To understand the effect of incorporation of polypropylene and steel fibers together in the hardened state of concrete

This study investigates the combined effect of polypropylene (PP) and steel fibers on the hardened properties of concrete. Fiber-reinforced concrete has emerged as a promising material for enhancing the mechanical and durability characteristics of conventional concrete. While individual use of polypropylene and steel fibers has shown significant improvements in specific performance parameters, this research aims to evaluate the synergistic impact when both fibers are incorporated simultaneously. Concrete mixes were prepared with varying proportions of PP and steel fibers, and tested for key hardened state properties, including compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, and durability aspects such as water absorption and resistance to cracking. The experimental results highlight that the hybrid fiber combination offers enhanced performance due to the complementary nature of the fibers—where steel fibers contribute to strength and crack-bridging capacity, and polypropylene fibers improve ductility and shrinkage resistance. This research provides insights into optimizing fiber content for achieving superior hardened concrete performance, thereby supporting the development of more durable and resilient construction materials.