Experimental study on the properties improvement of hybrid graphene oxide fiber-reinforced composite concrete

Graphene oxide can have a massive influence on industries related to concrete and construction in the coming years. Due to the oxygenated capabilities connected to the aromatic structure, it has an improved ability to disperse in mixes in comparison to the other graphene-based materials. Very few researchers have given their idea about the influence of graphene oxide plus fibers on the durability and mechanical behavior of cement-based composites. Five different mixes were developed with utilization of graphene oxide (0%, 0.03%, 0.06%, 0.09% and 0.12% by cement weight) and 2% of steel fibers was added by binder weight. Experimental tests were performed related to mechanical and water permeation characteristics. The concrete mix with 0.12% of graphene oxide has displayed a significant result in terms of mechanical properties and other durability testing in contrast to the other sample mixtures. The permeability and sorptivity of the fiber-strengthened concrete samples in the utilization of graphene oxide were noted to have decreased with increment of graphene oxide content in the mixes in comparison to the reference sample. The synthesized graphene oxide was structurally categorized with the help of FT-IR, EDX, and XRD tests. Microstructural behavior was assessed with the help of XRD spectra on sample cured at 90 days, and the concrete quality was assessed with an ultrasonic pulse velocity test. The study showed that M5 mix (0.12% GO and 2% steel fibers) enhanced compressive and split tensile strength up to 56% and 37%, M5 mix also showed highest average velocity for UPV test and lower values for sorptivity test which indicates improved mechanical properties, durability and reduced porosity. Thus, concrete with GO and steel fibers can be confidently used in building application as sustainable and economic construction material. • Graphene oxide plus steel fibers caused reduction in concrete workability. • Compressive and split tensile strength was improved up to 37% and 56% respectively. • Cost benefit analysis showed M5 mix has high strength per cost while M4 mix has optimum performance for commercial usage.