Hair fibre reinforced concrete composition

Abstract

The present invention relates to fibre reinforced concrete composition employing human hair. The composition comprises of a cement material; a coarse aggregate material; a fine aggregate material, wherein the ratio of cement material, fine aggregate material, and coarse aggregate material is in the range of 1: 1.5: 2.5 to 1: 2: 3.5; a hair fibre material in the range of 1-3% by weight of cement; and a water component, wherein the ratio of cement and water is in the range of 1:0.40 to 1:0.60.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to concrete compositions. In particular, the present invention relates to a fibre reinforced concrete composition employing human hair for the enhancement of mechanical properties of concrete.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Concrete is one of the most commonly known construction material. It is generally made by mixing cement, water and aggregates (gravel, sand or rock). When these materials are mixed together, they form liquid slurry which gradually hardens over time. Nowadays, concrete is used extensively in buildings, roads, bridges, dams and various other construction projects. Recently, some new types of construction materials have been introduced like metals, plastics and fabrics etc. The evolution of new construction materials is due to the increase in demand for the construction materials. But most of these new construction materials are not environment friendly.

[0003] Conventional concrete constructions suffer from various limitations. They have relatively low tensile strength and low ductability when compared to other building materials. They are also prone to cracking, crazing, discoloration, curling and scaling. The concrete slowly breaks down due to different environmental conditions cause irretrievable damage to the structure.

[0004] Addition of fibers in the concrete mixture, to improve its mechanical properties is not new. Fibers have been used as reinforcements since ancient times. Historically, horsehair was used in mortar and straw in mud bricks to strengthen concrete. The mechanical properties of concrete significantly depend on the type, length and percentage of fiber. Generally, concrete is weak in tension and brittle in nature. Hence fibers are added to concrete to increase its tensile strength and structural integrity.

[0005] In recent years, new materials like steelfibre, glassfibre, and synthetic fibers have been used to enhance structural integrity of concrete used in construction. These fibres improve the ductility, strength, abrasion and shatter resistance of concrete. However, the use of steel fiber and other man-made fibers greatly increases the cost of concrete, thereby increasing the total cost of a building / structure.

[0006] Due to aforesaid drawbacks, there exists a need to develop a fibre reinforced concrete composition utilizing non-biodegradable waste material that will reduce the cost of construction. The used waste material will further reduce the amount of waste to be disposed, thereby assisting in waste management.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to develop a fibre reinforced concrete composition employing a waste material for improving the structural integrity of concrete.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hair fibre reinforced concrete composition capable of improving the durability and strength of concrete.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to utilize a waste material in strengthening the concrete, thereby assisting in waste management and reducing environmental problems.

[0011] Another object of present invention is to provide a hair fibre reinforced concrete composition with improved compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a fibre reinforced concrete composition employing human hair in the concrete, thereby augmenting the mechanical properties and structural integrity of concrete.

[0014] According to an embodiment of present invention, a fibre reinforced concrete composition, comprising of a cement material; a coarse aggregated material; a fine aggregated material, wherein the ratio of cement material, fine aggregate material, and coarse aggregate material is in the range of 1: 1.5: 2.5 to 1: 2: 3.5; a hair fibre material in the range of 1-3% by weight of cement; and a water component, wherein the ratio of cement and water is in the range of 1: 0.40 to 1:0.60.

[0015] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[0017] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings wherein:FIG.l is a graphical representation of the compressive strength of different mixtures of hair reinforced concrete in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;FIG.2 is a graphical representation of the split tensile strength of different mixtures of concrete hair reinforced, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; andFIG.3 is a graphical representation of the flexural strength of different mixtures hair reinforced concrete, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure aredisclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed5 embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure which may beembodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merelyas a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching oneskilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually10 any appropriately detailed structure.

[0019] Various other objects, advantages, and features of the disclosure willbecome more readily apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description when read in conjunction with the15 accompanying drawing.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms"comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with"including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the20 respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consistsessentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both25 the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate thesingular only.

