Fundamental Study on Concrete Pavement Using Polypropylene Fiber and Fly Ash

Abstract

The purposes of this study are to examine the applicability of polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete (PPFRC) to new pavements mixed with fly ash expecting a long-term improvement of durability and a reduction of CO₂ emissions. In the field of concrete pavement, there are many studies on steel fiber reinforced concrete pavements in which steel fibers are mixed into concrete for the purpose of improving the mechanical properties. Polypropylene fibers also enable to improve the bending toughness of concrete. On the other hand, in the construction sector, a large amount of CO₂ is emitted during the production of cement. The reduction of CO₂ emissions is an urgent task in the world. It can be reduced by replacing a part of cement with fly ash as one of the alternative materials. In this study, first, the fly ash substitution for concrete pavement was evaluated. Second, the compressive strength and flexural strength tests were carried out on PPFRCs. Using the bending test results, the tension softening curves of PPFRC were inversely calculated and determined. Finally, the pavement thickness was calculated taking into account the residual flexural strength and the size effect, and the reduction of CO₂ emissions was also estimated. Consequently, the PPFRC is able to use for the concrete pavement on the mechanical and environmental benefits.