Repair alternative for high volume traffic routes using rigid

pavement with synthetic fiber reinforcement

Kevin Zegarra Rojas Katherine Saturio Galindo
Universidad Ricardo Palma Universidad Ricardo Palma
Av. Benavides 5440 Santiago de Av. Benavides 5440 Santiago de
Surco 15039 Surco 15039
+51917750043 +91910622574
Kevin.ZegarraR@urp.edu.pe Kat.Sat.Gal@gmail.com

ABSTRACT Local and national governments invest large amounts of

The objective of this article is to provide a reference guide for money in inadequate repairs and short-term durability, which
the knowledge of the repair and reinforcement alternative to a generate over-costs in road infrastructure and reduction of
high volume traffic infrastructure using a rigid pavement with investment efficiency, as well as their continuous and
synthetic fibers in order to maintain and improve the uncontrolled deterioration.
performance of the original pavement design. In this sense, it is important for the evaluation of paving
The present investigation is a contribution to the improvement alternatives to keep in mind that this decision is always based on
of the road with a material of superior characteristics increasing the consideration of costs throughout its design period,
its ductility and resistance to vehicular loads, thus maintaining including, of course, the cost of construction. Due to the
the proper functionality for its free and fluid traffic. limitations of technology and the limited use, it is common to
find specialists who, without having carried out an adequate
Keywords comparative analysis, indicate that the cost of construction of
Synthetic fiber; Rigid Pavement; Concrete tests; Synthetic fiber concrete pavement is not competitive. this does not necessarily
reinforced concrete. conform to reality. [2].
Fiber-reinforced concrete in pavements:
1. INTRODUCTION
The proposal of the present investigation is due to the need Fibers are used in structural applications for additional benefits
to analyze the convenience of an alternative related to the repair in terms of reduced labor, increased durability, and reduction or
and reinforcement of pavement structures using concrete elimination of traditional reinforcement. The concrete supports
reinforced with synthetic fibers. tensile stresses that are transmitted by adherence to the fibers
once the micro-crack has occurred, they control the cracking and
It is important to carry out this work for the optimization of reduce the intensity of the same while improving the toughness”
public or private resources invested in road infrastructure works, Massicotte, (2000). [3]
since there will be works with an increase in their useful life,
since the fiber reinforcement after the repair of cracks and
correction of its causes.
Table 1. Mechanical characteristics of the fibers.
For this reason, it is proposed to adopt new methodologies Modulus of Elongation at
Diameter Density Tensile strength
for the use and application of synthetic fibers within the concrete Fibers elasticity break
(µm) (103kg/m2) (kN/mm2)
design in the construction of rigid pavements, which is a (KN/mm2) (%)
technical-economic solution. Steel 5-500 7.84 200 0.5 - 2 0.5 - 35
Glass 9 - 15 2.60 70 - 80 2- 4 2 - 35
In recent years, synthetic fibers, and particularly Amiato 0.02-0.04 3.00 180 3.3 2- 3
polypropylene fibers, have gained popularity for use in concrete, Polypropylene 20-2020 0.90 5- 7 0.5 - 0.75 8
Nylon - 1.10 4 0.9 13 - 15
primarily to improve resistance to plastic shrinkage cracking and Polyethylene - 0.95 0.3 0.0007 10
toughness of plain concrete. Synthetic fibers are made from Carbon 9 1.90 230 2.6 1
materials such as acrylic, aramid, carbon, nylon, polyester, Kevlar 10 1.45 65 - 133 3.6 2.1 - 4
polyethylene, or polypropylene. In general, synthetic fibers are Acrylic 18 1.18 14 - 19.5 0.4 - 1 3
characterized by having high tensile strength, but two categories
can be distinguished, those of high and low elastic modulus. [1] Synthetic fibers:

The main advantage of adding synthetic fibers to concrete
is the increase in toughness and impact resistance, in the
hardened state and the control of plastic shrinkage, in the fresh
state. Additionally, it controls the appearance of cracks during
the useful life of the element and provides greater resistance to
fatigue. With a proper design it can replace the use of traditional
welded wire mesh or steel fibers, which can save on the cost of
construction labor.
Currently, these types of fibers are used in concrete for precast
elements, cladding (high resistance thin panels) and industrial
floors. Of this type, the most used in the construction sector are
polypropylene fibers, this is basically due to the ability to not
absorb water during mixing, nor after setting, thus, they also
have great ease of dispersing perfectly throughout the volume of
concrete.
They are classified into:
 - Extruded monofilaments
- Fibrillated sheets
Likewise, they can be classified according to their diameter
and shapea
- Micro-fibers < 0.30mm diameter
- Macro- fibers > 0.30mm diameter
Finally, like all fibers, it provides extra resistance to abrasion,
fire and impact.

