Synergistic Fiber Hybridization: Unlocking Superior Mechanical Performance in Cementitious Composites

doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-5000985/v1

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Synergistic Fiber Hybridization: Unlocking Superior Mechanical Performance in Cementitious Composites

https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5000985/v1

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This study investigates the effects of various fibers and their combinations on the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC). Sixteen distinct mix designs were prepared, each incorporating different types and proportions of fibers, Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), Polypropylene (PP), Basalt, and Banana fibers, while maintaining a consistent cement-to-sand ratio of 25% to 75%. The objective was to evaluate how these fibers influence the compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths of the FRCC. The results revealed significant variations in mechanical properties based on fiber type and content. Mixes containing PVA and Basalt fibers demonstrated superior compressive strength, flexural strength, and tensile strength compared to those with other fibers. Notably, hybrid fiber combinations, such as PVA and Basalt or PVA and PP, showed enhanced mechanical performance, indicating the synergistic benefits of combining different fiber types. In contrast, Banana fibers alone were less effective in improving mechanical properties but contributed positively when combined with synthetic fibers. The study highlights the potential of fiber hybridization in optimizing the performance of cementitious composites. The strategic use of PVA and Basalt fibers, both individually and in combination, provides a promising approach for developing high-strength, durable FRCC suitable for diverse construction applications. These findings offer valuable insights for future research and the development of advanced composite materials with tailored mechanical properties.

Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites

Mechanical Performance

Hybrid Fibers

Compressive Strength

Flexural Strength

Tensile Strength

Concrete is the cornerstone of modern infrastructure, valued for its compressive strength, durability, and versatility. However, despite its widespread use, concrete is inherently brittle and prone to cracking under tensile stress, which can compromise the integrity and longevity of structures [1, 2]. Traditional concrete exhibits low tensile strength and poor resistance to crack propagation, leading to the development of micro-cracks that can ultimately result in structural failure, particularly under dynamic loading conditions or in harsh environmental settings [3, 4]. To address these limitations, researchers and engineers have increasingly focused on enhancing the mechanical properties of cementitious composites by incorporating various types of fiber reinforcements. Commonly used fibers include steel, glass, synthetic polymers such as Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and Polypropylene (PP), and natural fibers like banana and coconut fibers [5–7].

Fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC) represent a significant advancement in construction materials, offering enhanced durability and mechanical performance compared to conventional concrete. The incorporation of fibers into the cement matrix has proven to improve key mechanical properties such as compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths resulting in composites that are more resilient, less prone to cracking, and better suited for demanding structural applications [8, 9].

The choice of fibers in FRCC is crucial, as different fibers contribute uniquely to the composite's overall performance. For instance, PVA fibers are known for their high tensile strength and strong bond with the cement matrix, helping to control micro-cracks and enhance the composite's durability. PP fibers, on the other hand, are valued for their flexibility, low density, and ability to improve toughness and impact resistance [10, 11]. Basalt fibers, derived from natural volcanic rock, offer high tensile strength, excellent resistance to chemical attack, and good thermal stability, making them ideal for applications requiring high durability. Banana fibers provide an eco-friendly, sustainable alternative with good mechanical properties, contributing to both the strength and sustainability of the composite [10–13].

Hybrid fiber reinforcement, which involves the simultaneous use of two or more different types of fibers within a single composite, aims to leverage the unique properties of each fiber type to achieve synergistic effects [14, 15]. These synergistic effects can enhance the composite's overall performance beyond what can be achieved with a single type of fiber. For example, while synthetic fibers like PVA and PP offer high tensile strength and durability, natural fibers like banana fibers add benefits such as sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and biodegradability. Basalt fibers contribute additional advantages, including thermal stability and corrosion resistance [5, 16, 17].

Hybridization of fibers in cementitious composites is a relatively novel approach that shows promise in enhancing critical mechanical properties, such as flexural strength, toughness, and crack resistance. However, identifying the optimal combination of different fibers and their proportions remains an area of ongoing research. Understanding how these fibers interact within the cement matrix and how these interactions affect the composite’s performance is essential for developing advanced construction materials with superior properties [18, 19].

