Tire Steel Research Articles

Mechanical and microstructural characterization of recycled aggregate geopolymer concrete having high strength and recycled tire steel wire fibers

The mechanical and microstructural properties of recycled aggregate geopolymer concrete (RAGC) that contains high-strength steel wire fibers (HSWF), recycled tire steel fibers (RTF), or a mix of the two as hybrid fibers are investigated in this study. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, the study examines microstructure, flexural toughness, compressive strength, and stress–strain response. By volume, metallic fiber additions ranged from 0.5 % to 1.5 %. Results showed that the HSWF1.5 mix achieved the highest mechanical strength of 56.27 MPa at 28 days, a 16.18 % increase over the mix having no fibers i.e., the Control mix. Toughness increased by 59 % in the mix with 1.5 % hybrid fibers i.e., HF1.5 mix, underscoring the significant durability enhancement from fibers.

Istraživanje utjecaja zelenih hibridnih vlakana na žilavost i mehanička svojstva betona od pijeska željezne jalovine

To improve the brittleness and susceptibility to cracking of iron tailings sand concrete, fibre blending was employed to toughen and resist cracking in the material. In this study, two inexpensive and environmentally friendly fibre materials were used: recycled tire steel fibre (RTSF) and coconut fibre (CF). The two fibre materials were blended and the resulting mixture was subjected to a series of performance tests, including compressive, tensile, flexural, impact, and bending tests. The effects of the fibre doping method and amount on the toughness and mechanical properties of iron tailings sand concrete were investigated in terms of the law of effect of the blended fibre admixture on the toughness and mechanical properties of iron tailings sand concrete. The results show that adding two types of fibres can effectively improve the toughness and mechanical properties of the specimen, and the hybrid fibre has a more obvious effect. Compared with the blank control group (Non), the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, bending strength, impact strength, and bending peak load of the concrete with 0.75 % RTSF and 0.2 % CF increased by 20.8 %, 42.9 %, 40.4 %, 92.4 %, and 37.5 %, respectively. Combined with the theory and fracture surface morphology analysis, it was shown that recycled tire steel fibres play a major role in cracking resistance, while coconut fibres play a toughening role.

Effect of GBFS ratio and recycled steel tire wire on the mechanical and microstructural properties of geopolymer concrete under ambient and oven curing conditions

In this study, the effects of waste steel wire ratios, granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) ratios, and different curing methods on geopolymer concrete (GPC) were investigated. For this purpose, 12 mixtures were produced and eight of them were cured under ambient conditions and the remaining four were cured in an oven. Steel wire ratios and GBFS ratios were added to GPC as 0–1–2–3 % and 0–10–20 % by volume and weight, respectively. As a result of the mixtures, cubes, cylinders, and beams were obtained and these elements were subjected to compression, tensile, and flexural tests. As a result of the tests, the compressive strengths of the specimens were obtained as 8.5 %, 19.7 %, and 24.9 % for ambient curing and 10.4 %, 23.2 %, and 32.2 % for oven curing, respectively, as the steel wire fiber increased from 0 % to 3 %. The maximum compressive strength of the oven-cured specimen with 3 % steel wire fiber was measured as 42.56 MPa. The tensile strength of GPC also increased as the steel wire increased. The highest tensile strength was obtained with 3 % steel wire. In addition, oven curing conditions increased the tensile strength more than ambient curing. The flexural strength (FS) increased by 21.3 %, 29.4 %, and 33.8 % with increasing steel wire ratios of 1 %, 2 %, and 3 %, respectively. The FS was further increased by oven curing conditions and the maximum FS was achieved with 3 % steel wire. In ambient curing conditions, a successful geopolymerization was achieved due to the high calcium content in the samples containing 20 % GBFS. This allowed to obtain similar strengths between ambient curing and oven curing. Although the oven curing values were higher, similar results were obtained for the samples cured in an ambient containing 20 % GBFS. As a result of the study, mixtures containing 3 % steel wire and 20 % GBFS provided sufficient strength without oven curing and increased the usability of GPC under ambient conditions.

Sulfate activation of wheat straw ash to enhance the properties of high-performance concrete with recycled aggregates and waste tire steel fibers.

A sustainable alternative to conventional concrete involves using recycled aggregates (RA) instead of natural aggregates (NA) and incorporating wheat straw ash (WSA) as a partial replacement for Portland cement. The demand for high-performance concrete (HPC) is rising due to the need for architecturally complex structures and long-span bridges, but HPC's low ductility necessitates reinforcement. Waste tire steel fibers (WTSFs) are gaining popularity for their tensile strength. However, WSA-RA concrete's low early strength is a challenge. Chemical activators like sodium sulfate can enhance early-age strength. This study evaluated the durability and strength of fiber-reinforced concrete with both inactivated and activated WSA. Tests included compressive strength, indirect tensile strength, modulus of rupture (MOR), acid attack resistance, chloride penetration, sorptivity, and water absorption. Activated WSA-RA concrete showed significantly improved early strength. The mixture with 30% RA, 40% WSA, WTSFs, and activator exhibited the highest strength at 90 days. At 60% RA content, activated concrete with 40% WSA and 2.5% WTSFs outperformed the control. Durability was enhanced with a 14-17% reduction in water absorption and sorptivity and a 25.2% decrease in chloride penetration. Acid resistance improved by 26%. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed these findings with elevated hydration product peaks. This study demonstrates that chemical activation of WSA optimizes the engineering properties of WSA-modified HPC with WTSFs and RA, providing a sustainable solution to their challenges.

