Publication

Abstract : As conventional concrete is sensitive to varying exposure conditions, this paper aims to study the effect of incorporation of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) fibers at different volume fractions (Vf) of 0.15%, 0.3% and 0.45% by total volume in concrete to enhance strength, impact and abrasion resistance as well as sorption and shrinkage characteristics. Results show significant improvement of mechanical properties and remarkable reduction in sorptivity and shrinkage with moderate volume incorporation of PVA fibers. Enhanced properties indicate PVA FRC as a prospective material for rigid pavements. A relative design evaluation adopting PVA FRC as a rigid pavement slab material is also presented.