Enhanced Acoustic Properties of a Novel Prepacked Aggregates Concrete Reinforced with Waste Polypropylene Fibers

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the performance of prepacked aggregates fiber-reinforced concrete (PAFRC) with adequate acoustic characteristics for various applications. PAFRC is a newly developed concrete made by arranging and packing aggregates and short fibers in predetermined formworks, then inserting a grout mixture into the voids amongst the aggregate particles using a pump or gravity mechanism. After a one-year curing period, the effects of utilizing waste polypropylene (PP) fibers on the strength and acoustic characteristics of PAFRC mixes were examined. Compressive and tensile strengths, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), sound absorption, and transmission loss were investigated on plain concrete and PAFRC mixtures comprising 0–1% PP fibers. The results revealed that the use of PP fibers slightly decreased the compressive strength and UPV of PAFRC mixes. The inclusion of waste PP fibers also significantly increased the tensile strength and sound insulation coefficient of PAFRC mixes, especially at higher fiber dosages. In the medium-to-high frequency ranges, more than 60% acoustic absorption coefficient was observed, indicating that PAFRC specimens have good sound insulation properties.