Efficacy of Foamed Concrete Jacketing using Innovative Fibreglass Fabric for Durability Properties Improvement

Abstract

This study intended to observe the effectiveness of foamed concrete jacketing using fibreglass fabric with the goal to enhance its durability properties. LFC of two densities of 500 kg/m³ and 1000 kg/m³ were cast and tested. The LFC specimens were wrapped with 1 layer, 2 layers and 3 layers of fibreglass fabric. The parameters evaluated were porosity, water absorption, drying shrinkage and ultrasonic pulse velocity. The results revealed that adding fibreglass fabric to LFC decreased its porosity and water absorption for both densities. Fibreglass fabric did more than only prevent cracks; it also reduced the drying shrinkage and increased the ultrasonic pulse velocity of LFC. Three layers of fibreglass fabric offered optimal results for all properties studied. As a result of the fibreglass fabric's ability to prevent moisture evaporation and consequent dimension changes in the confined LFC, drying shrinkage strain was kept least. The use of fibreglass fabric not only prevented water from escaping but also stopped it from penetrating the cement matrix. This preliminary study shows a huge potential to utilise fibreglass fabric as a strengthening medium to improve the durability performance of LFC.