Design, modelling and optimisation of ultra high-performance fibre reinforced concrete incorporating waste materials

The adoption of ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) in modern-day construction has gradually increased because of its high compressive and flexural strength at the early production ages. The UHPFRC's high initial cost discourages its production and widespread use. This cost can be reduced by incorporating waste materials in UHPFRC production. This study aims to design, model, and optimise a three-day heat-cured UHPFRC incorporating waste materials. To produce a sustainable UHPFRC mixture, this study combines rice husk ash (RHA) and recycled tire steel fibre (RTSF) as the primary waste components, with Portland limestone cement, river sand, superplasticizer, and water. The concrete is heat-cured in a hot water bath at 90 °C for 3 days, resulting in rapid strength development. A D-optimal mixture design technique was used to optimise the mix proportions, and mathematical models were developed to predict the compressive and flexural strengths. The non-significant lack-of-fit results and the high values of coefficient of determination (R2) revealed the accuracy of the models in predicting the compressive and flexural strengths of the UHPFRC. The low values of standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) confirmed the consistency and reliability of the prediction models. A numerical optimisation revealed that it is possible to design a UHPFRC mixture with a lower cement content of 38.29% of the UHPFRC mix, resulting in a compressive strength of 117.62 MPa and a flexural strength of 36.32 MPa. The study reveals that integrating RHA and RTSF into UHPFRC can yield high-performance properties, offering innovative solutions for resource scarcity and environmental sustainability in the construction sector.

Challenges of a Circular Economy: The Example of Raw Recycled Tyre Steel Fibres Added to Concrete.

This research was conducted to analyse the possibility of using raw, untreated recycled tyre fibres as an effective concrete reinforcement according to circular economy principles. The aim of the article was also to develop a method for dispensing tire fibres on a real scale. Additional treatment and homogenisation of recycled steel fibres entail higher energy consumption, emissions of greenhouse gases, and increased costs. However, obtaining durable and safe concrete effectively reinforced with steel fibres is critical. Finding a balance between environmental friendliness and product durability is a circular economic challenge. Reference concrete with commercial steel fibres (15 kg/m3) and two concretes containing various quantities of non-treated, raw tyre recycled fibres (25 kg/m3 and 45 kg/m3) were industrially produced. Tests were carried out on the properties of the concrete mixture and hardened concrete, such as compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting strength, modulus of elasticity, residual flexural tensile strength, and fibre distribution in concrete. Tests revealed that increasing the amount of raw tyre fibres disturbs the structure and causes air entrainment and the formation of fibre clusters. Smaller quantities of raw tyre fibres turn out an effective concrete reinforcement. The use of non-treated tyre fibres as concrete reinforcement is possible but requires more stringent control of the concrete parameters. Implementation tests on an industrial scale are a novelty in this study, presenting an analysis of the possible dispensing of tyre fibres in a ready-mixed concrete production plant and testing the characteristics of manufactured concrete.

Improving shear behavior of rubberized concrete beams through sustainable integration of waste tire steel fibers and treated rubber

This study investigates the innovative and sustainable use of crumb rubber (CR) and waste tire steel fibers (WTSF) in reinforced concrete beams. By addressing the concern of reduced shear capacity in rubberized reinforced concrete (RC) beams, the paper presents a sustainable approach that integrates WTSF and a hybrid treatment of CR involving temperature and fly ash. Six different concrete mixtures were developed, incorporating 15 % and 25 % CR as a replacement for natural fine aggregates, both with and without treatment, along with the addition of WTSF. The experimental program assessed the workability, mechanical properties, including compressive and split-tensile strength, and conducted four-point loaded flexural tests on rubberized RC beams designed to fail in shear, in order to investigate their shear behavior.A numerical study further analyzed this hybrid treatment approach across various parameters, including concrete mixture compositions, types of tensile reinforcement (conventional steel or Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer, GFRP), transverse reinforcement types (conventional steel or GFRP), longitudinal reinforcement ratios, and the combined effects of treated rubber and WTSF. Key findings include a 10 % higher compressive strength in the 25 % treated rubberized concrete mixture (TRC25) compared to the 15 % untreated rubberized concrete (URC15). Tensile strengths were significantly enhanced, with treated rubberized concrete beams containing WTSF at 15 % and 25 % showing tensile strengths 195 % and 180 % higher than normal concrete (NC), respectively. The inclusion of treated rubber and WTSF significantly improved shear capacities, with both 15 % and 25 % rubber content mixtures demonstrating substantially higher shear capacities than normal concrete. Toughness measurements indicated that treated rubberized concrete beams with WTSF at 15 % and 25 % rubber content showed toughness levels 15 to 18 times higher than NC. Beams reinforced with GFRP showed up to a 31 % higher load capacity and greater deflection before failure compared to those with conventional steel reinforcement. The study highlights a beneficial shift from shear to flexural failure modes due to the combined effects of treated rubberized concrete and WTSF incorporation.

