STRENGTH AND DURABILITY OF POLYPROPYLENE FIBER-REINFORCED GROUTS

Fibrillated polypropylene fibres were added to cementitious grouts to determine whether improved mechanical properties and durability could be achieved. The grouts were studied for suitability as subsurface con tainment barriers around stabilized hazardous waste landfills. Strengt h, wet-dry and freeze-thaw durability and shrinkage crack control were investigated. Fibres added at volume fractions of 0.1 and 0.2% were f ound to reduce crack widths of restrained shrinkage specimens by bridg ing action. compressive and flexural strengths were not consistently a ffected by incorporation of fibres. Fibres did not significantly chang e the residual compressive strength of air entrained grouts subjected to freeze-thaw cycles.