Performance of Synthetic Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Pipes

Abstract

This study presents the production and full-scale testing of specific synthetic fiber-reinforced concrete pipes in a dry cast environment. Production and testing were conducted to identify the structural behavior of concrete pipes with synthetic fibers for the first time in the United States. Three production sites were selected to utilize different pipe manufacturing equipment. Each plant’s mix design was kept to be the same as those used in the production of the conventional reinforced concrete pipes (RCP), except for replacing the steel cage with synthetic fibers and adjusting the amount of water in the composite mix of concrete and fibers. Synthetic fiber-reinforced concrete pipes (SY-FRCP) were tested based on industry standard specifications for strength requirements for pipe diameters ranging from 375 mm to 600 mm (15 in. to 36 in.). Full-scale structural strength and stiffness tests were conducted based on industry standard test methods, three-edge bearing tests, for obtaining the load deformation characteristics of SY-FRCP. Control test pipes were also produced and tested for comparison purposes by using the conventional industry standard specifications for reinforced concrete pipes with steel cage. The load deformation plots along with the crack pattern formation for both SY-FRCP and RCP were compared. The results of this study indicated the BASF MasterFiber MAC Matric synthetic fibers could be used as an alternative reinforcement of concrete pipes.