Date of Award
Summer 1984
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
First Advisor
Wenzel, Thomas H.
Second Advisor
Faherty, Keith L.
Abstract
In this investigation the use of fiber reinforced concrete as an overlay material for the deteriorated surface of a roadway or bridge deck is considered. Concrete overlays have generally been reinforced with reinforcing bars or welded wire fabric. This practice can lead to cracking and spalling of the overlay surface due to corrosion of the reinforcing steel. To improve the durability of concrete, researchers have replaced conventional reinforcement in concrete with fibers. Most fiber reinforced concrete overlays have used steel fibers as reinforcement. The problem with steel fibers is that the steel fibers can corrode resulting in the same type of failure as that of the original base pavement. In this study the use of polypropylene fibers, a noncorrosive material, is investigated for use in fiber reinforced concrete overlays. A small scale model of a full size bridge structure with a concrete overlay is developed. The models were designed to meet all requirements of model similitude for the full size structure's material properties, geometric dimensions, and loading. A model concrete was developed and tested which behaved similar to that of normal concrete. The model overlays were tested for behavior based on overlay thickness, bonding of overlay to the base pavement, and the use of polypropylene fibers.
Recommended Citation
Kinsley, William, "Cracking in Concrete Overlays Reinforced with Polypropylene Fibers" (1984). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 4901.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/4901