RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL

UNIVERSITY

1
 CE05
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING

FIBER COMPOSITES
TOPIC 7

GROUP 5
NAME ACTUAL WRITTEN GROOMING
REPORT REPORT
AYAP, ABEGAIL SHANE D.
BAGOOD, SHANE D.
VILLACRUSIS, SHAME D.

CEIT – 02 – 401A
TF / 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

DATE

Engr. Aleli N. Rey

PROFESSOR

RIZAL
TECHNOLOGICAL CE05
UNIVERSITY
2ND SEM S.Y. 2024-2025

2
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND TESTING

FIBER COMPOSITES
TOPIC 7

GROUP 5
TOPICS:
7.0 ………………………………………………. AYAP
7.1 ………………………………………....….….AYAP
7.2 ………………………………….……….BAGOOD
7.3…………………………………………...BAGOOD
7.4………………………………….…VILLACRUSIS

CEIT – 02 – 401A
TF / 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

DATE

Engr. Aleli N. Rey

PROFESSOR

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3
 Fiber Composites and Fiber Reinforced
Cement and Concrete
What is Fiber?

A fiber is a thin, elongated material, either natural or synthetic, known for its strength
and flexibility. Fibers are often used in reinforcing composite materials to enhance their

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durability and performance. In biological contexts, fibers can refer to thread-like
structures in cells or tissues.

Composite Materials

Composite materials are created by combining two or more distinct components

to form a new material that has enhanced properties compared to its individual
components. The components retain their unique physical and chemical characteristics
within the composite.

Main Components of Composite Materials

1. Matrix: The primary material that holds everything together. It distributes loads
and protects the reinforcement.
o Types: Polymer, Metal, Ceramic, Cement
2. Reinforcement: The strengthening component that provides stiffness, strength,
and durability.
o Forms: Fibers (glass, carbon, aramid), particles, or flakes

Fiber Composites:

Fiber composites are a specific type of

composite material that integrate high-
strength fibers into a matrix. These
materials are used to improve structural
integrity, durability, and functionality, and
have revolutionized industries like
construction, engineering, and
manufacturing.

How Fiber Composites Work

Fiber composites are made by

embedding fibers, such as glass, carbon,
or aramid, into a matrix made from
polymer, metal, or ceramic. This combination utilizes the high tensile strength of the
fibers and the binding properties of the matrix to produce lightweight yet strong
materials.

Types of Fibers and Their Applications

 Steel: High strength, used for structural applications.

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 Glass: Suitable for decorative and architectural purposes.

 Basalt: Known for durability and resistance to chemical damage.

 Soft Plastic (Micro Synthetic): Prevents plastic shrinkage cracks during the first
six hours of curing.

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  Stiff Plastic (Macro Synthetic): Controls cracks after the concrete hardens,
improving structural performance.

Types of Fiber Composites

1. Carbon Fiber Composites: Known for

exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, stiffness,
and resistance to fatigue. They are commonly

used in aerospace, sports equipment, and high-performance vehicles.

2. Glass Fiber Composites: Widely used due to their

cost-effectiveness and good mechanical properties.
Applications include automotive components, wind
turbine blades, and marine structures.

3. Aramid Fiber Composites: Highly resistant to

impact and abrasion, making them ideal for
ballistic protection and industrial applications.

Advantages of Fiber Composites

 High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Suitable for applications requiring

lightweight structures.
 Corrosion Resistance: Outperforms metals in harsh environments.
 Thermal Stability: Carbon fibers, in particular, maintain strength at high
temperatures.

Applications

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 Fiber composites are utilized in industries such as aerospace, automotive,
construction, and renewable energy. Their lightweight nature and adaptability make
them indispensable for modern engineering challenges. Fiber composites have become
indispensable in modern civil engineering due to their durability, lightweight properties,
and resistance to corrosion. One of the most prominent applications is in structural
strengthening and retrofitting, where fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) are used to
reinforce aging infrastructure, such as bridges and buildings, increasing their load
capacity and seismic resistance. Additionally, these composites are extensively used in
bridge and deck construction, providing lightweight, corrosion-resistant alternatives to
traditional materials, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing long-term
performance. Furthermore, FRP rebars are gaining popularity as replacements for
conventional steel reinforcement in concrete structures, particularly in coastal and
marine environments where corrosion poses a significant threat. These applications
underscore the growing role of fiber composites in creating resilient and sustainable
infrastructure.