Figure 2. Charge vs. Four plate deformation.

Source: Sika, concreto reforzado con fibras.

Table 2. Charge vs. Four plate deformation.

Load VS Deformation
Curve Concrete + fiber (Sikafiber Force PP/PE 700-55)
Red Represents the concrete without reinforcement (Pattern)
Gray 3kg/m3 of synthetic macro fiber is added
Light blue 5kg/m3 of synthetic macro fiber is added
Yellow 7kg/m3 of synthetic macro fiber is added
Figure 1. Fiber classification by BISFA. Technical Data
Sheet. Source: own.

Synthetic macro fibers:

Macro fibers are included in concrete with the aim of
increasing the toughness of the material, that is to say that the
structures, even after cracking, can continue to be loaded.
The most widely used macro fibers are polypropylene, their
dosages in terms of weight vary according to the density of the
material between 2 to 9 kg / m3. and with respect to the volume
of concrete they range from 0.2% to 0.8%. [4]
The most widely used macro-fibers are polypropylene,
which comply with ASTM C 1116, whose diameters vary
between 0.2 to 0.8 mm. These fibers fulfill the function of
preventing cracking in the hardened state (before 24 hours they
have no greater effect), reducing the width of the crack if it
occurs and allowing the correct function of the cracked
structure, giving structural properties to the concrete, to replace
the electrowelded mesh reinforcement.
By effect, the macro-fibers are included in the concrete to
increase the toughness of the material, consequently, the matrix
after being cracked, can continue to be loaded; toughness is the Figure 3. Fiber reinforced and unreinforced concrete
ability of a material to withstand loads before collapse. toughness.

- An example of a synthetic macro fiber is the application of Source: Sika, concreto reforzado con fibras.
SikaFiber®Force PP / PE 700-55. (Sika, Fiber-reinforced
concrete). Enacity is the energy absorption capacity of a material.
HERMIDA G., GARZÓN O., LAMILLA G. (2006) “Concrete
of 190 MPa (27685 psi) new record of resistance in Colombia”
ACI Bulletin # 7 pp.4-9.
In terms of toughness we can In terms of toughness we can see
Fig. 3 that the most tenacious material is the one that contains 7 Table 3. Difference in Production Costs for a Pavement with
kg / m3 since it is the one that encloses the largest area under the S.B. 20cm.
curve see Fig. 3 that the most tenacious material is the one that
contains 7 kg / m3 since it is the one that contains the largest PATTERN CONCRETE CONCRETE CONCRETE
SUB BASE METHOD TRANSIT
area under the curve. [6] CONCRETE 500 FIBER 600 FIBER 700 FIBER
This brings us to the old definition where an applied force (load) 5.00E+04 2428.3 2768.58 2445.54 2734.6
per distance (deformation) at a given time 5.00E+05 4083.96 4574.18 4035.15 4474.81
e = 20cm ASSTHO
5.00E+06 6070.75 6861.27 6113.86 6712.21
Fxd 5.00E+07 8609.42 9509.48 8803.96 9571.12
𝐸𝑁𝐸𝑅𝐺𝑌 = (1)
t

Obtaining the optimal addition of synthetic fibers: Table 4. Difference in Production Costs for a Pavement with
S.B. 30cm.
The recent study “ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF PATTERN CONCRETE CONCRETE CONCRETE
FATIGUE BEHAVIOR OF A RIGID FLOORING WITH SUB BASE METHOD TRANSIT
PLASTIC DEPOLIPROPYLENE FIBER IN THE CONCRETE 500 FIBER 600 FIBER 700 FIBER
ALTIPLANO” will be taken as a reference that shows how the 5.00E+04 2317.92 2648.21 2323.27 2486
optimal amount of fiber added to concrete is determined. A
second degree nonlinear regression was used using the Least 5.00E+05 3973.58 4453.81 2912.87 4350.51
Squares Method procedure by which the following equation is
e = 30cm ASSTHO
5.00E+06 5960.37 6620.53 5991.58 6587.91
determined: [5]
5.00E+07 8499.04 9509.48 8661.68 9446.82
𝑌 = −169.05 + 0.563450𝑥X − 0.000469𝑥𝑋2 (2)
Being: It is observed in the results of Table 3 and Table 4 the cost
difference between a Pattern flooring (without fiber) VS
Y = maximum breaking modulus. floorings with synthetic fibers is minimal.
X = the optimal amount of fiber added.
The use of a 20 or 30 cm sub-base does not greatly alter the
differences in production costs. [8]
The reduction in the thickness of the slab is a more economical
alternative compared to a conventional rigid pavement
regardless of its design methodology (AASHTO) “ANALYSIS
AND EVALUATION OF THE BEHAVIOR TO THE
FATIGUE OF A RIGID FLOOR WITH PLASTIC
DEPOLIPROPYLENE FIBER IN THE ALTIPLA.