[0022] As used herein the term “HHF” stands for Hair Reinforced Fibres, “FA”stands for Fine Aggregates, and “CA” stands for Coarse Aggregates. 30

[0023] As used herein, the term “cement” refers to a binder, a substance used6 for construction that sets, hardens, and adheres to other materials to bind them together.

[0024] As used herein, the term “aggregate” refers to inert granular materials5 such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone used in construction. Cementwhen mixed with aggregate produces concrete.

[0025] As used herein, the term “curing” refers to the process of providingadequate moisture, temperature, and time to allow the concrete to10 achieve the desired properties for its intended use

[0026] The present invention relates to a fibre reinforced concrete compositionemploying human hair fibre in the concrete. A concrete with enhanced strength and structural integrity is disclosed herein. 15

[0027] The composition comprises of a cement material, a human hair fibrecomponent in the range of 1-3% by weight of cement, at least one fineaggregate material, at least one coarse aggregate material in the ratio of1:1.5:2.5 to 1:2.0:3.5, human hair fibre in the range of 1-3% by weight20 of cement, and water.

[0028] The composition according to the invention can have cement: fineaggregate: coarse aggregate in the range of 1:1.5:2.5 to 1:2.0:3.5. The cement to water ratio is in the range of 1:0.4-1:0.6. 25

[0029] Fine aggregate, preferably sand, may be less than or equal to 4.75 mmparticle size. Coarse aggregate, preferably crushed stone, may be less than or equal to 20 mm size.30

[0030] Hair is used as a fiber reinforcing material in the present concretecomposition. The length of human hair fibre incorporated into concrete7 is in the range of 20-80mm. Human hair fibre in the range of 1%-3% by weight of cement increases the compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength of the concrete.5

[0031] The concrete cubes, cylinders and beams can be made with the presentconcrete composition. Cubes, beams and cylindrical specimens are casted and cured for evaluating various mechanical properties. These specimens made of human hair fiber reinforced concrete are tested at 7 and 28days.10

[0032] The preferred concrete composition includes human hair fibre of length50mm in the ratio of 1.5% by weight of cement, and cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate in the ratio of 1:1.74:3.07. The ratio of cement and water is preferably maintained at 1:0.5.15 ExamplesMaterials used in concrete

[0033] Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) 53 grade cement (Ambuja Cement)available in local market was used in preparation of concrete and it wastested as per Indian Specifications IS: 12269-1987. The chemical20 properties of OPC 53 grade are listed in Table 1.Table 1Chemical Constituent (%)SiO2 21.06Al2O3 5.05Fe2O3 3.16CaO 62.17MgO 2.45K2O + Na2O 1.05SO3 3.168

[0034] Sand with 4.75 mm maximum size of particles was used as fineaggregate. Sand was tested as per Indian standard specifications IS:383-1970. Weight of sample taken for test was 2.0 kg. The results ofsieve analysis are listed in Table 2.5 Table 2I.S. Sieve Weight retained (gm) %age weight retained Cumulative %age weight retained4.75 mm 114 5.7 5.72.36 mm 203 10.15 15.851.18 mm 157 7.85 23.70600 µm 566 28.3 52.00300 µm 732 36.6 88.60150 µm 194 9.7 98.30Pan 34 1.7 100

[0035] The coarse aggregate used was crushed stone with maximum 20 mmsize graded aggregates were used. Weight of sample taken for test was 5.0 kg. The results of sieve analysis are listed in Table 3. 10Table 3I.S. Sieve Weight retained (gm) %age weight retained (gm) Cumulative %age weight20 mm 58 1.16 1.1612.5 mm 4898 97.96 99.1210 mm 24 0.48 99.606.3 mm 10 0.20 99.804.75 mm 0 0 99.80Pan 10 0.20 1009 Preparation of concrete mix

