Behaviour of Quartz Powder-Based Fibre-Reinforced Concrete

This study presents the experimental investigation done on behaviour of quartz powder (QP) concrete containing Polyolefin fibre. Also discusses about the soaking of QP in water to activate the pozzolanic reaction. Three percentage of QP (10, 15, and 20%) by the weight of cement with a soaking time of 6 h and 0.15% of polyolefin fibre were used in this study. Concrete specimens made with different proportions of QP and polyolefin fibre were cured under normal moist curing. After 28 days, a 10% substitution of quartz powder (QP) in the concrete significantly increased the compressive strength. Soaking QP played a key role in this improvement by promoting the formation of calcium silicate hydrate and enhancing the filling effect. Furthermore, it was observed that the addition of 0.15% of polyolefin fibre enhanced the tensile strength of concrete. This is in agreement that replacing cement by quartz powder, there is an improvement in the workability and mechanical property of concrete, but increasing usage of quartz powder does not have an efficient positive effect on compressive strength.