Experimental investigation on impact strength of hybrid fibre reinforced concrete containing steel and polypropylene

The current research investigates the impact resistance of concrete reinforced with a combination of hybrid fibers– crimped steel and polypropylene. Using the Box Behnken Design methodology, a series of drop weight impact tests were performed at 7 and 28 days of curing testing charges with varying fiber reinforcements to determine their resistance levels. The experimental results indicate that the optimum configurations and mix with 1.5% crimped steel fiber and 0.25% polypropylene fiber trend to have higher impact strength in all testing stages. It was also evident that the combination maintained optimal strength before and after curing. Evidently, fiber reinforcements and curing time are critical to improving the material and longer curing time increases the resistance. Predictive analytics provided the best approach to explaining the nature of the complex relationship and confluence factors on the performance of the material, which would assist in tailoring optimal propulsion methods. Results from the research are valuable in engineering more resilient infrastructure with a dynamic environment. The applicability of insights ensures that the slip-form concrete fiber is used to improve the longevity of the concrete structures, ensuring that they are resilient to impact events, in turn making a more sustainable built environment.