This study aims to explore the effects of varying fiber types and their combinations on the mechanical properties of FRCC. Specifically, sixteen different mix designs were formulated, each maintaining a constant cement-to-sand ratio while varying the types and proportions of fibers. The study evaluates the compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths of these mixes to identify the optimal fiber combinations that provide superior mechanical performance.

Understanding the influence of different fiber combinations on the mechanical properties of FRCC is crucial for developing advanced composite materials that meet the increasing demands of modern construction. With growing emphasis on sustainability and performance, the findings of this study could contribute to the design of more durable, resilient, and eco-friendly building materials. The results may also inform the development of customized FRCC for specific applications, where particular mechanical properties are required. This research not only contributes to the body of knowledge on fiber-reinforced composites but also provides practical insights for engineers and material scientists. By systematically analyzing the effects of different fiber types and combinations, this study lays the groundwork for future innovations in the design and application of high-performance cementitious materials.

2.1. Materials

The study utilized Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and fine sand as the base materials, with fibers including PVA, PP, Basalt, and Banana fibers. The fiber contents varied across the sixteen mix designs, as shown in Table 1. All fibers were chosen for their distinct mechanical properties and potential benefits to FRCC.

All the materials selected were carefully chosen to ensure the reliability and consistency of the fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC) under investigation. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) was used as the primary binding agent, conforming to ASTM C150 Type I standards. OPC is widely recognized for its strength, durability, and compatibility with various construction materials, making it an ideal choice for cementitious composites. The cement was stored in a controlled environment to prevent premature hydration, ensuring its reactivity and performance in the mix designs. Fine sand, meeting the ASTM C33 specifications, served as the fine aggregate in the mix. The sand was clean, free from impurities, and had an appropriate particle size distribution to promote good workability and compaction in the FRCC. To maintain uniformity across all mixes, the sand was dried and sieved to remove any oversized particles, ensuring consistent quality throughout the experimental process [20].

The study also incorporated four distinct types of fibers illustrated in Fig. 1: Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), Polypropylene (PP), Basalt, and Banana fibers, each selected for their unique mechanical properties and potential to enhance the performance of the composites. PVA fibers, known for their high tensile strength and strong bond with the cement matrix, were included to improve the tensile strength and crack resistance of the FRCC. These synthetic fibers had a diameter of approximately 15 micrometers and a length of 12 mm, providing an effective means of controlling micro-cracks within the composite. Polypropylene fibers, recognized for their low density, chemical resistance, and ability to enhance the toughness of cementitious composites, were also utilized. The PP fibers used had a diameter of around 18 micrometers and a length of 12 mm, contributing to improved impact resistance and ductility [5, 7, 20–22]. Their hydrophobic nature further helped in reducing water absorption, thereby enhancing the durability of the composite.

Basalt fibers, derived from volcanic rock, were selected for their exceptional tensile strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. With a diameter of approximately 13 micrometers and a length of 12 mm, these fibers were expected to significantly improve both the mechanical strength and durability of the FRCC. Additionally, their natural origin and good thermal insulation properties made them particularly suitable for applications requiring both strength and resistance to extreme conditions. Banana fibers, a natural and sustainable option, were included to explore their potential as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers. Extracted from the pseudo-stems of banana plants, these fibers had a diameter of about 50 micrometers and a length of 20 mm [11, 23, 24]. Although less common in construction, banana fibers offer good tensile strength and contribute to the overall sustainability of the composite, aligning with the increasing emphasis on green construction materials.

Finally, potable water, compliant with ASTM C1602 standards, was used for mixing all components. The water-to-cement ratio was kept constant across all mix designs to ensure that any variations in mechanical properties could be attributed solely to the different fiber types and their combinations. This careful selection and preparation of materials were crucial for obtaining accurate and meaningful results in the study, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the effects of fiber reinforcement on the mechanical properties of FRCC.

