Issue 75

M. Ramos et alii, Fracture and structural integrity, 75 (2026) 399-434 ; DOI: 10.3221/IGF-ESIS.75.29

Reduction of cracks in concrete slabs through the incorporation of polypropylene synthetic fiber

Max Ramos, Edwin Parillo Peruvian Union University, Peru

max.ramos@upeu.edu.pe, https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4993-983X edwin.parillo@upeu.edu.pe, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1175-0512

Citation: Ramos, M., Parillo, E., Reduction of cracks in concrete slabs by incorporating synthetic polypropylene fiber to improve integrity, Fracture and Structural Integrity, 75 (2026) 399-434.

Received: 03.10.2025 Accepted: 03.12.2025 Published: 11.12.2025 Problem: 01.2026

Copyright: © 2026 This is an open access article under the terms of the CC BY 4.0 license, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided that the original author and source are cited.

K EYWORDS . Fiber, Concrete, Width, Length, Crack, Polypropylene.

I NTRODUCTION

I

n the construction sector, concrete cracking is a very common problem, as it significantly reduces the lifespan and integrity of structures [1]. For this reason, research on this topic has increased in several countries, seeking quick and simple solutions. In Colombia, research conducted by Dias, Calmon, and Vieira [2] focused on the plastic shrinkage of concrete, demonstrating that conventional concrete is very weak and practically lacks resistance to cracking. This problem significantly affects the appearance and structural strength of buildings, requiring additional processes, such as crack sealing, in 90% of cases for its resolution, resulting in relatively high additional costs. Given this situation, the use of alternative materials that reduce or prevent the appearance of cracks is presented as a more sustainable and accessible strategy. Among them, synthetic polypropylene fiber has proven to be a promising option, improving the internal cohesion of concrete and controlling crack formation during the initial stages of setting and curing [3]. In Peru, research on concrete slab cracking has been very limited in the construction sector, or, where it exists, it has not generated sufficient general interest to warrant further study. This lack of scientific evidence stems from the widespread belief that concrete cracking is not a short-term problem and is therefore often ignored. However, when analyzed over the long term, it presents significant issues that require thorough investigation. Numerous local, national, and international studies have promoted the use of unconventional natural and synthetic fibers to reduce concrete cracking. For example:

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