Polypropylene Fibres
Standard(s): BS EN 14488-7 & BS EN 14721
Site Test
Lab Test
Polypropylene fibre testing determines the quantity and density of fibres within fibre-reinforced concrete or mortar. In accordance with BS EN 14488-7 and BS EN 14721, the test measures the amount of fibres present in a hardened sample to confirm that the specified dosage has been achieved. This verification is important for ensuring the material performs as designed.

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The Process

A hardened concrete or mortar sample containing fibres is broken down and washed to separate the fibres from the cement matrix and aggregates. The recovered fibres are carefully collected, cleaned, and dried. They are then weighed to determine the quantity of fibres within the sample, allowing the fibre content per unit volume of concrete to be calculated.

The Reason

Fibres are added to concrete and sprayed concrete to improve properties such as crack control, toughness, and durability. If the correct fibre dosage is not achieved, the material may not deliver the intended performance. Testing confirms that the specified fibre content has been incorporated during production.

The Application

Polypropylene fibre testing is commonly carried out for fibre-reinforced concrete and sprayed concrete used in tunnels, ground support, industrial floors, and structural applications. The results help verify compliance with project specifications and ensure that fibre-reinforced materials perform as expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Amtest test polypropylene fibres in fibre-reinforced concrete?

Yes. Amtest can determine the fibre content of polypropylene, steel, or glass fibres within hardened concrete or mortar samples in accordance with relevant testing standards.

Why is fibre content testing important for fibre-reinforced concrete?

The correct fibre dosage ensures the material provides the required crack resistance and toughness. Amtest testing confirms that the specified fibre content has been achieved.

What types of fibres can Amtest analyse?

Amtest can analyse steel, polypropylene, and glass fibres recovered from hardened concrete or sprayed concrete samples.

Can Amtest verify fibre dosage for sprayed concrete or shotcrete?

Yes. Amtest can test samples from sprayed concrete or shotcrete applications to confirm that the fibre content meets the project specification.

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Polypropylene Fibres

Fibre content testing is an essential procedure used to evaluate the amount and type of fibres present in a concrete mix. The inclusion of fibres enhances the properties of concrete, improving its performance in both its fresh (unhardened) and hardened (in-service) states.

Purpose of Fibre Content Testing

This test ensures that the fibre dosage meets the project’s design requirements, which may influence properties such as:

  • Crack Resistance: Fibres reduce shrinkage cracking in fresh concrete.
  • Durability: Enhanced resistance to wear, impact, and environmental factors.
  • Structural Integrity: Increased tensile strength and load-bearing capacity.

Types of Fibres Commonly Used

  1. Steel Fibres: Provide high tensile strength and ductility.
  2. Polypropylene Fibres: Improve plastic shrinkage resistance and reduce bleeding.
  3. Glass Fibres: Offer resistance to cracking and chemical attack, especially in architectural concrete.

Testing Procedure

Fibre content is determined through a precise methodology:

  1. Sample Selection: A measured and random test sample is taken from the concrete batch, ensuring representative results.
  2. Washing and Sieving: The sample is washed through a sieve to separate the fibres and aggregates from the cementitious matrix.
  3. Separation of Fibres:
    • Steel Fibres: Picked out using a magnet for accuracy.
    • Polypropylene and Glass Fibres: Physically separated based on visual identification.
  4. Weighing the Fibres: The fibres are weighed in their wet state to determine their mass.
  5. Calculating Fibre Density: The fibre content is expressed as kg/m³, providing the dosage rate within the concrete mix.

Applications

Fibre content testing is vital in projects where fibre-reinforced concrete is specified, such as:

  • Industrial floors and pavements
  • Precast concrete elements
  • Shotcrete for tunnels and retaining walls
  • Architectural applications requiring high durability

This testing ensures compliance with design specifications, providing confidence in the concrete's enhanced performance characteristics.

BS EN 14488-7 & BS EN 14721