The document summarizes an experimental study on the strength and behavior of slurry infiltrated fiber concrete (SIFCON) with different types of fibers. Cube, cylinder and beam specimens were tested with steel and polypropylene fibers at 4%, 5%, and 6% volume. Compression, split tensile, and flexural tests were conducted at 7 and 28 days. Results showed that specimens with 5% fiber volume had the highest strengths for both steel and polypropylene fibers. Strengths generally decreased with 6% fiber volume. Polypropylene fiber was found to reduce crack width and density compared to steel fiber.

1. Proceedings of the International Conference on Emerging Trends in Engineering and Management (ICETEM14)
30 – 31, December 2014, Ernakulam, India
25
STRENGTH AND BEHAVIOUR OF SIFCON WITH
DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIBERS
Arun Aniyan Thomas1
, Jeena Mathews2
1, 2
(Civil Department, Sree Narayana Gurukulam College of Engineering, Kadayiruppu, Eranakulam,Kerala, India)
ABSTRACT
An experimental program was conducted in order to study the strength and behaviour of SIFCON with different
types of fibres. The different fibres that were used in this experiment were steel fibre and polypropylene. The different
fibre volume considered was 4, 5, and 6%. The tests that were conducted were flexural, compression and Split tensile
test. In flexural test, the beam specimen of size 100x100x500 mm was used to study the behaviour of specimen under
load. The compression test of cube specimen of size 150x150x150 was considered. Cylinder specimen of size
150x300mm was considered to verify the compressive strength and split tensile strength of specimens having different
volume and types of fibres. The steel fibre used in this study was hooked end steel fibres having 1mm diameter and an
aspect ratio of 50. Polypropylene fibre having length of 50.8mm was used. Results indicate that amongst 4, 5 and 6
percentage of steel and polypropylene fibres, 5% showed the optimum value in compression, tension and as well as in
flexural strength. For 6%, the results of both fibres showed a decrease in strength compared to 5% volume of fibre. Also,
the crack width and density of specimen can be reduced by introducing polypropylene fibres.
Keywords: Compressive strength, Crack pattern, Flexural strength, SIFCON, Split tensile strength.
1. INTRODUCTION
Slurry infiltrated fiber concrete (SIFCON) is a relatively new special type of high performance (steel) fiber-
reinforced concrete (HPFRC). The technique of infiltrated layers of steel fibres with Portland cement based materials was
first proposed by Haynes (1968). Lankard (1979) modified the method used by Haynes and proved that if percentage of
steel fibres in cement matrix could be increased, one could get a material with very high strength properties which he
christened as SIFCON.SIFCON is made by preplacing short discrete fibres in the moulds to its full capacity or to the
desired volume fraction, thus forming a network. The fiber network is then infiltrated by a fine liquid cement-based
slurry or mortar. The fibres can be sprinkled by hand or by using fiber-dispending units for large sections. Vibration is
imposed if necessary during placing the fibres and pouring the slurry. The percentage of fibres by volume can be
anywhere from 4 to 20% even through the current practical ranges from 4 to 12%. In conventional fiber reinforced
concrete (FRC), where fibres are mixed together with other ingredients of concrete, this percentage is limited to only
about 2 % for practical workability reasons. Beyond 2% of fiber, the workability of mix reduces drastically, the
consistency of the mix is greatly affected and the fibres segregate from the concrete (balling phenomenon). Proportions
of cement and sand generally used for making SIFCON are 1:1, 1:1.5 or 1:2 cement slurry alone have some applications.
Water cement ratio varies between 0.3 to 0.4. Percentage of super plasticizers varies from 2 to 5% by weight of cement.
