The Effect of Polypropylene Fibers on the Engineered Cementitious Composite to Sustain Low-Cost Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

This study investigates the impact of incorporating polypropylene (PP) fibers alongside polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers in engineered cementitious composite (ECC). The locally sourced PP fibers partially substituted PVA fibers in the mixture, and the flexural behavior of ECC with PP fibers underwent assessment, encompassing first crack strength, post-crack strength, and toughness, through a three-point bending test. The sorptivity and water absorption characteristics of both materials were comprehensively examined. While PVA fibers demonstrated more promising behavior than PP fibers, the latter, particularly in a hybrid ratio of 75% PP and 25% PVA, could be regarded as an alternative material for ECC. Nevertheless, a complete replacement of PVA fibers with PP fibers did not result in enhanced ductility and flexural strength. For applications emphasizing cost reduction and improved deformability in ECC production, hybrid methods present themselves as a practical alternative.