Synergising hybrid short fibres and composite cements for sustainable and efficient textile-reinforced concrete composites

Abstract

Under the raising concerns over the environmental impacts of construction materials, including reinforced concrete, there has been a recent growing focus on the application of innovative Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC) composites to the repair of existing deteriorated structures or to developing slender structural components. Aiming to further increase the attractiveness of TRCs, we focus on the development of low-carbon, cost-effective and ductile TRCs from Alkali Resistant (AR)-Glass textiles and composite cements with a focus on the reduction of the clinker content and incorporation of short fibres into the TRC matrix. Quaternary blends of cement and Supplementary Cementitious Materials combined with single and hybrid short fibres of alkali-resistant glass, Polyvinyl alcohol, and polypropylene, are considered for this purpose. The role of these in controlling the post-cracking response, load carrying capacity and mechanical behaviour of TRCs is investigated. These followed by an environmental and cost analysis show that the developed TRCs exhibit significant improvement in ductility and nonlinear response, and reduction in cost and embodied carbon compared to those available in the literature. It is also shown that the hybridisation of short fibres allows manipulating the performance, carbon footprint, and cost of hybrid TRCs.