Fiber Reinforced Cement and Concrete

Fiber-reinforced cement and concrete

(FRCC) incorporate fibers into traditional
cementitious materials to improve their
performance. These fibers can be metallic,
synthetic, or natural, and they enhance the
mechanical and durability properties of
concrete.

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Types of Fibers Used in Cement and Concrete

1. Steel Fibers: Improve tensile strength,

impact resistance, and ductility. Commonly
used in industrial floors and pavements.

Hooked Steel Fiber Types (Based on BOSFA DRAMIX)

Steel fibers, like Dramix® fibers, are added to concrete

to improve its strength, durability, and crack resistance. These fibers have hooked ends
that help anchor them within the concrete. The different types—3D, 4D, and 5D—vary in
how they interact with concrete under stress.

TYPES FUNCTION TENSILE STRENTH PERFORMANCE

When cracks form, the As stress increases, the Provides good crack
hooks at the fiber ends hook deforms, gradually control by allowing the
3D
are firmly anchored in releasing from the fiber to pull out when
the concrete. concrete. the bond breaks.
Offers better crack
Similar to 3D fibers but At least 1,650 N/mm²,
control due to stronger
4D with improved making it stronger than
anchorage and higher
anchorage. 3D.
tensile strength.
2,300 N/mm² with 6%
Designed for heavy- The hooks do not pull
elongation, allowing the
duty applications out; instead, the fiber
5D concrete to handle high
where maximum itself elongates as
flexural stresses over
strength is needed. stress increases.
time.

2. Polypropylene Fibers: Prevent

shrinkage cracks and improve resistance
to chemical attack.

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 3. Glass Fibers: Enhance tensile strength
and fire resistance, often used in
decorative applications.

4. Natural Fibers: Eco-friendly options such

as coconut coir, sisal, and jute provide
sustainable reinforcement.

Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

Fibers can address different types of cracks:

 Plastic Shrinkage Cracks: Occur when concrete loses moisture rapidly while
still fresh.

 Structural Cracks: Caused by loads exceeding the tensile strength of hardened

concrete.

 Durability Cracks: Develop over time due to environmental factors or internal

deterioration.

Applications

 Industrial Flooring: High wear resistance makes it suitable for warehouses and
factories.
 Bridge Decks: Enhanced durability reduces maintenance.
 Shotcrete: Used in tunnels and slope stabilization.
 Earthquake-Resistant Structures: Improved ductility enhances seismic
performance.

Challenges:

Fiber Composites

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  High Production Costs: Manufacturing fiber composites requires advanced
technology and specialized equipment, leading to significant initial and
operational expenses.
 Recyclability Issues: The disposal and recycling of fiber composites are
complex due to the difficulty of separating fibers from the polymer matrix, which
raises environmental concerns.
 Complex Manufacturing Processes: Producing high-quality fiber composites
involves intricate procedures such as curing, layering, and resin infusion, which
demand precise control and skilled labor.

Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

 Random Orientation: Uneven fiber distribution can lead to unpredictable

performance.
 Workability Reduction: Fibers decrease the concrete's flowability (slump),
requiring mix adjustments.
 Surface Finish Issues: Fibers may protrude from the surface, creating a rough
appearance if improperly mixed.
 Increased Cost: The addition of fibers can raise concrete costs by 10–15%.

Conclusion

Fiber composites and fiber-reinforced cement and concrete are transformative

materials that address the limitations of traditional materials. While fiber composites
excel in lightweight and high-strength applications, fiber-reinforced cement and concrete
offer improved durability and crack resistance in construction. Advances in
manufacturing and sustainable fiber development will further enhance their adoption
across industries.

COMPONENT MATERIALS

Introduction
Fiber-reinforced composites are advanced materials widely used in various
industries, including aerospace, automotive, marine, and construction. These
composites consist of two main components: the fiber reinforcement and the matrix
material.
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1. Fiber Reinforcement
Fiber reinforcement provides strength, stiffness, and load-bearing capacity to the
composite material. Different types of fibers are used depending on the application and
required properties. The most common types include:

a. Glass Fibers
 Most widely used due to their cost-effectiveness and good mechanical
properties.
 High tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and lightweight.
 Commonly used in automotive, marine, and construction industries.

b. Carbon Fibers
 Offer excellent strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness, and thermal conductivity.
 Higher cost but provide superior performance, especially in aerospace and high-
performance automotive applications.
 Resistant to fatigue and environmental degradation.

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c. Aramid Fibers
 Known for their exceptional impact resistance and high tensile strength.
 Commonly used in bulletproof vests, aerospace applications, and sporting goods.
 Resistant to abrasion and heat but susceptible to UV degradation.

d. Natural Fibers
 Derived from renewable sources such as flax, hemp, and jute.
 Eco-friendly and biodegradable but have lower strength compared to synthetic
fibers.

