Early life freeze/thaw durability of Type 1 polypropylene fibre and ground granulated blast furnace slag concretes

This investigation considers the freeze/thaw durability characteristics of concrete produced with the addition of polypropylene fibres and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). Previous work [Richardson 2005] has shown monofilament fibres to be instrumental in maintaining the integrity of early life concrete when subject to freeze/thaw cycles. This work expands upon the earlier data collection by introducing a bye product (GGBS) as a partial cement replacement. The test methodology allows comparisons to be drawn between fibre and non fibre concretes with and without GGBS. Concrete cubes cured to four days were subjected to a maximum of 50 freeze/thaw cycles. It was found that there was a clear association with the use of monofilament fibres in concrete with regard to enhanced durability qualities, when compared to plain PC concrete and concrete mixes with partial GGBS cement replacement.