Publication Date

5-2015

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Cathleen Webb (Co-Director), Shane Palmquist (Co-Director), Bangbo Yan, Aaron Celestian

Degree Program

Department of Chemistry

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

The brittleness of concrete has always been a safety and economic issue of great concern. The low tensile strength of concrete is the cause of its intrinsic brittle nature. This is critical considering the amount of concrete used for the construction of highways, buildings, and other facilities. The mechanical properties of concrete must be improved to provide upgraded construction. Crack resistant and durable concrete has always been a major goal for engineers. Many approaches have been tried to make concrete a better construction material. Fiber reinforcement is an approach which has been shown to improve the quality and durability of concrete. The focus of this research is to develop a mix design of fiber reinforced concrete and then test these materials for both compressive and tensile strength after casting into cubes. The effect of polyvinyl alcohol fibers on the mechanical properties of concrete was also studied. The impacts of moisture and the stress applied on the fibers were determined using Raman spectroscopy.

Disciplines

Inorganic Chemistry | Materials Chemistry | Polymer Chemistry

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