Optimization of Tensile and Shear Properties of Concrete Reinforced with Polypropylene and Glass Fibers Using Taguchi Method

Abstract

This study explores the influence of fiber type (polypropylene and glass), length, and dosage on the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced concrete, aiming to optimize these properties using the Taguchi method. Utilizing an L18 orthogonal array, 18 samples with varying conditions were produced. Findings indicate that tensile behavior is significantly affected by these factors, with fiber dosage being the most influential. Polypropylene-fiber-reinforced concrete exhibits superior tensile performance compared to glass fibers. Optimizing fiber length is crucial, as an increase from 6 mm to 12 mm enhances tensile strength, but extension to 18 mm results in a decline, highlighting an optimal fiber length. Regarding dosage, a moderate increase from 0.1% to 0.2% has negligible effects on tensile strength, while a sharp decrease is observed at 0.3%, indicating potential compromises in strength due to mixing and adhesion issues. Additionally, glass-fiber-reinforced concrete demonstrates inferior shear strength compared to polypropylene. Increasing fiber length and dosage contribute to reduced shear strength and higher fiber length correlates with a decreased shear modulus.