Experimental Investigation of Short Square Normal and Hybrid Fiber Reactive Powder Concrete Columns Subjected to Chloride Solution Attack

Abstract

In this research, the structural behavior of reinforced concrete columns made of normal and hybrid reactive powder concrete (hybrid by steel and polypropylene fibers) subjected to chloride salts with concentration was 8341.6 mg/l. The study consists of two parts, the first one is experimental study and the second one is theoretical analysis.  Three main variables were adopted in the experimental program; concrete type, curing type and loading arrangement. Twenty (120x120x1200) mm columns were cast and tested depending on these variables. The samples were reinforced using two different bars; Ø8 for ties and Ø12 with minimum longitudinal reinforcement (0.01Ag). The specimens were divided into two main groups based on curing type: The first group consists of casting and testing of ten columns that cured in tap water for 28 days with two types of concrete (normal and hybrid), five columns for each type. While the second group consists of ten columns that direct cured and fully immersed in chloride water (8341.6 mg/l) 6 months with two types of concrete (normal and hybrid), five columns for each type. The specimens were tested under three types of loading, the first one is axial load, the second one is eccentric load with three different eccentricities (50,100 and 150) mm and where (e/h) are (0.42, 0.83 and 1.25) respectively from the center of column while the third type of loading is tested the specimens as beam.

The experimental results showed an increase in ultimate load capacity and higher chlorides resisting for hybrid reactive powder concrete in comparison with normal concrete in both types of curing (tap and chloride water) through studying strain profile. Interaction diagram charts were obtained from different types of loading for each specimen. These charts showed high values for hybrid reactive powder concrete in comparison with normal concrete.