2. Matrix Material

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 The matrix material holds the fiber reinforcements together, transfers loads
between fibers, and provides shape and protection against environmental effects.
Matrices can be classified into two main types:
a. Polymer Matrix
 Most commonly used in fiber composites due to ease of processing and cost-
effectiveness.

 Types of polymer matrices:

o Thermosetting Polymers: Epoxy, polyester, and vinyl ester resins
provide strong and durable composites.
o Thermoplastic Polymers: Polypropylene (PP), polyether ether ketone
(PEEK), and polycarbonate (PC) offer recyclability and toughness.

b. Metal Matrix
 Consists of metals such as aluminum, titanium, or magnesium combined with
fibers like carbon or silicon carbide.
 Used in high-performance applications, including aerospace and automotive
industries.

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  Provides higher temperature resistance compared to polymer matrices.

c. Ceramic Matrix
 Composed of ceramic materials reinforced with fibers like silicon carbide or
aluminum oxide.
 Used in high-temperature environments such as jet engines and space shuttles
due to excellent heat resistance.

INTERFACE AND BONDING

1. Importance of Interface in Fiber Composites

The interface is the region where the fiber and matrix interact, significantly
influencing the composite's strength, stiffness, and resistance to environmental factors.
A strong interface ensures:
 Efficient load transfer from matrix to fibers.
 Prevention of cracks and delamination.

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  Improved impact resistance and toughness.
 Enhanced durability in extreme environments.

2. Types of Bonding Mechanisms

Several bonding mechanisms contribute to the adhesion between fibers and the matrix,
each affecting the overall performance of the composite material:

a. Mechanical Bonding
 Achieved through surface roughness and interlocking of fibers with the matrix.
 Increases frictional resistance and load transfer capacity.
 Enhanced by modifying fiber surface texture.

b. Chemical Bonding
 Involves covalent or ionic bonds between fiber and matrix.
 Coupling agents, such as silane, enhance chemical bonding.
 Ensures strong adhesion and long-term stability.

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c. Physical Bonding
 Involves van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding.
 Less significant compared to mechanical and chemical bonding but still
contributes to adhesion.
 Affected by fiber surface energy and matrix polarity.

3. Factors Affecting Fiber-Matrix Bonding

Several factors influence the strength of the interface in fiber composites:
a. Surface Treatment of Fibers
 Improves adhesion by increasing surface roughness and chemical reactivity.
 Common treatments include plasma treatment, oxidation, and silane coupling
agents.
 Enhances wetting and bonding with the matrix.
b. Matrix Properties
 Compatibility between fiber and matrix affects adhesion quality.
 Polymer, metal, or ceramic matrices must be selected based on their interaction
with fibers.
 Matrix viscosity affects fiber wetting during processing.
c. Processing Conditions
 Temperature, pressure, and curing time influence interface formation.
 Proper curing ensures strong chemical bonding and mechanical interlocking.
 High processing temperatures can degrade fibers and weaken the interface.

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d. Environmental Factors
 Exposure to moisture, temperature variations, and UV radiation can degrade
interface strength.
 Protective coatings and moisture-resistant matrices improve durability.
 Thermal expansion mismatches can cause stress buildup at the interface.

MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR
Refers to how materials respond to external forces and loads. Furthermore, the
properties of a mechanical behavior are crucial in determining how materials behave
under different conditions and are essential for selecting and designing materials for
specific applications.
Each property plays a significant role in engineering and manufacturing, ensuring
product and structure efficiency, safety, and durability.

Properties of Mechanical Behavior and Its Application

1. Elasticity - The ability of a material to return to its original shape after removing
the applied force.
o Applications: Springs, rubber bands, and shock absorbers.

2. Plasticity - Permanent deformation after yielding under stress.

o Applications: Metal forming processes like forging and extrusion.

3. Ductility - The capacity of a material to be stretched into a wire without breaking.

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 o Applications: Wire drawing and sheet metal work.

4. Brittleness - A material's tendency to break without significant deformation.

o Applications: Glass and ceramics in various products.

5. Hardness - Resistance to deformation or penetration.

o Applications: Cutting tools, abrasives, and wear-resistant surfaces.

6. Fatigue - The weakening of a material due to repeated cyclic loading.

o Applications: Aircraft design, bridges, and machinery.

7. Creep - Slow, time-dependent deformation under a constant load.

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 o Applications: High-temperature components like turbine blades and
engine parts.

