Compressive strength and elasticity modulus are the main mechanical properties of concrete. The non-destructive ultrasound pulse test can be used to determine these properties without compromising the structure’s integrity. This study seeks to assess whether a correlation exists (1) between the Reinforcement Index (RI) and the mechanical properties, (2) between the RI and the dynamic properties, and (3) among the dynamic properties of polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete. The RI was modified through fiber volume fraction (0, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.2%) and fiber length (40, 50 and 60 mm). The dynamic properties were assessed through dynamic elasticity modulus and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), which were determined by direct, semi-direct, and indirect prospect methods. Finally, compressive strength, static elasticity modulus, and Poisson’s ratio were assessed through destructive tests. Their relationship with UPV and the dynamic elasticity modulus is also subsequently studied. The results reveal a correlation between RI and compressive strength and UPV; however, the static elasticity modulus only exhibits a correlation with UPV in one of its measurement methods. Finally, empirical models were developed for predicting compressive strength, elasticity modulus as a function of ultrasonic pulse velocity and RI, and dynamic elasticity modulus as a function of compressive strength and RI.

The construction industry requires concrete with adequate post-cracking behavior for applications such as tunnels, bridges, and pavements. For this reason, polypropylene macrofibers are used, which are synthetic fibers that fulfill the function of providing residual strength to concrete. In this study, an experimental plan is carried out to evaluate the bending behavior of concrete reinforced with polypropylene fibers using the four-point bending test according to ASTM C1609. Three fiber dosages (3.6, 7.2 and 10.8 kg/m³) and three fiber lengths (40, 50, and 60 mm) were used. The use of macro polypropylene fibers increased the post-cracking behavior of concrete. In addition, based on the experimentally obtained results and available literature data, a multivariable equation was developed to predict the concrete toughness as a function of the volume, slenderness, and modulus of elasticity of the fibers. A Pearson’s correlation coefficient, r of 0.90, showed a strong correlation between the developed equation and the experimental data. From this equation, it was possible to determine the participation of the following parameters in calculating toughness. The participation or weight of the fiber’s modulus of elasticity on the concrete’s tenacity is 26%, the volume of the fiber is 39%, the slenderness is 19%, and the reinforcement index is 16%.

The Barcelona method was developed as an alternative to other tests for assessing the post-cracking behavior of fiber-reinforced concrete, with the main advantage being that it uses significantly smaller specimens compared to other methods. For this reason, it can provide a solution for characterizing concrete in hard-to-reach constructions such as roads and tunnels. On the other hand, polypropylene (PP) fibers have gained increased attention in recent years within the scientific community due to their high tensile strength and cost-effectiveness. This research aimed to understand the influence of PP fiber volume, slenderness (l/d), and reinforcement index on post-cracking properties of concrete, including toughness and residual strength ($\mathrm{f}\_\mathrm{r}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{s}$), using the Barcelona method. Three fiber volumes, 0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2%, and three slenderness ratios, 46.5, 58.1, and 69.8, were employed in normal-strength concrete. In addition to the reference mixture without fibers, 10 mixtures were prepared with 10 specimens each, resulting in a total of 100 specimens. Pearson’s hypothesis test was employed to determine the existence of correlations between variables, followed by scatter plots to generate predictive equations between post-cracking properties and fiber attributes. The results indicated no direct correlation between fiber slenderness and post-cracking properties. Regarding fiber volume, there was a correlation with residual strength but not with toughness. However, the combined effect of volume and slenderness, the reinforcement index, correlates with the post-cracking properties of concrete. Finally, four predictive equations for toughness and residual strength were derived based on the reinforcement index. These equations can prove valuable for designing structures made of polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete.

An experimental study was conducted to examine the mechanical strengths of concretes with straight high-strength knurled polypropylene macrofibers. Incidences of concrete mechanical strengths were determined for three different fiber dosages and lengths. In addition, compressive, indirect-splitting-test tensile, and flexural strengths were determined through testing. The results showed no statistically significant correlation between the volume and length of fibers with the compressive strength of polypropylene fiber-reinforced concrete (PPFRC). However, there was a statistically significant correlation between the split tensile strength, the volume, and the length of the fibers when the volume was greater than 0.80%, and the length of the fibers was greater than 50 mm. Furthermore, the modulus of rupture increased when the volume of fibers was greater than 0.80% and the length of the fibers was 60 mm. Finally, equations were proposed to determine the tensile strength by split test and the modulus of rupture as a function of the mixture’s resistance without fibers, the fibers’ volume and length.