The main differences between FRC and SIFCON, in addition to the clear difference in fiber volume fraction, lie in the
absence of coarse aggregates in SIFCON which, if used, will hinder the infiltration of the slurry through the dense fiber
network. Furthermore, SIFCON contains relatively high cement and water contents when compared to conventional
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2. Proceedings of the International Conference on Emerging Trends in Engineering and Management (ICETEM14)
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concrete. Although it is still a relatively new construction product, SIFCON has been used successfully in a number of
areas since the early 1980's. SIFCON is not inexpensive and needs fine tuning, but it holds potential for applications
exposed to severe conditions. Some of those applications are explosive-resistant containers, security blast-resistance
vaults, and repair of structural components, bridge decks, airfield pavements and abrasive-resistance surfaces.
The main objective of the present study is to provide a better understanding of the strength and behaviour of SIFCON
using steel and polypropylene fibres. In this experimental study, different fiber volume such as 4%, 5% and 6% are used.
The tests like compression, indirect tension and flexure are conducted in order to study the behaviour of SIFCON
specimens. The detailed study of SIFCON helps to understand its application in different areas mainly in strengthening
of structures like beam-column joints, retrofitting, repair and rehabilitation. Also the choice of fibres depends up on the
type of structural application, method of retrofitting and its exposure condition.
2. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
The experimental program consists of casting 144 SIFCON specimens, 72 specimens with steel fibres and
remaining 72 for polypropylene fibres. Testing was carried out after 7th
and 28th
days of curing. Different fiber volume
such as 4, 5 and 6% were adopted. Specimen ID was used for easy identification of specimens. Tests like flexure,
compression and indirect tension are conducted to study the strength and behaviour of SIFCON specimens. All
specimens were weighed to calculate the density. Also the crack pattern of specimens using both fibres as well as the
comparison of density was studied.
Ordinary Portland cement of 53 grade manufactured by bharathi cement confirming to IS 12269 was used. M
sand passing through 4.75mm sieve was used as fine aggregate to prepare all the specimens. Mix design adopted for this
experiment was 1:2. Potable fresh water available from local source was used for mixing and curing of specimens. The
fibres used were steel and polypropylene fiber. Steel fiber type adopted for the experimental program was hooked end
fiber. Bright and clean wire having an aspect ratio of 50 was used. Polypropylene fiber having length of 50.8mm was
used. Conplas LN was used as superplasticizer in order to improve the flowability of the mix. The water cement ratio of
0.45 was adopted.
3. TESTING OF SPECIMENS
3.1. Compression Test
The compression test was carried out as per IS 516:1959. Compression test were carried out for cube and
cylinder specimen using steel and polypropylene fibres. A total of 18 cube specimen using steel fibres were prepared for
the testing at the age of 7th
and 28th
days. Another 18 cube specimen was prepared using polypropylene fiber. Also 36
Cylinder specimens were cast using both fibres for the testing at the age of 7th
and 28th
days. A cube size of 15 x 15 x 15
cm and cylinder size of 15cm diameter and 30cm length was considered. The tests were carried out at a uniform stress
rate, after the specimen was centered in the testing machine. The load was applied continuously and uniformly without
vibrations until the specimen fails due to compression. The ultimate load divided by the cross sectional area of the
specimen is equal to the ultimate compressive strength.
3.2. Split tensile test
The split tensile test was carried out as per IS 5816:1999. A total number of 36 cylinder specimens using steel
and polypropylene fiber were cast. The test conducted at the age of 7th
and 28th
days after curing. The size of the
specimen was 15cm diameter and 30cm length. The loading was applied continuously at a specific rate until the
specimen reaches its ultimate load.
3.3. Flexural strength test
The flexural test was carried out as per IS 516:1959. Beam size of 10 x 10 x 50 cm was considered. A total
number of 36 beam specimens were prepared. The flexural strength test is performed to estimate the tensile load, at
which the specimen may cracks. This is an indirect test for assessing the tensile strength at failure or modulus of rupture.
The beam specimen was loaded with two-point loading. The specimen must be carefully aligned with the axis of loading
device. The load increased continuously until the specimen fails and the maximum load applied to the specimen at failure
was noted.
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The results of the various tests carried out to determine the strength and behaviour of SIFCON using steel and
polypropylene fiber are presented here.

