An Experimental Study on the Impact of Wire Mesh Fiber Addition on the Mechanical Properties of Preplaced Aggregate Concrete (PAC)

Abstract

Concrete is the main material in construction, but it often experiences cavity problems in the structure that can reduce strength and durability. Preplaced Aggregate Concrete (PAC) is an alternative solution by placing coarse aggregate first, then filling mortar through the grout process. This study aims to determine the effect of the addition of wire mesh fibers on the mechanical properties of PAC, especially compressive strength and tensile strength. The research was conducted experimentally in the laboratory with five variations of wire mesh fibers: 0%, 0,25%, 0,5%, 0,75%, and 1% of the concrete volume. Grouting is carried out using the injection method, with a water-cement ratio of 0,45, a coarse aggregate of 38 mm, and a superplasticizer of 1%. Mechanical strength testing, including compressive strength, tensile strength, is carried out according to the ASTM standards. The results indicated that the addition of fibers lowered the compressive strength by 13,69% but increased the tensile strength by 64,06%. The highest compressive strength of 33,78 MPa is achieved by normal concrete and fiberless PAC, while the highest tensile strength of 4,95 MPa is achieved by PAC with 1% fiber wire mesh.