2.2. Mix Design

The mix design for this study was carefully developed to examine the impact of different fiber types and their combinations on the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC). Sixteen unique mix designs were formulated, each with a constant cement-to-sand ratio of 25–75% by weight, ensuring a stable matrix for fiber incorporation while maintaining good workability. The primary variable across the mixes was the type and proportion of fibers used, which included Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), Polypropylene (PP), Basalt, and Banana fibers. These fibers were chosen for their distinct mechanical properties and potential to enhance the strength and durability of the composites.

Each mix was designed to explore both the individual effects of single fibers and the synergistic effects of fiber combinations. For instance, Mix M1 contained only PVA fibers, while Mix M2 included only PP fibers, allowing for direct comparisons of their respective impacts on the composite. Other mixes, such as M5 and M7, featured combinations of different fibers, such as PVA with PP or PVA with Banana fibers, to assess how these combinations influenced the overall performance of the FRCC. By varying the proportions of fibers, the study aimed to identify the optimal combinations that could offer superior mechanical properties compared to those achieved with single-fiber reinforcement [25, 26].

The preparation of the mixes involved dry mixing the cement and sand, followed by the gradual addition of the selected fibers and water to ensure an even distribution within the matrix. The composites were then cast, compacted, and cured under controlled conditions to ensure consistent strength development. After curing, the samples were tested for compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths, providing valuable data on how different fiber types and combinations affect the mechanical performance of the FRCC. This mix design strategy facilitated a thorough investigation into the potential of fiber hybridization in enhancing the properties of cementitious composites. The mix proportions are detailed in Table 1.

Table 1

Mix Design Proportions
Mix ID	Cement (%)	Sand (%)	PVA (%)	PP (%)	Basalt (%)	Banana (%)
M1	25	75	0.5	-	-	-
M2	25	75	-	0.5	-	-
M3	25	75	-	-	0.5	-
M4	25	75	-	-	-	0.5
M5	25	75	0.375	0.125	-	-
M6	25	75	0.375	-	0.125	-
M7	25	75	0.375	-	-	0.125
M8	25	75	0.125	0.375	-	-
M9	25	75	-	0.375	0.125	-
M10	25	75	-	0.375	-	0.125
M11	25	75	0.125	-	0.375	-
M12	25	75	-	0.125	0.375	-
M13	25	75	-	-	0.375	0.125
M14	25	75	0.125	-	-	0.375
M15	25	75	-	0.125	-	0.375
M16	25	75	-	-	0.125	0.375

2.3. Testing Methods

The mechanical properties of the fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC) were evaluated using a series of standardized testing methods. These tests were designed to assess the compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths of the composites, providing a comprehensive understanding of how different fiber types and their combinations influence the performance of the material.

2.3.1. Compressive Strength Test

The compressive strength of the composites was determined using the ASTM C109 standard test method. Cubical specimens with a size of 50 x 50 x 50 mm were prepared for each mix design. After curing for 28 days under standard conditions, the specimens were subjected to compressive loading in a hydraulic testing machine at a constant rate of 0.25 MPa/s until failure. The maximum load at failure was recorded, and the compressive strength was calculated by dividing the maximum load by the cross-sectional area of the specimen. This test provided insights into the ability of the composites to withstand axial loads and the influence of different fibers on the compressive strength [25, 27, 28].

2.3.2. Flexural Strength Test

The flexural strength of the FRCC was measured using the ASTM C348 standard test method. Prism specimens with dimensions of 160 mm x 40 mm x 40 mm were cast and cured for 28 days. The specimens were then tested under three-point loading conditions, in a universal testing machine. The load was applied at a constant rate of 0.05 MPa/s until the specimen failed. The maximum load at failure was recorded to determine the flexural strength of the specimen [25, 27, 28].

