Enhancement of Concrete Strength of Using PPF and Analysis by ANSYS for Strength Comparison

The primary objective of this investigation is to assess the mechanical properties of polymer waste materials and the impact of adding polypropylene artificial fibers on concrete’s strength. The construction industry has witnessed considerable growth in sustainable design methods, structural systems, and building materials, leading to a heightened emphasis on constructing sustainable structures. This study examines the effect of polypropylene fibers and polymer waste materials on concrete by casting specimens with 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1% polypropylene fibers, along with polymer waste materials, and subjecting them to tests for compressive, split tensile, flexural, and impact strength after 3, 14, and 28 days of curing. The inclusion of a superplasticizer with the fiber reduced water content and enhanced the fiber's water absorption capacity in high-strength concrete. The results demonstrated that the addition of 0.75% fiber yielded the highest compressive strength, making it the optimal proportion of polypropylene fiber and polymer waste materials. The addition of the superplasticizer was also evaluated for its potential to improve the fiber’s water absorption characteristics. The same optimal percentage was observed for split tensile, flexural, and impact strengths. The study also concluded that a polypropylene fiber blend with 1.5% waste polymer produced the highest compressive strength, making it the best fiber blend. A scanning electron microscopy and SCM diffraction analysis was also conducted in this study in order to determine the impact of the fiber on the structure and elemental composition of the high-strength concrete. To assess the structural and elemental composition of the high-strength concrete containing 1% polypropylene fiber and polymer waste materials, microstructure and diffraction analyses were also performed. The findings of this study provide valuable insight into the potential use of polypropylene fibers and polymer waste materials as reinforcement agents in concrete, thereby enhancing its strength and durability.