An Insight into Pavement Maintenance with Fiber Concrete Overlays

In the realm of civil engineering, scientists and engineers are striving to enhance the performance of Portland cement concrete (PCC) by incorporating organic waste materials, particularly wheat straw fibers. These fibers, alongside polymers, are key components in reinforcing cementitious concrete. They have been extensively studied and found to positively impact plain concrete, leading to the development of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC). This study innovates construction through unique random fiber inclusion, diverse types, and addressing maintenance overlays of rigid pavements. This concept resembles a two-sided coin, with one side involving the random integration of fibers into the matrix, commonly seen in applications like Portland cement concrete pavement slabs and canal lining. Extensive research efforts were undertaken to gather insights into the significance of fiber composites in the field of construction. This literature review examines papers published by well-regarded publishers, encompassing the latest and essential research findings. Consequently, the primary aim of this study is to consolidate the outcomes and hurdles associated with fiber-reinforced composites for rigid pavement overlays, offering practical solutions to optimize concrete for enhanced pavement performance and sustainability. Our study's primary goal is to investigate the alterations in wheat straw fiber-reinforced concrete (WSFRC) materials through random fiber inclusion and explore the implications of different fiber types, mixing procedures, and construction challenges. A comprehensive literature review reveals three main objectives for incorporating fibers into concrete pavement overlays: enhancing mechanical properties, developing electrically conductive mixtures, and providing a sustainable solution for waste fiber management. This research paves the way for improving the performance and sustainability of concrete pavements in civil engineering.