2.3.3. Tensile Strength Test

The tensile strength of the composites was assessed using the ASTM C190 standard test method, specifically designed for evaluating the direct tensile strength of materials. In this procedure, dog bone-shaped samples of the composite were prepared and subjected to tensile loading until failure. This method provides a reliable measure of the material's tensile properties, reflecting its ability to withstand tensile forces without breaking. The dog bone shape of the sample ensures a uniform distribution of stress along the length of the specimen, allowing for accurate determination of the composite's tensile strength. In this experiment, after 28 days of curing, the specimens were mounted on the universal testing machine. The load is applied at a constant rate of extension, as specified by the standard. This ensures that the test results are consistent and reproducible. The load is increased until the specimen fails, and the maximum load at failure is recorded [25, 27, 28].

2.3.4. Workability Test

In addition to the mechanical tests, the workability of the fresh concrete mixes was assessed using the slump test, in accordance with ASTM C1437. The slump test involved filling a standard conical mold with the fresh cement composite mix and then lifting the mold vertically. The difference in height between the mold and the slumped composites was measured as the slump value. This test provided a quick assessment of the workability of each mix design, indicating how the inclusion of various fibers affected the ease of mixing, placing, and finishing of the concrete [29, 30].

2.3.5. Density Measurement

The density of the hardened cement composites was measured by determining the mass and volume of the cured specimens. After the specimens were removed from the molds and allowed to cure for 28 days, their mass was measured using a precision balance. The volume of the cubical specimens was calculated based on their dimensions. The density was then calculated by dividing the mass by the volume, providing an indication of the compactness and overall quality of the composite mix [29, 30].

3.1. Compressive Strength

The compressive strength results varied significantly across the mix designs, reflecting the influence of different fibers on the ability of the FRCC to withstand axial loads. Figure 2 illustrates the compressive strength values for varying combination of fiber content. The strengths ranged from 17 MPa in Mix M4, which contained 0.5% Banana fibers, to 67 MPa in Mix M11, which was reinforced with 0.125% PVA and 0.375% Basalt fibers. The relatively low compressive strength in Mix M4 can be attributed to the weaker bond and lower stiffness of Banana fibers compared to synthetic fibers like PVA and Basalt. On the other hand, Mix M11 exhibited the highest compressive strength, indicating that the hybrid combination of PVA and Basalt fibers provided a synergistic effect that significantly improved the load-bearing capacity of the composite. This suggests that Basalt fibers, with their high tensile strength and stiffness, effectively contributed to the composite's overall strength, while the PVA fibers improved the bond within the matrix, reducing the likelihood of micro-cracking under compressive loads.

Mixes containing single fiber types, such as M1 (0.5% PVA) and M3 (0.5% Basalt), also demonstrated relatively high compressive strengths of 64 MPa and 36 MPa, respectively. This indicates that PVA and Basalt fibers alone are effective in enhancing compressive strength, albeit not as much as when combined with other fibers. Mixes with lower compressive strengths, such as M2 (27 MPa with 0.5% PP) and M15 (26 MPa with 0.125% PP and 0.375% Banana), underscore the limited contribution of PP and Banana fibers to compressive strength when used either alone or in combination [25, 27, 28].

3.2. Flexural Strength

Flexural strength is a critical indicator of a composite's ability to resist bending stresses, and the results showed significant variations based on fiber type and content. Figure 3 illustrates the flexural strength characteristics of cement composites with different hybrid fiber contents. The highest flexural strength was observed in Mixes M3, M5, M6, M7, M9, M11, M12, and M13, all of which reached a strength of 17 MPa. These mixes included varying combinations of PVA, PP, and Basalt fibers, indicating that these fibers effectively enhanced the composite's resistance to bending. The high flexural strength in these mixes can be attributed to the ability of PVA and Basalt fibers to bridge cracks, thereby delaying crack propagation and enhancing the load-bearing capacity of the composite under flexural loads. The combination of these fibers in various proportions likely contributed to a more uniform distribution of stresses within the matrix, resulting in improved flexural performance. In contrast, Mix M16, which contained 0.125% Basalt and 0.375% Banana fibers, exhibited the lowest flexural strength of 10 MPa, suggesting that Banana fibers alone may not be as effective in enhancing flexural properties, particularly when combined with lower proportions of Basalt fibers. The results also indicate that hybrid fiber combinations generally performed better in flexural tests compared to mixes with a single fiber type. For instance, Mix M5 (0.375% PVA and 0.125% PP) and Mix M12 (0.125% PP and 0.375% Basalt) both exhibited high flexural strengths, suggesting that the combination of different fibers can create a more resilient and flexible matrix, capable of absorbing and distributing stress more effectively [25, 27, 28].

