LAUSR

Abstract It is common perception that fiber reinforced concretes (FRCs) are prone to internal and external deterioration due to presence of fibers. This is the reason that construction industry is reluctant to use FRC despite of having large number of advantages. The main objective of this research is to investigate the natural weathering effect on prestressed concrete girders. These girders comprising of one control mix, two girders with steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC), two with polypropylene fiber reinforced concrete (PPFRC) and one having both fibers. The specimens were undergone natural exposure to open atmosphere for 36 months. The durability properties studied include unit weight, compressive strength, water absorption, porosity, sorptivity coefficient, chloride penetration test, scanning electron microscope analysis and energy dispersive X-Ray analysis. It was concluded that by natural weathering exposure polypropylene fibers improve the durability and they negate the effect of steel fibers in case of hybrid fiber reinforced concrete.