IMPACT OF GLASS COMPOSITE FIBER ON THE PHYSICO-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF HEAVY CONCRETE

The development of concrete with predefined properties makes it possible to solve most structural design challenges. The use of glass composite fiber as dispersed reinforcement in heavy concrete allows the production of materials not only with enhanced performance characteristics and increased fracture toughness, but also with special properties such as radio transparency and elevated dielectric strength. In this study, the physical, mechanical, and energy-related properties of fiber-reinforced concrete containing glass composite fiber were evaluated. Using an orthogonal central composite design (CCD), four response functions were obtained based on formulation parameters of dispersed-reinforced concrete. Analysis of these functions revealed optimal values for both the concentration and geometric parameters of the glass com-posite fiber. From the standpoint of tensile-compressive strength, the optimal composition includes straight fibers with a helix pitch of 4 mm and a volumetric content of 2%. In terms of energy characteristics, the optimum is achieved with straight fibers having a helix pitch of 5.5 mm and a fiber content of 1.8–2.0%. In this case, the energy required for specimen fracture increases by more than twofold compared to the minimum values of the response function within the experimental range.