Multi-Performance Optimization of PVA Fiber Dosage for Enhanced Mechanical Strength, Crack Resistance and Durability of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

Abstract

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber-reinforced concrete has attracted considerable attention because of its ability to bridge microcracks, improve tensile and flexural performance, and modify the brittle failure characteristics of conventional concrete. However, increasing the fiber content beyond an optimum level can reduce workability, promote fiber clustering and increase entrapped porosity, thereby limiting the improvement in mechanical and durability properties. The present study investigates the influence of PVA fiber dosage on the fresh, mechanical, crack-control and durability characteristics of M40 concrete and establishes an optimum fiber dosage using a multi-performance optimization framework. Nine concrete mixtures containing 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75 and 2.00% PVA fiber by volume were considered. Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, flexural toughness, water absorption, sorptivity and chloride penetration were evaluated. Crack width and crack density were also considered as indicators of crack-control performance. The numerical dataset presented in this manuscript is an illustrative/simulated dataset developed to demonstrate the proposed research methodology and must be replaced by experimentally measured values before submission as an experimental research article. The simulated results indicate a progressive improvement in tensile and flexural performance up to approximately 1.25–1.50% PVA fiber, followed by a reduction in performance at higher dosages. The optimum region is attributed to efficient crack bridging and stress transfer without excessive fiber agglomeration. A desirability-based multi-objective optimization framework is proposed to simultaneously maximize mechanical performance and minimize permeability-related indicators. The study demonstrates a methodology for determining PVA dosage based on multiple performance criteria rather than compressive strength alone.