[0036] Preparation of concrete mixtures (M25) by addition of human hairfibres (length 20mm, 50mm and 80mm) in 0%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% ofweight of cement. The basic mix design includes cement, fine5 aggregate, coarse aggregate and water. The mix was prepared as per IS:10262-1982 to have 28 days compressive strength of 31.6 MPa. The detailed description is listed in Table 4 and 5, wherein FA denotes Fine aggregate and CA denotes Coarse Aggregate10 Table 4Units of batch Water (liters) Cement (Kg) FA (Kg) CA (Kg)Cubic meter 191.6 383.2 667 1177Ratio 0.50 1 1.74 3.07Table 5Content M-1 (0% HHF M-2(1% HHF) M-3 (1.5% HHF) M-4 (2% HHF) 20 50 80 20 50 80 20 50 80 ) mm383. mm383. mm383. mm383. mm383 mm383. mm mm mmCement 383.2 383. 383. 383.2Kg / m3 2 191. 2 191. 2 191. 2 191. .2 191 2 191. 2 2 FA 191.6 191. 191. 191.6(Kg / m3) 6 117 6 117 6 117 6 117 .6 117 6 117 6 6 CA 1177 1177 1177 1177(Kg / m3) 7 3.83 7 3.83 7 3.83 7 5.74 7 5.7 7 5.74 HHF 0 11.4 11.4 11.49(Kg / m3) 8 48 8 96 96 610 Water 191.6 191. 191. 191. 191. 191 191. 191. 191. 191.6(Kg / m3) 6 0.50 6 0.50 6 0.50 6 0.50 .6 0.5 6 0.50 6 6 W / C 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50ratio 90 90 90 90 0 90 90 Slump 90 90 90 90(mm) Preparation of test specimen

[0037] The concrete cubes, cylinders and beams were made with threedifferent ratios of HHF that is 1%, 1.5% and 3% and Controlled5 samples were casted without addition of HHF. Cubes / cylinders / beamswere casted in accordance with the present disclosure and compacted in a vibration machine. After the de-molding all the specimens were kept for curing and the tests were conducted at 7 and 28 days.10

[0038] Compressive strength test15The compressive strength test has been conducted to test the capacity of a material to withstand the effect of axially pushing forces. Compressive strength is measured on a Universal testing machine. The compressive strength of the cubes demonstrates high strength of bacterial concrete because of bacteria cell structure, which forms the calcite crystal that fills the voids in concrete structure. The concrete form the calcite crystal that fill the voids in concrete structure. The formula used for the calculation of the compressive strength was:Σ σ = P / AWhere, Σ σ = Compressive Strength (N / mm2)P = Maximum load (N)20 A = Cross section area of cube (mm2)Split tensile strength11

[0039] The split tensile strength has been conducted to test the ability of aconcrete to resist a force which tends to pull it apart. Split tensilestrength can be measured on any compression machine of havingsufficient capacity for the tests and also capable of applying the load5 The formula used for the calculation of the Split tensile strength was:fct = 2P l D Where, P =maximum load in Newton applied, l= length of the specimen (in mm), andd = cross sectional dimension of the specimen 10Flexural strength

[0040] The flexural strength test was conducted to test the ability of concrete toresist the deformation under load. The flexural strength of the specimenis expressed as the modulus of rupture fb, which, if ‘a’ equals the15 distance between the line of fracture and the nearer support. 20

[0041] ResultsIt may be concluded that increase in strength is the result of optimum length and concentration of human hair fibre in the concrete mixture. The below table 6 shows the strength properties of Controlled Concrete samples (M25), that is samples without HHF.Table 6 25 Property 7 Days 28 DaysCompressive strength (MPa) 23.5 31.7Split tensile strength (MPa) 1.87 2.57Flexural strength (MPa) 3.52 4.9 30

