Journal Published Online: 22 January 2014
Volume 42, Issue 2

Curling Control in Concrete Slabs Using Fiber Reinforcement

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

Curling of concrete remains a major concern in flatwork and its mitigation is critical for crack control, durability, and mechanical performance, not to mention the aesthetics. This report describes a study on concrete slabs that were subjected to a controlled environment of sustained heat and humidity. The resultant curling was evaluated by means of strain gauges placed along the length and breadth of the slab. In addition to the reference plain concrete mix, three fiber reinforced mixes were cast with cellulose microfibers incorporated at a volume fraction up to 0.3 %. The results show that plain concrete will crack and thereby ease the amount of curl whereas the addition of fibers at low dosage rates (<=0.2 %) leads to crack control and consequently, a visible increase in curling. However, at 0.3 % volume fraction, cellulose fibers were able to arrest cracking and also reduce the curl with respect to the reference plain mix.

Author Information

Banthia, N.
Department of Civil Engineering, Univ. of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, CA
Bindiganavile, V.
Deptartment of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CA
Azhari, F.
Department of Civil Engineering, Univ. of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, CA
Zanotti, C.
Department of Civil Engineering, Univ. of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, CA
Pages: 8
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JTE20120111
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE20120111