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Fibrous and non-fibrous Perlite concretes – experimental and SEM studies

Mechanical properties and microstructural analysis of Expanded Perlite Aggregate (EPA) concretes are presented. Using 10% EPA, the effects of using various types of fibre were investigated. For all specimens, fibrous and non-fibrous, the compressive and the splitting tensile strengths were obtained. Complete stress–strain curves for fibre-reinforced specimens were obtained. A new index for representing the toughness of fibre-reinforced Perlite concretes is introduced. The addition of fibres substantially increased the splitting tensile strength. Steel fibres with “indentations” had the best performance in this regard. Regarding the toughness, specimens with “hooked” steel fibres performed best. SEM photographs revealed that the number, shape and distribution of pores were visibly influenced by the addition of EPAs. The images showed that using steel fibres improved microstructural characteristics of Perlite concrete, in line with the results of macro studies. However, polypropylene fibres degraded the microstructure of concrete, especially at the neighbourhood of fibres.