Using The Taguchi Technique To Examine Concrete Durability By Applying Forta, Polyester, And Micro Silica Fibers In Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Abstract

The goal of this study was to examine the durability of concrete using Forta, polyester, and micro-silica fibers against freeze-thaw cycles by employing the Taguchi technique. To this end, the experimental Taguchi technique was employed to achieve an optimum mix design with certain percentages of fibers and micro-silica, as following a 28-day age, [concrete] cubic specimens were subjected to 50 freezing and thawing cycles. These specimens were then compared to conventionally cured concrete at ambient temperature. As indicated by the National Mix Design, compressive strength experiments were conducted in line with the ISIRI 3206 Regulation, and the Brazilian Tensile Strength experiment followed the ASTM C496. For each experiment, 6 concrete specimens with fibers and admixtures and 6 more without fibers and admixtures were fabricated and then compared. As revealed by the findings, to test compressive strength in the C25 Mode, the simultaneous use of both Forta (Forta= 1.5) and polyester (Polyester= 3) fibers at the highest level, i.e., in Specimen No. 4, exhibited a significant increase in compressive strength. Also, to test tensile strength in the C25 Mode, the simultaneous use of both Forta (Forta= 1.5) and polyester (Polyester= 3) fibers at the highest level, i.e., in Specimen No. 4, exhibited a good increase in tensile strength.