Strength and durability characteristics of latex-modified jute/macro-synthetic hybrid fibre-reinforced concrete

Abstract

The effects of latex on the strength characteristics and durability of hybrid fibre-reinforced concrete were evaluated. The hybrid fibre was composed of 0.2 vol.-% natural jute fibre and 0.05 vol.-% macro-synthetic fibre. Latex was added at 0, 5, 10 and 15 wt-% of the cement weight. The compressive strength, flexural strength, chloride ion permeability, abrasion resistance and impact resistance were measured. The strength, water permeability resistance, abrasion resistance and impact resistance increased with the latex content owing to the improvement in fibre dispersity. Additionally, the adhesion between the cement materials improved with the formation of a latex film. Increasing the latex content from 5 to 10% greatly improved the performance of the hybrid fibre-reinforced concrete, because the natural jute and macrosynthetic fibres effectively suppressed the generation and growth of cracks within the concrete.