Performance assessment of rubberized self-compacting cementitious mixes

Abstract

Self-compacting cementitious mix (SCCM), including self-compacting mortar and concrete, is a technically advanced material preferred over conventional cementitious composites for its superior flow properties. The flow properties, like high flowability and ease-of-placement, allow SCCM to be poured directly into any shaped form-works and compacted only by its weight. SCCMs are especially helpful in the case of dense reinforced structures by reducing the need for skilled workmanship and large structures by saving material transportation and placement time during the concrete casting phase in construction. Although SCCM is highly efficient in the fresh state, in the hardened state, SCCM is susceptible to crack formation and propagation due to stresses produced from shrinkage [1] and external loading [2]. The resistance against crack formation and propagation of SCCM can be improved by incorporating various forms of reinforcements, such as steel bars, meshes, and mats, short discontinuous fibre. Short discontinuous fibre, or simply fibre, also enhances the toughness and the tensile strength of SCCM because of its crack-bridging action. Simultaneously, high flowability and self-compaction in SCCM lower fibre segregation and provide a uniform distribution of fibre in the matrix, thus increasing the efficacy of fibre incorporation in SCCM [3]. In modern engineering practices, virgin fibres such as steel fibre, glass fibre, nylon fibre, polypropylene fibre, polyvinyl alcohol fibre, basalt fibre, and carbon fibre are typically used in cementitious mixes. The global manufacturing of virgin fibre involves massive extraction of natural resources, high energy consumption, and considerable waste generation. Manufacturing virgin fibre to meet the industrial demand leads to environmental concerns resulting from natural resource depletion and industrial waste accumulation. A sustainable solution can be upcycling of wastes as fibre to meet construction needs.