8. Fracture Toughness - The ability of a material to resist crack propagation.

o Applications: Impact-resistant materials in construction and safety
equipment.

Mechanical Behavior of Fiber Composites Applicating in Civil

Engineering:
 Fiber composites are transforming civil engineering by offering
solutions that are not only strong and durable but also resistant to
environmental and chemical damage.

1. High Strength-to-Weight Ratio - Fiber composites offer significant strength

while being lightweight.
o Application: Used in bridge decks, girders, and building reinforcements to
reduce the dead load and enhance structural performance without adding
excessive weight.

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 2. Corrosion Resistance - Fiber composites are resistant to corrosion from
environmental factors such as moisture and chemicals.
o Application: Employed in constructing coastal structures, sewage pipes,
and chemical storage tanks where resistance to harsh conditions is

critical.
3. High Stiffness - The fibers provide stiffness, maintaining the shape and
structural integrity under loads.
o Application: Used in prestressed concrete elements like beams and
columns to prevent sagging and deformation under heavy loads.

Engineers insert high-strength steel strands or bars into beams, slabs,

or columns, and then stress or “prestress” the steel by tightening it. This pre-

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tensioning process significantly strengthens the concrete, preventing cracks before it
faces working loads.

4. Fatigue Resistance - These materials can withstand repeated cyclic loading

without significant degradation.
o Application: Ideal for bridges and highways subjected to continuous
traffic loads, ensuring long-term durability.

5. Thermal Stability - Some fiber composites, especially those reinforced with

carbon fibers, can withstand high temperatures.
o Application: Used in fire-resistant construction elements and high-
temperature industrial applications.

6. Tailorable Anisotropy - The mechanical properties can be tailored by adjusting

the fiber orientation and type.
o Application: Custom-designed reinforcements for specific parts of a
structure to optimize performance based on load directions.

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Applications in Civil Engineering (explanation):
1. Bridge Construction - Fiber composites are used in bridge decks, beams, and
reinforcement to provide strength and reduce maintenance costs due to their
corrosion resistance and durability.
2. Seismic Retrofitting - Used to strengthen and retrofit existing structures to
improve their earthquake resistance. Fiber composites can be applied as
external wraps around columns and beams to enhance their load-carrying
capacity.
3. Building Reinforcement - Used to reinforce beams, columns, and slabs in
buildings, improving their load-bearing capacity and extending the lifespan of the
structure.
4. Infrastructure Repair - Fiber composites are used to repair and rehabilitate
deteriorating infrastructure such as pipelines, culverts, and utility poles, providing
a cost-effective and durable solution.
5. Pavements and Roadways - Employed in the construction of pavements and
roadways for enhanced performance and reduced maintenance. Fiber-reinforced
concrete is used to prevent cracking and improve durability.
6. Water Retention Structures - Fiber composites are used in the construction of
water tanks, reservoirs, and dams due to their resistance to water absorption and
chemical attack. Sewer Lines Restored and Repaired with Carbon Fiber Polymer
Lining

Recycling Fiber Composites

 Recycling fiber composites can be challenging due to their complex
structure, but several methods have been developed:
1. Mechanical Recycling - This involves grinding the composite material into small
particles, which can then be used as filler material in new composites or other
products.

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2. Thermal Recycling - Techniques like pyrolysis and fluidized bed processes
break down the composite material at high temperatures, recovering the fibers
and matrix components.

3. Chemical Recycling - This method uses chemical solvents to dissolve the

matrix material, allowing the fibers to be reclaimed. This is particularly useful for
carbon fiber composites.

4. Direct Structural Recycling - This approach aims to recover fibers in their

original form, maintaining their mechanical properties for reuse in new

composites.

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Durability of Fiber Composites
 Fiber composites are known for their excellent durability and offers a
combination of high strength and lightweight, making them valuable in
various industries. But their performance can be influenced by several
factors:

1. Moisture Resistance - Fiber composites can be susceptible to moisture

absorption, which can degrade their mechanical properties.
o Surface treatments and coatings can help mitigate this issue.

2. Creep Resistance - Over time, fiber composites can experience creep, which is
a slow, continuous deformation under a constant load.
o Improving the fiber-matrix bond can enhance creep resistance.

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3. Fatigue Resistance - Fiber composites generally have good fatigue resistance,
meaning they can withstand repeated loading cycles without significant
degradation.

4. Environmental Resistance – Fiber composites are resistant to corrosion, UV

radiation, and other environmental factors, making them suitable for outdoor and

harsh environments.

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