaddition of polypropylene
in the case fibers atat
of steel fiber addition 0.20%
1.5%VVf,f ,which
up to exhibited
135% due
an increasing trend of toughness values and in the case of steel
to the high modulus fibers and further crack propagation resistance [27]. fiber addition at 1.5% Vf,
up to 135% due to the high modulus fibers and further crack propagation resistance [27].

140

120

100
Fiber effectiveness

Flexural toughness (N-m)

80
Post peak- drop load resistance
60
(%)

40 Flexural strength increase (%)

20 Fibre effective index (%)

Type of concrete mix

Figure 15. Fiber effectiveness for various flexural parameters of concrete mixes.
Figure 15. Fiber effectiveness for various flexural parameters of concrete mixes.

3.17. Post-Peak Drop Load Resistance

The real merits of fiber addition helps in crack bridging at large crack widths, thereby
developing post crack resistance for improved post crack load carrying capacity. The
experimental test results clearly indicated that homogenous fiber concrete mixes showed
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 18 of 21

a sudden drop in load after reaching peak load, and this loss was very sudden for low
fiber volume substituted concretes. With higher fiber volume, the maximum drop load
resistance of 88.4% was obtained for homogenous fiber concrete (PFC-15H). However,
most importantly, for the same fiber volume when the fibers were confined in tension zone
provedto be more effective with a maximum drop load resistance of 96.2% for the PFC-15T
fiber concretes. This essentially justifies that high fiber volume accompanied by placing
effective fibers in the tension confined zone dramatically improves the load resistance18even
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, x FOR PEER REVIEW of 21
after failure.

Figure 16. Flexural toughness calculation from load-CMOD plots of various concrete mixes.
Figure 16. Flexural toughness calculation from load-CMOD plots of various concrete mixes.
3.17. Post-Peak Drop Load Resistance
3.18. The
Fiberreal
Effective
meritsIndex
of fiber addition helps in crack bridging at large crack widths, thereby
developing post crack
The additive increase resistance
in the for improved
flexural postand
strength crack load carrying
absolute toughness capacity. Thefiber
of plastic ex-
perimental test results
concretes compared to clearly indicated
the reference that homogenous
concrete were indicative fiberofconcrete mixes
the overall showed a
performance
sudden
of plasticdrop in load
fibers after reaching
in concrete. peak load,
Test results and this
indicated thatloss
the was very sudden
performance indexforoflow fiber
tension
volume substituted
zone confined concretes.
concretes With higher
were consistently fiber than
higher volume, the maximum
homogenous drop load
fiber concrete re-
mixes.
sistance of 88.4%
The maximum waseffective
fiber obtainedindex
for homogenous
of 132.12% was fiber concrete
attained at (PFC-15H).
an optimal However,
fiber volume most
of
importantly, for the same
0.1% for the tension fiber volume
zone confined whenwhereas
concretes the fibers were confined
a maximum valueinoftension
98.93%zonewas
provedto
obtained for be homogenous
more effectivefiber
with a maximum
concretes. This drop
drawsload resistance
a subjective of 96.2% that
conclusion for the PFC-
effective
fibers
15T confined
fiber in tension
concretes. zone at optimal
This essentially volume
justifies fraction
that high fiberofvolume
0.12% V f were advantageous
accompanied by plac-
in improving
ing the mechanical
effective fibers properties
in the tension confinedofzone
the fiber incorporated
dramatically concrete
improves the composites.
load resistance
even after failure.
4. Discussion
3.18. Flexural parameters
Fiber Effective Index of the various plastic fiber reinforced concrete mixes were ana-
lyzedThesystematically. The fiber
additive increase reinforcing
in the effects in
flexural strength flexural
and bending
absolute were better
toughness realized
of plastic fiber
in terms of fiber proportions and alignment of fibers. Test results proved
concretes compared to the reference concrete were indicative of the overall performance to be satisfac-
tory
of in terms
plastic of in
fibers fiber reinforcing
concrete. Test efficiency in the concrete
results indicated that thematrix to enhance
performance indextheofbending
tension
characteristics of fiber concrete composites. The wide range of fiber performance
zone confined concretes were consistently higher than homogenous fiber concrete mixes. index
for the different concrete mixes tested is summarized in Table 7, which clearly
The maximum fiber effective index of 132.12% was attained at an optimal fiber volume of indicates
the reinforcing
0.1% efficiency
for the tension zone of plastic fibers.
confined Flexural
concretes bending
whereas resistance
a maximum is aofcharacteristic
value 98.93% was
property of concrete subjected to brittle failure mode without any impending warning
obtained for homogenous fiber concretes. This draws a subjective conclusion that effective
to failure. The distinctive pre-peak and post-peak regions of load-deformation curves
fibers confined in tension zone at optimal volume fraction of 0.12% Vf were advantageous
were dominated by the presence of discrete plastic fibers. However, the influence of fiber
in improving the mechanical properties of the fiber incorporated concrete composites.
distribution had relative merit on the deformation characteristics of the fiber composites.
Plastic fibers distributed homogenously and randomly oriented in the entire concrete mass
4. Discussion
showed a gradual increase in the various flexural parameters tested. Comparative assess-
Flexural parameters of the various plastic fiber reinforced concrete mixes were ana-
lyzed systematically. The fiber reinforcing effects in flexural bending were better realized
in terms of fiber proportions and alignment of fibers. Test results proved to be satisfactory
in terms of fiber reinforcing efficiency in the concrete matrix to enhance the bending char-
acteristics of fiber concrete composites. The wide range of fiber performance index for the
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 19 of 21

