Fatigue Resistance of Recycled Steel Fibers (Discarded Vehicle Tyre Steel Fibers) Concrete Pavement

Abstract

Concrete pavements are exposed to repetitive (cyclic traffic) loads throughout its lifespan resulting in the instigation of cracks. Propagation of cracks implies to permanent damage of rigid pavement owing to fatigue damage. From inception, cause of the creation of cracks in the rigid pavement is less resistance of the rigid pavement against bending, tension, and cracking. Market available (Industrial) steel fibers are incorporated in plain concrete to enhance its post-cracking flexural behavior and fatigue performance. Even though industrially manufactured steel fibers help concrete pavements by restricting cracks, these are not preferred due to the higher cost of material. An alternative to using recycled steel fibers recovered from discarded vehicle tyres is a cheaper fiber solution with notable environmental benefits. Research work aligned to the adaptability of recycled steel fibers has been reported, but there is the lack of studies on exploring fatigue performance of recycled steel fibers reinforced concrete pavement with reference to IRC 58:2015 guidelines. Experimental findings recommend the use of ‘Hybrid fibers’ a mix of waste tyre steel fiber and industrial steel fiber in a definite proportion which enhances mechanical properties of concrete. Temperature study and fatigue analysis warranty the use of hybrid fibers in pavement construction as it provides cost-effective, environment-friendly solutions.