Analytical and Experimental Study of Wall Panel with Steel and Polypropylene Fibre in Foam Concrete
摘要
Foam concrete is increasingly favoured in construction for its low energy use, cost efficiency, thermal insulation, and ease of handling. However, its limited mechanical strength restricts broader structural applications. This study investigates the enhancement of foam concrete through fibre reinforcement, using varying dosages of steel fibres (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%) and polypropylene fibres (0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%). Experimental tests conducted after 28 days of curing assessed compressive, flexural, split tensile, and impact strength. Results were validated through finite element modelling in Abaqus and soft computing techniques. This combined approach confirms that fibre reinforcement significantly improves the structural performance of foam concrete, offering a practical solution for lightweight construction applications.