3.3. Tensile Strength

Tensile strength, which reflects the composite's ability to resist forces that attempt to pull it apart, varied significantly across the mix designs. Figure 4 illustrates the tensile strength characteristics of cement composites with different hybrid fiber contents. The highest tensile strength of 13 MPa was observed in Mix M13, which contained 0.375% Basalt and 0.125% Banana fibers. This mix demonstrated that the inclusion of Basalt fibers, known for their high tensile strength, significantly enhanced the composite's resistance to tensile forces. The presence of Banana fibers, while contributing less to compressive strength, may have helped improve the tensile properties by enhancing the matrix's toughness and flexibility.

Mix M3, containing 0.5% Basalt fibers, also showed a high tensile strength of 12 MPa, further reinforcing the effectiveness of Basalt fibers in improving tensile performance. In contrast, Mixes M4 and M10, which contained 0.5% Banana fibers and a combination of 0.375% PP and 0.125% Banana fibers, respectively, exhibited lower tensile strengths of 10 MPa and 8 MPa. These results suggest that while Banana fibers contribute to the tensile strength of the composite, their effectiveness is significantly lower compared to synthetic fibers like Basalt and PVA.

Hybrid fiber combinations generally resulted in higher tensile strengths compared to mixes with single fiber types. For example, Mix M11, which combined 0.125% PVA and 0.375% Basalt fibers, achieved a tensile strength of 11 MPa, indicating that the combined effects of these fibers created a more robust matrix capable of resisting tensile forces more effectively [19, 31]. This highlights the potential benefits of fiber hybridization in enhancing the tensile properties of FRCC, offering a balance between strength and flexibility that may be advantageous in various construction applications [31].

3.4. Overall Performance and Synergistic Effects

The results from this study underscore the importance of fiber type, content, and hybridization in determining the mechanical properties of FRCC. PVA and Basalt fibers, either alone or in combination, consistently outperformed other fibers in terms of compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths, making them ideal candidates for enhancing the performance of cementitious composites [11, 19]. The use of hybrid fiber combinations, particularly those involving Basalt fibers, demonstrated synergistic effects that significantly improved the overall mechanical properties of the composites. The study also revealed that while natural fibers like Banana can contribute to certain mechanical properties, their effectiveness is generally lower compared to synthetic fibers. However, when combined with fibers like Basalt or PVA, Banana fibers can still play a role in enhancing the toughness and flexibility of the composite, offering a potential pathway for more sustainable construction materials. In conclusion, the findings from this study provide valuable insights into the design of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites [13, 32]. The strategic selection and combination of fibers can lead to significant improvements in the mechanical performance of FRCC, with hybrid fiber combinations offering the most promising results [31]. These insights can inform the development of advanced composites for a wide range of construction applications, particularly in scenarios where both strength and durability are critical.

3.5. Workability

The workability of the fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC) was assessed using the slump test, which measures the ease with which fresh concrete can be mixed, placed, and finished. The test results for the various mix designs revealed how the inclusion and combination of different fibers affected the consistency and flowability of the fresh mixes.

