Polypropylene fibres in concrete with regard to durability

Recent laboratory research has shown that small additions of monofilament polypropylene fibres in concrete, in diameter range of 22 to 35 micron by 19mm long, reduce the flow of water through the concrete matrix by preventing the transmission of water through the normal modes of ingress, e.g. capillaries, pore structure, covercrete, etc. The implications of these qualities in concrete with polypropylene fibre additions is that cement hydration will be improved, separation of aggregate will be reduced and the flow of water through concrete that causes deterioration from freeze/thaw action and rebar corrosion will be reduced, creating an environment in which enhanced durability may take place. As a consequence, lower life cycle costs and best value will be achieved for concrete use, with an ultimate reduction in the cost of maintaining the aging infrastructure. A unique aspect of this work is that heart and covercrete are analysed and compared with corroborative results.