Structural Strength Properties of Waste Textile Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Lightweight Composite Mortars

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the utilization of recycled textile waste fiber (RTWF) as fiber reinforcement in cementitious lightweight composite mortars. The effect of RTWF percentage on cementitious lightweight composite mortar (CLCM) consistency, plastic and dry set density, splitting tensile and compressive strength was measured. In particular, the effect of RTWF percentage on the structural mechanical properties of hardened mortar was examined in detail. Mohr-Coulomb Failure Criterion was used to examine the structural strength properties of composite mortars. Failure angle, internal friction angle, normal and shear strength and cohesion of RTWF reinforced composite mortars were investigated. Three different types of fibers were used including cotton-polyester mixture (Type 1), only polyester (Type 2) and cotton-polyester-acrylic mixture (Type 3). Different percentages of fibers, i.e. 1%, 2%, 3%, 5% and 7%, were added to CLCM. Test results showed reduction in dry set densities compared with the control specimen. It has been determined that the use of 1 % fiber improves the mechanical properties of light mortars. On the other hand, decreasing trend was observed in compressive and splitting tensile strength of mortars with higher amount of fiber usage. When structural strength properties were considered, same trend was kept. However, this research work has unique value from an innovative perspective in terms of evaluation of structural strength parameters.