The workability results revealed that the incorporation of fibers into the cementitious matrix had a noticeable effect on the slump values. Generally, mixes with higher proportions of synthetic fibers, particularly PVA and PP, demonstrated slightly better workability, with slump values ranging from 85 mm to 95 mm. Figure 5 illustrates the slump value of cement composites with different hybrid fiber contents. This can be attributed to the lower aspect ratios and better dispersion of these fibers, which facilitate easier mixing and placement. Mixes containing Basalt fibers, such as M3 and M11, showed moderate workability, with slump values around 88 mm to 93 mm. Basalt fibers, while improving the mechanical properties of the composite, contributed to a moderate reduction in workability compared to synthetic fibers, likely due to their stiffer nature and higher density [33, 34].

In contrast, mixes with a higher proportion of Banana fibers, such as M4, M14, and M16, exhibited lower workability, with slump values ranging from 78 mm to 83 mm. The lower slump values in these mixes suggest that Banana fibers may create a more cohesive and less flowable mixture, which could be due to their higher moisture absorption and less efficient dispersion in the matrix. Hybrid mixes, which combined different types of fibers, generally showed a balance in workability. For example, Mix M5 (0.375% PVA + 0.125% PP) and Mix M11 (0.125% PVA + 0.375% Basalt) had relatively high slump values, indicating that the combination of fibers can offset some of the workability issues introduced by individual fiber types. Overall, the workability results indicate that while synthetic fibers tend to enhance the ease of handling and placement of the FRCC, the addition of natural fibers like Banana can reduce workability [29, 30]. The findings emphasize the need to optimize fiber combinations to achieve a desirable balance between workability and mechanical performance, ensuring that the fresh concrete mix is suitable for practical application while still meeting performance requirements.

3.6. Dry Density

The density of the fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC) was assessed to evaluate the impact of different fibers on the overall compactness and quality of the concrete. The density measurements were taken after the samples had cured for 28 days. Figure 6 illustrates the density test results for each mix design.

The dry density values for the fiber-reinforced cement composites (FRCC), calculated based on various fiber combinations, reveal interesting trends in density alterations due to fiber incorporation. The results show that the dry densities of the composites range from approximately 1979.5 kg/m³ to 1991.1 kg/m³.

Mixes with PVA fibers (M1, M5, M6, M7) generally exhibit slightly lower densities, reflecting the lightweight nature of PVA fibers. This trend is also observed in mixes containing polypropylene (PP) fibers (M2, M8, M9, M10), which contribute to the lowest densities due to their relatively low density compared to other fibers. On the other hand, mixes incorporating basalt fibers (M3, M6, M11, M13) demonstrate higher densities, attributed to the greater density of basalt fibers. Banana fibers, with a moderate density, affect the composites' densities in a manner that falls between those influenced by PVA and basalt fibers, as seen in mixes M4, M7, M10, and M12.

Interestingly, mixes with combined fibers (M5 through M16) show densities influenced by the mix of fiber types used. For instance, combinations of PVA, PP, and basalt fibers result in densities that are slightly elevated or reduced based on the predominant fiber type and their proportions. This indicates that while individual fiber types have distinct impacts on density, the combined effect of multiple fiber types can be complex, leading to varied density outcomes. The data suggests that fiber choice and proportion play a significant role in determining the dry density of hydraulic cement composites, and the effects are directly linked to the intrinsic densities of the fibers used [26, 29, 30]. This insight can be useful for designing composites with targeted density properties for specific applications.

This study aimed to explore the impact of various fibers and their combinations on the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC), with a focus on compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths. The research provides critical insights into the role of fiber type, content, and hybridization in enhancing the performance of cementitious composites.

The findings demonstrate that synthetic fibers, particularly Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and Basalt fibers, significantly improve the mechanical properties of FRCC. Mixes containing these fibers exhibited high compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths, with Basalt fibers showing superior performance in enhancing tensile and flexural strengths due to their high stiffness and tensile strength. PVA fibers also contributed to the overall strength of the composites, particularly by enhancing the bond within the matrix and improving compressive strength.