2. Methodology

The research is based on the collection, classification and

Figure 4. Flexural test results for each concrete dosage.
Comparison of production costs:
This comparison was given in the recent investigation
“ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF THE FATIGUE
BEHAVIOR OF A RIGID FLOOR WITH PLASTIC
DEPOLIPROPYLENE FIBER IN THE ALTIPLANO”
Where the comparison of production costs of a Pattern pavement
with fiber-reinforced concrete on 20 cm and 30 cm bases will be
observed. [7]
analysis of information on the use of fibers in rigid concrete
folders and mechanical behavior of CRF in historical laboratory
tests of the Engineering Institute, constituting the theoretical
bases on which the project will be developed.
With the information collected, we proceed to develop the
theoretical phase of the experiment where the determination of
the reinforcement, estimated fiber dosage and behavior
prediction will be carried out for samples with or without an
adhesion bridge. In this context, its applicability will be verified
from the point of view of structural behavior, stress state and
deformations according to the analysis of results. It ends with
the constructive recommendations and specification design if the
alternative is viable, or if not, the conclusions of the work and
lines of research. [9]
Objective of the tests:
Determine the structural behavior of a bilayer system consisting 3. RESULTS
of a simple concrete substrate and a fiber-reinforced concrete
reinforcement.
Compare results for failure mode analysis. It could be affirmed that a significant increase in compressive
strength is obtained with the addition of 600gr / m3 of
Tests on hardened concrete: polypropylene fibers to the concrete mix, with respect to the
Compressive strength: non-fiber standard concrete.
The cylinders are demoulded after 24 hours of casting, and are
placed in a curing chamber with controlled humidity and
temperature, where they remain until the test age of 7 and 28
days as established by the standard. Specimens are removed on
test days, measured, and weighed for later heading. In
specimens, conditioning of the head surfaces, through which the
compression loads are transmitted, is very important in order to
eliminate defects that can produce stress concentrations in the
specimen and cause it to fail irregularly. The pitching is done
according to the standard. [10]
Once the cylinders are headed, an increasing compression axial
load is applied to their rupture; the maximum load reached
divided by the cross section of the specimen corresponds to the
maximum applied stress that defines the resistance of the
concrete to compression. Figure 6. Comparison of the compressive strength of
This property does not present greater variability with respect to concrete for various dosages and ages.
the addition of fibers, once it reaches the peak (maximum stress) It was observed that the addition of fibers has a very variable
in the load vs. deformation curve, it presents greater ductility behavior; decreasing the flexural resistance of the concrete with
due to the presence of fibers. a dosage of 500gr / m3 and 700gr / m3 polypropylene fibers;
Flexural strength: and for an addition of 600gr / m3 it increases at the age of 7 and
14 days, while at the age of 28 days it increases considerably.
The flexural stress test consists essentially of placing the beam [12]
in a horizontal position, freely supported at its ends, and
transmitting two equal loads in the thirds of the span across the
width of the beam, for which a hydraulic servo equipment with
With a capacity of 25 t and a speed of 0.9 mm / min, the
equipment is made up of a rigid SATEC frame that allows
control by displacement, to obtain the load-displacement
response after cracking occurs. Beam failure must occur within
the central third, the modulus of rupture is determined in kg /
cm2. [11]

Figure 7. Flexural test results.

