Enhancing Seismic Resilience of High-Performance Concrete Pavement Slabs Using Steel, Polypropylene, and Hybrid Fiber Reinforcement

Abstract

This study presents a detailed experimental investigation of rigid concrete pavement slabs constructed with high-performance concrete (HPC) reinforced using steel, polypropylene, and hybrid fibres under simulated earthquake loading conditions. The research aims to evaluate the energy dissipation capacity, crack resistance, and structural behaviour of fibre-reinforced HPC slabs subjected to seismic actions. Fiber reinforcement, especially steel fibres, has been recognized as an effective method for enhancing the durability and service life of concrete pavements due to its positive influence on mechanical properties and load-transfer performance. Rectangular slab specimens measuring 1000 × 800 × 50 mm were prepared using HPC mixtures containing different volumetric percentages of steel fibres (0.25%, 0.75%, and 1.0%). Control specimens without fibre reinforcement were also tested for comparison. The results from hysteretic loop analysis under cyclic loading demonstrated that hybrid slabs reinforced with 0.25%–0.75% steel–polypropylene fibers achieved improved post-yield behaviour and greater energy absorption capacity. In addition, fiber bridging across cracks maintains load transfer after initial cracking, leading to gradual and ductile failure rather than sudden brittle collapse. Overall, the findings confirm the effectiveness of hybrid fibre reinforcement in improving the seismic performance and durability of HPC pavement slabs.