Performance and Applications of Polymer Fiber Rubber-Reinforced Concrete in Civil Engineering: A State-of-the-Art Review
Jie Liu, Weitao Xu, Guansheng Li, Bing Chen, Yi Xiao, Huiping Huang, Juanjuan Chen
Abstract
Polymer fiber rubber-reinforced concrete (PFRRC) represents a high-performance composite material that synergistically integrates the energy absorption of rubber concrete (RC) and the crack resistance of polymer fiber-reinforced concrete (PFRC). This review systematically evaluates the mechanical and durability properties of PFRRC, emphasizing its potential to overcome the intrinsic brittleness of conventional concrete while enhancing structural resilience. Experimental results indicate that PFRRC exhibits significant improvements in compressive, tensile, and flexural strength, with increases of up to 29%, 38%, and 66%, respectively, compared to RC. Furthermore, it demonstrates exceptional impact resistance, with energy absorption capabilities up to 10 times greater than that of ordinary concrete. The hybrid composite also demonstrates enhanced durability, including reduced chloride ion penetration (24.5% lower diffusion coefficient) and improved freeze-thaw resistance. However, challenges remain in optimizing rubber-polymer interactions, fiber hybridization ratios, and performance under extreme conditions. By addressing these limitations, PFRRC holds transformative potential for sustainable infrastructure, particularly in road engineering, seismic-resistant structures, and protective systems.