The study also highlighted the benefits of fiber hybridization, where combining different fiber types resulted in a synergistic effect that enhanced the overall mechanical properties of the composites. Hybrid combinations, such as those involving PVA and Basalt or PVA and Polypropylene (PP) fibers, consistently outperformed single-fiber mixes. This demonstrates the potential of fiber hybridization in creating more resilient and durable cementitious composites. The strategic combination of fibers can lead to materials that offer balanced performance across multiple mechanical properties, making them suitable for a wide range of construction applications.

However, the study noted that natural fibers, such as Banana fibers, while contributing to certain aspects of composite performance, were generally less effective than synthetic fibers in improving mechanical properties. Nonetheless, Banana fibers, when used in conjunction with stronger synthetic fibers, can enhance the toughness and flexibility of the composite, pointing to their potential use in more sustainable construction materials.

Additionally, the density of fiber-reinforced cement composites is significantly influenced by the type and proportion of fibers used. Composites with lightweight fibers, such as PVA and PP, exhibit lower densities, which tend to improve workability by reducing the overall mass and potentially enhancing ease of handling and mixing. Conversely, denser fibers like Basalt increase the composite's density, which may decrease workability due to the increased mass. Therefore, balancing fiber type and proportion is crucial for optimizing both density and workability to meet the specific requirements of various construction applications.

In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of careful fiber selection and mix design in developing high-performance FRCC. The use of hybrid fiber combinations, particularly those involving Basalt and PVA fibers, offers a promising approach to enhancing the strength and durability of cementitious composites. These insights can guide future research and the development of advanced materials for construction, particularly in applications where both mechanical strength and durability are critical. The study paves the way for further exploration into fiber-reinforced composites, with an emphasis on optimizing fiber content and combinations to achieve the desired mechanical properties for specific construction needs.

Declaration of Competing Statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Declaration of generative AI in scientific writing

This review article includes the use of generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, as a tool to assist in the writing process. By leveraging the capabilities of ChatGPT, the author aimed to improve the readability and presentation of the research, ensuring it meets high academic and professional standards. The final manuscript has been thoroughly reviewed and edited to ensure accuracy and coherence, maintaining the rigor expected in scientific writing.

Funding Information

The authors declare that no external funding sources were provided for the generation of this article. All research, analysis, and writing were conducted without financial support or sponsorship.

Author Contribution

Nidhya Rathinavel: Conceptualized and designed the study, supervised the experiments, and contributed to the interpretation of the results. Also responsible for the overall manuscript drafting and critical revisions.Karthigaiselvan: Conducted the experimental work, including preparation of the fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC) and mechanical testing. Analyzed the data and contributed to the drafting of the methodology and results sectionsAbdul Aleem: Provided critical feedback on the study design and final manuscript. Played a key role in aligning the study objectives with practical applications in the construction industry.

Acknowledgment

The authors thank the Department of Civil Engineering, The Principal of PSG Institute of Technology and Applied Research, PSG Sons’ and Charities for their support. The author is very grateful to the editor and the anonymous reviewers for their valuable contribution and constructive attitude

Data Availability

All data generated and analyzed during this study are included in this article.

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No competing interests reported.

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You are reading this latest preprint version

Synergistic Fiber Hybridization: Unlocking Superior Mechanical Performance in Cementitious Composites

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Abstract

Figures

1. Introduction

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Materials

2.2. Mix Design

2.3. Testing Methods

2.3.1. Compressive Strength Test

2.3.2. Flexural Strength Test

2.3.3. Tensile Strength Test

2.3.4. Workability Test

2.3.5. Density Measurement

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Compressive Strength

3.2. Flexural Strength

3.3. Tensile Strength

3.4. Overall Performance and Synergistic Effects

3.5. Workability

3.6. Dry Density

4. Conclusion

Declarations

Funding Information

Author Contribution

Acknowledgment

Data Availability

References

Additional Declarations

Supplementary Files

Status:

Version 1