Figure 5. Load Curve vs. Displacement for reinforced

concrete a) Low fiber content, b) High fiber content.
Source: Maccaferri.
Figure 7. Production costs for a pavement with S.B.20cm-
AASHTO method.
 por el título de ingeniería civil. Universidad Católica de
Santa María.
4. CONCLUSIONS [7] Huayta. P., & Chahua.J.(2018) “Fibra sintética estructural
para la optimización del diseño de un pavimento rígido en
The optimal dosage of polypropylene plastic fiber to carry out la nueva planta farmagro – huachipa – lima”. Tesis para
the tests of resistance to compression and flexion, as well as the optar por el título de ingeniería civil. Universidad San
economic aspects was 600 gr / m3, corroborating the proposed Martin de Porres
dosage is within the parameters proposed by the manufacturer of
[8] Cueva.J., & Quispe.C.(2017) “Análisis del comportamiento
the fiber.
en las propiedades del concreto hidráulico para el diseño de
The influence of the incorporation of polypropylene fibers is pavimentos rígidos adicionando fibras de polipropileno en
reflected in the production costs of concrete, so we conclude that el a.a.h.h villamarianuevo Chimbote”. Tesis para optar por
the greatest cost benefit is obtained with the addition of el título de ingeniería civil. Universidad Nacional del Santa.
polypropylene plastic fiber with a maximum reduction of 4.28%
[9] Vela.R., Zegarra.G(2019) “Diseño de pavimento rígido con
in the AASHTO method.
fibra de acero para mejorar la resistencia del concreto en el
It is concluded that, unlike standard concrete, concrete modified diseño de la infraestructura vial en los jirones José Olaya y
with polypropylene fibers. In turn, the flexural resistance Sevilla, Morales, 2018”. Universidad Cesar Vallejo.
developed by the incidence of fibers increased, but not
uniformly according to each dosage, the flexural test showed
[10] Montalvo.E.(2015) “Pavimentos rígidos reforzados con
that in most fiber dosages there is an increase in its resistance to
fibras de acero versus pavimentos tradicionales”. Pontificia
an addition of fiber of 500gr / m3, 600gr / m3, and a decrease in
Universidad Catolica del Peru.
its resistance to 700 gr / m3. Regarding the energy absorption
capacity, a variability was also obtained that depends on the
amount of fiber, that is, the higher the dosage of fiber, the [11] A.Torres.(2017) “Determinación de la resistencia residual
greater the tenacity of the sample. promedio (análisis post- fisuración) del concreto reforzado
con fibra sintética de pet+pp”.
[12] Salamanca, R. (2012). Análisis del esfuerzo residual en
5. RECOMMENDATIONS concreto para pavimento rigido reforzado con fibras
metálicas y sintéticas. Universidad militar nueva granada.
It is vitally important in the design of concrete mixtures with Bogotá, Colombia.
fibers to consider plasticizers, superplasticizers or similar to [13] Zamorano. C. (2018) “Análisis técnico económico de la
obtain a fluid mixture and to be able to give it safe workability incorporación de macrofibras de polipropileno en
when emptying the mixture. reemplazo de malla electrosoldada en hormigones para
pavimentos industriales”. UNIVERSIDAD ANDRÉS
BELLO.
6. REFERENCES
[1] Chapoñay & Quispe (2017) "Análisis del comportamiento
en las propiedades del concreto Hidráulico para el diseño
de pavimentos rígidos adicionando fibras de polipropileno
en el A.H. Villa María - Nuevo Chimbote." Tesis para optar
el título de ingeniería civil. Universidad Nacional del Santa.
[2] Becerra, M. (2013). Comparación técnico-económica de las
alternativas de pavimentación flexible y rígida a nivel de
costo de inversión. Tesis de Master en Ingeniería Civil con
Mención en Ingeniería Vial. Universidad de Piura. Facultad
de Ingeniería. Lima, Perú
[3] López. V. (2019) “Estudio del concreto reforzado con
fibras sintéticas como alternativa de reparación y refuerzo
de pavimentos rígidos”.
[4] SÁNCHEZ DE GUZMÁN, Diego. Tecnología del
Concreto y del Mortero. Bogotá, D.C.: Bhandar Editores
Ltda., 2001. 394 P.
[5] Aguilar, A. & Gonzales, R. (2017). Análisis y evaluación
del comportamiento a la fatiga de un pavimento rígido con
fibra plástica de polipropileno en el altiplano. Universidad
Andina Néstor Cáceres Velázquez. Puno, Perú.
[6] Herrera & Polo (2017) “Estudio de las propiedades
mecánicas del concreto en la ciudad de Arequipa,
utilizando fibras naturales y sintéticas, aplicado para el
control de fisuras por retracción plástica.” Tesis para optar