Istrazivanja i projektovanja za privreduJournal of Applied Engineering Science

The polypropylene fibers are mostly used in concrete nevertheless much focus is not made on its use in mortar. Therefore, this research was carried out to determine the beneficial use of polypropylene fibers in cement-sand mortar. By determining the mechanical properties of polypropylene fibers Mixed (PPFM) Cement-Sand Mortar we can assess it beneficial use. The PPFM Cement-Sand Mortar (Type-N) contains Polypropylene Fibers randomly mixed in cement-sand mortar. This idea is based on the previous research carried out on Polypropylene Fibers Reinforced Concrete. The fibers used were microfilament fibers having length of 12 mm, diameter of 18 micron and specific gravity of 0.91. The fibers were mixed in mortar in different proportions (1%, 2% and 3% by the volume fraction) in cement- sand mortar of 1:6 (by volume fraction) and its mechanical properties were studied with control samples (Mortar with no fibers). A total of 08 tests were performed: 4 tests were performed in fresh state of mortar, 4 were performed in hardened state of mortar. In fresh state, 12 samples for each test were casted and the mortar showed considerable decrease in workability, bulk density and setting time whereas the air content increased considerably with increasing PPF fraction. In hardened state, 48 samples were casted for each test and the mortar samples showed considerable decrease in compressive strength, tensile strength and fl exural strength with increasing PPF fraction, however, the ductility increased considerably. Based on the results, it was concluded that the use of polypropylene fibers does increase the ductility of the mortar, however, the strength does decrease, and therefore, its use may be limited to less that 1% so that ductility is achieved, and strength of mortar is not affected much. In view of above, this work can be extended for calculating its optimum use in cement sand mortar.