ments between randomly distributed and tension confined plastic fibers were speculative
in terms of overall flexural improvements compared to the reference plain concrete. The
inclusion of plastic fibers was promising in terms of delayed crack propagation and crack
controlling mechanism, thereby enhancing the composite flexural strength characteristics.
However, the importance of the present study indicates the mechanical properties of con-
crete typically consisting of effective fiber volume concentrated in the tension zone of the
concrete beam. Experimental results revealed that the discrete plastic fibers play a critical
role in developing a crack delaying process at the onset of loading. The fibers tend to share
the load with the resultant increase in the elastic modulus of concrete. Additionally, the
load deformation curves of the concrete beam sections were found to be steeper according
to the increased fiber volume fractions in the concrete. The mechanistic fiber distribution
and variations between the homogenous and tension confined plastic fibers were clearly
evident from the post peak deformation characteristics. It can be seen that the plastic
fibers had a self-straining capability of 52%, which was better utilized when the plastic
fibers were aligned in bending tension. This characteristic alignment of plastic fibers in the
tension zone can enable the composite ductility at post peak yielding. Most importantly, the
large presence of plastic fibers in the tension zone results in increased post cracking stress
capacity without a sudden drop in load resistance. Failure of brittle concrete specimens is
commonly characterized with a sudden drop in load carrying capacity at ultimate load.
Homogenous fiber inclusion in the concrete system provides random orientation of fibers
in a 3-dimensional plane. However, these fibers do not contribute effectively as in the case
of aligned fibers due to an ineffective stress sharing mechanism. The delayed initiation of
micro cracks and further propagation of cracks are intercepted by effective fiber spacing
and orientation. The aligned fibers, in general, share the effective stress and reduce the
stress buildup in the matrix, resulting in the delay of the origination of micro-cracks.

5. Conclusions
The following conclusions were arrived at based on the experimental observations ob-
tained from this study. Shredded plastic waste fibers obtained from domestic waste plastic
bottles were used in the production of two different types of concrete systems:(i) homoge-
nously distributed in entire volume of concrete sections, and (ii) plastic fibers confined
in the tension zone of concrete beam sections. Experimental tests were conducted on
these concrete systems in compression and flexural bending and the test observations are
summarized below:
(a) Stress-strain characteristics of fiber incorporated concretes up to 0.15% Vf in compres-
sion were appreciably improved with a higher compressive strength of 33.20 N/mm2
and post-peak compressive toughness of 357.75 N-m.
(b) Maximum absolute toughness of 516.38 N-m was reported in the case of plastic fiber
substituted concrete mixes (PFC-10H) with a toughness increase up to 321%.
(c) Compressive failure modes were typically controlled with visible multiple cracks on
the surface. Post-peak toughness of concrete showed controlled deformation without
sudden failure due to composite ductility of plastic fibers in the matrix.
(d) Flexural evaluations of plastic fiber incorporated concrete mixes placed either ho-
mogenously or tension zone confined concretes were beneficial in improving the
bending properties of concrete. However, the effective fibers placed in the tension
zone appreciably contributed to the overall increase in the flexural parameters. Plas-
tic fiber incorporation at 0.15% Vf in concrete mixes resulted in maximum flexural
toughness of 33.43 N-m and maximum residual strength of 4.37 N/mm2 .
(e) All the flexural test properties were consistently increased when the total fiber volume
was confined in the tension zone due to the effective load sharing capability of fibers
as well as the maximum fiber availability. Plastic fibers control the sudden growth of
cracking inside the matrix before reaching the ultimate load, thereby exhibiting an
improved post-crack toughness.
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11, 852 20 of 21

(f) The optimal plastic fiber volume (0.10% Vf ) is promising in contributing to the fiber
reinforcing efficiency in the matrix and crack bridging mechanism, providing maxi-
mum stress carrying capacity. Maximum flexural strength (5.26 N/mm2 ) and post
peak drop load resistance (96%) were obtained in the tension zone confined concrete
compared to full depth homogenous fiber reinforced concretes.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, S.A. and M.A.; Methodology, S.A. and M.A.; Investigation,
S.A. and M.A.; Writing—original draft, S.A. and M.A.; Writing—review & editing, S.A. and M.A.;
Funding acquisition, S.A. and M.A. Both authors have read and agreed to the published version of
the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by the Deanship of Research, King Khalid University, Grant
no.12 and the APC was funded from the research grant.
Data Availability Statement: Experimental datas are presented clearly in the graphical format and
Tables in the manuscript as well as the procedure for test measurements and calculation is presented
clearly for each test methods.
Acknowledgments: The authors gratefully acknowledge the Deanship of Research, King Khalid
University for providing financial support for this sponsored research project.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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