Influence of Fibers on Strength Characteristics of Cement Mortar

Abstract

Cement mortar, being a bonding material has extensive application in plastering, masonry work, repairing damaged concrete and the development of precast products. Portland cement gives a mortar high early strength, a consistent hardening rate, and higher bond strengths. However, Portland cement mortar is found to be a relatively brittle material. Cracks are prone to happen in plastic as well as the hardened stage. Hence, there is an increase in the demand for blast-resisting materials. The blast may cause concrete to spall, and disintegrate. Introduction of Fibers in cement mortar to increase the strength characteristics and develop a better bonding in cement sand mixture which will delay the failure of concrete. This study aims at determining and understanding the compressive and flexural strength characteristics of fiber reinforced mortar with the addition of different percentages of fibers in mortar. Two types of polypropylene fibers were used namely, plain and crimped polypropylene fibers in percentages of 0.5,1,2 of length 55mm, 27.5mm, 13.75mm.