An Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Bendable Concrete by using Fly Ash and Recron 3S Fibers

Removing the fragile concept of concrete has opened up a whole new realm of possibilities for improving the future of civil infrastructure in terms of strength, durability, safety, and longevity. Because of its long life and the materials' planned versatility, Engineered Cement Composites (ECC) are expected to cost less in the long run. Additionally, its exhibition is primarily made up of little strands. Except for the coarse aggregate, the ingredients in flexible cement are the same as those in regular solid cement. It seems to be regular concrete, but ECC concrete allows the unusually covered organisation of fibres to move within the concrete under excessive force, preventing the stiffness that causes weakness and breaking. Crucial to ECC's design is the use of tiny strands that function as tendons, reinforcing the solid and making it more securely bind. Using various percentages of Recron fibres and the ideal proportion for partial cement substitution with fly ash, an experiment was conducted for M25 concrete. The percentages of fly ash and Recron fibre used to substitute cement were 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively. Cubes, cylinders, and beams made of conventional concrete with a water-cement ratio of 0.45 were cast and subjected to testing for 7 and 28 days, respectively. Extensive discussion of the findings follows. By substituting 30% fly ash and 1.5% Recron fibre for the cement in regular concrete, the latter achieved 15.15% higher compressive strength, 50% higher tensile split strength, and 20.63% higher flexural strength. When compared to the standard concrete plate specimen, the deflection value is much higher when 30% fly ash and 1.5% Recron fibre are used in lieu of cement. The ideal cement substitute for a pliable concrete plate was determined to be 30% fly ash and 1.5% recron fibre. The great flexural strength of the plate (700×150×30) & (700×150×45) mm is evident when compared to a standard plate.