[0042] The below table 7 shows the compressive Strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength of HHF reinforced Concrete samples.Table 7 12 Property Mix 7 Days 28 DaysCompressive strength (MPa) 1% HHF 20mm 26.38 32.33 50 mm 27.8 33.8 80 mm 26.93 33.96 1.5% HHF 20mm 26.96 32.5 50 mm 28.4 35.7 80 mm 27.98 33.7 2% HHF 20mm 25.6 31.86 50 mm 26.2 33.2 80 mm 25.93 32.46Split tensile strength (MPa) 1% HHF 20mm 2.1 2.63 50 mm 2.21 2.78 80 mm 2.18 2.7 1.5% HHF 20mm 2.14 2.68 50 mm 2.28 2.77 80 mm 2.23 2.77 2% HHF 20mm 2.01 2.67 50 mm 2.11 2.71 80 mm 2.09 2.68Flexural strength (MPa) 1% HHF 20mm 4.04 4.97 50 mm 4.14 5.09 80 mm 4.09 5.06 1.5% HHF 20mm 4.13 5.09 50 mm 4.26 5.2 80 mm 4.22 5.15 2% HHF 20mm 3.84 4.92 50 mm 3.95 5.01 80 mm 3.94 4.9713 5

[0043] Referring to Figure. 1, it is a graphical representation of thecompressive strength of different mixtures hair reinforced concrete mix with the addition of 80mm, 50mm and 20 mm hair fibres after 7 and 28 days of curing, in accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The maximum compressive strength was observed for the concrete mixture of 1.5% of 50 mm human hair fibre after 28 days of curing, which is 35.7MPa.

[0044] Referring to Figure. 2, it is a graphical representation of the split10 tensile strength of different mixtures hair reinforced concrete mixwith the addition of 80mm, 50mm and 20 mm hair fibres after 7 and28 days of curing, in accordance with a non limiting exemplaryembodiment of the present disclosure. The maximum split tensilestrength was observed for the concrete mixture of 1-1.5% of 50 mm15 human hair fibre after 28 days of curing, which is 2.77.2.78MPa.

[0045] Referring to Figure. 3, it is a graphical representation of the flexuralstrength of different mixtures hair reinforced concrete mix with theaddition of 80mm, 50mm and 20 mm hair fibres after 7 and 28 days20 of curing, in accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodimentof the present disclosure. The maximum flexural strength was observed for the concrete mixture of 1.5% of 50 mm human hair fibre of 50 after 28 days of curing, which is 5.2MPa.25

[0046] The increased compressive, split tensile and flexural strength ofbacterial concrete of the composition disclosed herein is due to the incorporation of hair fibres in the concrete mix.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, the present fibre reinforced concrete30 composition mayconsist of fly ash, silica fume, bagasse ash and / or anyother mineral admixture.14

[0048] While the disclosure has been presented with respect to certain specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

We Claim:A fibre reinforced concrete composition, comprising:a cement material;at least one coarse aggregate material;at least one fine aggregate material, wherein ratio of said cement material,said fine aggregate material, and said coarse aggregate material is in therange of 1: 1.5: 2.5 to 1: 2: 3.5 respectively;a hair fibre material in the range of 1-3% by weight of cement; anda water component, wherein the ratio of said cement and said water is inthe range of 1:0.40 to 1:0.60,wherein said hair fibre enhances the strength of said concrete.The concrete composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein length of said hair fibre is in the range of 20-80mm, preferably 50mm.The concrete composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hair fibre is preferably human hair fibre.The concrete composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hair fibre is preferably 1.5% by weight of cement.The concrete composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fine aggregate material preferably sand, may be less than or equal to 4.75 mm particle size.The concrete composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein said Coarse aggregate, preferably crushed stone, may be less than or equal to 20 mm particle size.The concrete composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein ratio of said cement material, said fine aggregate material, and said coarse aggregate material is preferably 1:1.74:3.07.The concrete composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein ratio of said cement and said water is 1:0.5.