Optimisation of compressive and flexural strenth of concrete pavements produced with SIFCON

SIFCON (Cement Bulk Impregnated Fiber Concrete) is a composite reinforced with steel wire at a high volume ratio (5-20%) in a matrix formed by curing of a slurry of cement, water, super plasticizer, silica fume and very fine sand. The most important difference from high strength concretes is ductile behavior during fracture. In high strength concrete, Sifcon exhibits ductile behavior with high permeability, high durability, strength and ductility properties and high steel wire content while material strength increases as the strength increases. In steel fiber concretes, fiber content is between 2% and 3%, but about 10 times more fiber can be used in SIFCON and high ductility is obtained. This special concrete type is recommended for use in explosion-proof military structures, industrial floors, airports and bridges. In this study, the usability of concrete produced with SIFCON to rigid upper structures was investigated. For this purpose, the delamination, fiber ratio, water / binder ratio and silica fume of steel fibers were taken as parameters and their effects on pressure and bending strengths were investigated. In the study, steel fiber in proportions of 40, 55, 65, 80 and 3, 6, 9, 12, 0,30, 0,35, 0,40, 0,45 water / binder and 0,5,10,15 Silica fume was determined as mixture variables. Experimental design was carried out using Taguchi Method and the mixture variables and levels were determined which gave 28 days compressive and bending strengths. As a result of the studies made, it has been determined that the most important parameter on pressure and bending strength of concrete produced with SIFCON is fiber fragility. The positive effects of silica fume, which is a mineral additive, on the pressure and bending strengths have been experimentally observed. The reason why the biggest problem encountered in concrete roads is bending strength is determined by the usability of concrete used with SIFCON to rigid upper structures.