3. Proceedings of the International Conference on Emerging Trends in Engineering and Management (ICETEM14)
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27
5. TEST RESULTS USING STEEL FIBER
5.1. Compressive strength
The average cube and cylinder compressive strength using steel fiber tested in different ages are presented in
following figures
Fig 1: 7th
and 28th
day compression test results of cube specimen
Fig 2: 7th
and 28th
day compression test results of cylinder specimen
Fig 1 and 2 shows the average compressive strength of cube and cylinder specimens for 4, 5, 6% fiber volume.
The compressive strength values of cube specimens are 22.2, 34.2, 30.74N/mm2
and 26, 39.8, 36.74N/mm2
for 7th
and
28th
days respectively. The compressive strength of cube specimen using steel fiber shows 5% as the optimum value. For
cylindrical specimens, the values are 18.64, 21.88, 18.39N/mm2
and 23.2, 27.8, 24.32N/mm2
for 7th
and 28th
days
respectively. It is seen from the results that there is an increase of compressive strength from 4% to 5% and then the
strength is reduced by adding 6% volume of steel fibres compared to 5% volume of fiber. This is due to the higher
volume fraction of steel fibres in the specimen. Because the slurry strength, fiber volume, fiber alignment and fiber type
greatly influence the strength of SIFCON specimens. The cube specimen performed better than a cylinder specimen on
comparing their compressive strength.
5.2. Split tensile strength
Fig 3: 7th
and 28th
day split tensile test results of cylinder specimen
Fig 3 shows the variation observed in the split tensile strength for all volume percentage of fiber. The split
tensile strength values using steel fibres at the age of 7 and 28 days are 3.82, 5.83, 1.626N/mm2
and 6.01, 8.06, 5.43

4. Proceedings of the International Conference on Emerging Trends in Engineering and Management (ICETEM14)
30 – 31, December 2014, Ernakulam, India
28
N/mm2
respectively. It can be seen from the results that there is a good amount of enhancement in the tensile strength of
the SIFCON specimen upon the addition of steel fibres. The results indicate that the 5% is the optimum percentage of
volume of fibres. The reduction of tensile strength on adding 6% volume of steel fiber is due to its higher volume of steel
fibres.
5.3. Flexural strength
Fig 4: 7th
and 28th
day flexural test results of beam specimen
Fig 4 shows the values of flexural strength at the age of 7 and 28 days of curing. Using steel fibres, the strength
achieved are 7.36, 8.51 and 6.74N/mm2
at 7 days. The 28 days strength is 9.86, 12.8 and 10.12N/mm2
. The results show
an increase of flexural strength by adding the steel fibres from 4% to 5% volume of fibres. The results indicate that the
5% is the optimum percentage of volume of fibres.
6. TEST RESULTS USING POLYPROPYLENE FIBER
6.1. Compressive strength
Fig 5: 7th
and 28th
day compression test results of cube specimen
Fig 6: 7th
and 28th
day compression test results of cylinder specimen
The average compressive strength of cube and cylinder specimen for all volume fractions of fibres are shown in
Fig 5 and 6. The compressive strength values of cube specimens using polypropylene fibres are 20.59, 28.44,

5. Proceedings of the International Conference on Emerging Trends in Engineering and Management (ICETEM14)
30 – 31, December 2014, Ernakulam, India
29
22.36N/mm2
and 24.58, 32.29, 28.29N/mm2
for 7 and 28days respectively. For cylindrical specimens, the values are
15.27, 19.99, 17.16N/mm2
and 18.10, 23.57, 21.12N/mm2
for 7 and 28 days respectively. It can be seen from the results
that there is a good amount of enhancement in the compressive strength of both cube and cylinder specimen using
polypropylene fiber. The compressive strength of cube and cylindrical specimen using polypropylene shows 5% as
optimum value. At 6% volume fraction of fiber the compressive strength is reduced compared to 5%. This is due to the
low fiber to slurry matrix bonding. The cube specimen performed better than a cylinder specimen on comparing their
compressive strength.
