Abstract
In the present paper, experimental investigations were conducted to improve the properties of concrete by using conductive screws as a fibre. Screws of two different lengths were used (1/2 inch and 1 inch). These screws were made of iron coated with Zinc-Aluminium alloy (called Al-Clad), which is resistant to corrosion and rust. This coating gives the screw strength and flexibility. The water/cement ratio used was w/c = 0.55 and the volume fractions of the conductive screw were 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% by volume of concrete mix. The results show that the use of the conductive screw enhanced the mechanical properties of concrete. The compressive strength increases with increasing the volume fraction of the screw with a length of 1 inch. For 1.5% fibre content, the strength was increased by 24.28%, 23.66%, and 20.91% for 7, 28, and 90 curing days respectively compared to the reference mix. The same trend was observed with the modulus of rupture results. For the same length and with the 1.5% volume fraction of fibre, the modulus of rupture increased by 19.44% and 32.26% for 7 and 28 days of curing respectively. The splitting tensile strength also increased by 27.05% and 33.17% for 7 and 28 curing days respectively for 1.0% fibre content