6.2. Split tensile strength
The variations in the split tensile strength are shown in Fig 7. The values are 1.97, 3.06, 1.64N/mm2
and 4.28,
7.06, 4.99N/mm2
for 7 and 28 days respectively. It is seen from the results that there is a slight increase in tensile
strength from 4% to 5% volume fraction of polypropylene fiber. So addition of polypropylene fibres in SIFCON
specimens enhances its tensile strength. The results indicate that the 5% is the optimum percentage of volume of fibres.
For 6%, the results show a decrease in strength compared to 5% volume of polypropylene fiber. Also the formation of
crack propagation compared to steel fiber specimen is less.
Fig 7: 7th
and 28th
day split tensile test results of cylinder specimen
6.3. Flexural strength
Fig 8 shows variations in flexural strength are 4.06, 6.28, 3.91N/mm2
and 6.74, 9.81, 7.13N/mm2
for 7 and 28
days respectively. The result indicates that there is an increase in flexural strength due to the addition of polypropylene
fiber. . The results show 5% as the optimum value. For 6%, there is decrease in the values of flexural strength than 5%
volume of fiber.
Fig 8: 7th
and 28th
day flexural test results of beam specimen
7. CRACK PATTERN OF STEEL AND POLYPROPYLENE FIBRES
The study of crack pattern in SIFCON using steel fiber and polypropylene fiber were carried out. The crack
pattern is almost similar in the entire SIFCON cube specimen using steel fibres. It is observed that the first crack
originated at the bottom edge and with increment of load propagated diagonally towards the middle. For cylinder
specimen, which is subjected to compression shows the cracks generated at the middle and for the split tensile, it is
observed the crack started at the top portion. Then the crack developed with increased load. For beam specimen, the first
crack originated at the bottom portion and it is almost near to the middle region. Then the crack gets widened on
increased load. The pattern of crack and its propagation were similar in both steel and polypropylene fiber. But more
widened crack was seen in specimen with steel fiber than the polypropylene fiber. This is due to the bridging effect of

6. Proceedings of the International Conference on Emerging Trends in Engineering and Management (ICETEM14)
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polypropylene fiber. During the mixing process of polypropylene fiber, each fiber turns in to a unit with several fibrils at
its end. The fibrils provide better mechanical bonding than conventional monofilaments. The high number of fine fibrils
also reduces plastic shrinkage cracking and may increase the ductility. In the case of load carrying capacity, SIFCON
specimens with steel fibres exhibits better performance than polypropylene fiber specimens. The spacing of crack is
observed to decrease with increase in percentage volume of fibres. This is expected because at higher percentage
volumes more crack bridging takes place. The SIFCON specimens with both steel and polypropylene fiber were intact
even after ultimate load is reached.
8. COMPARISON OF DENSITY OF STEEL FIBER AND POLYPROPYLENE FIBER
For a comparative study, the density of specimens with steel and polypropylene fiber was conducted. It is
observed that, the density of polypropylene fiber specimen is lesser than the steel fiber specimen. This helps to reduce the
dead load of the structure.
9. CONCLUSION
From the experimental study, it can be said that addition of steel fibres and polypropylene fibres in SIFCON
significantly increased the compressive, tensile and flexural strength. On comparing the strength of SIFCON, steel fibres
performed better than polypropylene for all tests. Amongst 4, 5 and 6 percentage of steel and polypropylene fibres, 5%
showed the optimum value in compression, tension and as well as in flexural strength. This is due to the higher volume
fraction of fibres present in the specimen. Because the slurry strength, fiber volume, fiber alignment and fiber type
greatly influence the strength of SIFCON specimens. For 6%, the results of both types of fiber showed a decrease in
strength compared to 5% volume. The cube specimen of both steel and polypropylene fibres performed better than
cylinder specimen when their compressive strength was compared. The experimental study also indicates that it is
possible to reduce the crack width by incorporating the polypropylene fiber. This is due to the bridging effect of
polypropylene fiber. Also on comparing the density, polypropylene specimen has lower density than the specimen with
steel fiber. This helps to reduce dead load of the structure.
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