Production of rubberized concrete utilizing reclaimed asphalt pavement aggregates and recycled tire steel fibers

The integration of waste tire elements into concrete, specifically granular rubber and discrete steel fibers, signifies a substantial advance in the pursuit of sustainable alternatives for rigid concrete pavements. This incorporation not only improves the ductility of rigid concrete pavements, but also augments their energy absorption capabilities. Similarly, replacing natural aggregates in concrete with reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) aggregates makes a large contribution to the reduction of negative environmental impacts, while conserving natural resources from depletion. This investigation explores the potential application of recycled rubber particles from waste tires (WTRR) and RAP aggregates as partial substitutes for natural fine aggregates, and evaluates their impact on the performance of rigid concrete pavements. Eight mixes were cast, each with two variables: (i) fine aggregate type (fine rubber (FRu) aggregates, fine asphalt (FAs) aggregates, and combinations of both types of aggregate) replacing 50 % of the natural fine aggregate; and (ii) waste tire recycled steel fibers (WTRSF) content (0 and 40 kg/m3). The axial compressive stress–strain, flexural load–deflection, and direct shear strength behaviors, together with the dry unit weight and volume of permeable voids for all concrete mixes were investigated and compared. The results show that, although the flexural and shear strengths decrease with the inclusion of FRu and/or FAs, the use of WTRSF noticeably mitigates the losses in strength that arise from the use of WTRR and/or RAP aggregates alone. The inclusion of WTRSF enhances the strain capacity of the concrete and allows the development of adequate post-peak energy absorption capacity in flexural and shear loading. Additionally, the dry unit weight of the proposed composites decreased by as much as 8 %, and their volume of permeable voids lies within the limits of high-durability concrete mixes (9–12 %). Hence, the proposed sustainable concrete composites are promising composites for rigid concrete pavement construction.

Constitutive modeling and extended performance evaluation of concrete reinforced with non-hybrid waste tire steel fibers

This paper investigates the extended performance and constitutive modeling of waste tire steel fiber reinforced concrete (WFRC), making notable contributions to civil engineering materials. The study assesses constitutive modeling, reinforcement indices, and the long-term performance of concrete reinforced with varying percentages of waste tire steel fiber (WSF) ranging from 0.30 % to 1.75 %. A modified analytical model for predicting compressive stress-strain curves of WFRC is introduced and compared with previous analytical models for fiber-reinforced concrete. Additionally, a novel waste tire steel fiber reinforcing index, based on WSF properties, is proposed. Empirical relationships between strength properties and reinforcement indices are established. Experimental strength properties at the standard age, as well as water absorption, carbonation depth, and split-tensile strength of specimens aged beyond the standard age at 600 days and fiber-matrix interaction obtained by SEM analysis, are reported. Prediction models are proposed for estimating the mechanical properties of WFRC at the standard age, with results compared against existing codes. The proposed modified analytical model for the uniaxial compressive stress-strain curve demonstrates better coherence with experimental curves than existing models. Furthermore, empirical equations developed in terms of the waste tire steel fiber reinforcing index demonstrate satisfactory alignment between predicted and experimental strength properties. Significant improvements are observed in specimens aged 600 days, indicating the promising role of WSF in enhancing the long-term performance and serviceability of structures. Further studies are recommended to explore the performance of WFRC in aggressive environmental conditions.

Mechanical strength of rubberized concrete: Effects of rubber particle size, content, and waste fibre reinforcement

Concrete production, ubiquitous in global construction, exerts significant environmental strain, notably through cement manufacturing's carbon footprint and natural sand depletion. As a response, researchers are exploring eco-friendly alternatives, including Waste Tyre Rubber (WTR) aggregates which replace natural sand in concrete. This study investigates the impact of WTR particle sizes (ranging from 0.2 to 4 mm) and volumetric replacements (0–54 %) on Rubberised Concrete Mortar (RuCM) and Rubberised Concrete (RuC) mechanical properties. Additionally, Waste Tyre Steel Fibre (WTSF) reinforcement effects (volume dosage between 0 % and 3 %) are examined and compared with Commercial Steel Fibre (CSF). The study optimizes RuCM and RuC mixes via particle packing theory, incorporating Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and Fly Ash (FA) as cement replacements. Mechanical tests reveal the compressive and flexural strength reduces with an increasing WTR dosage, attributed to the inherent softness of WTR and the weak interfacial bonding between WTR particles and surrounding matrix. Utilizing an optimized RuC mixture with a 10 % WTR replacement yields substantial mechanical improvements, showcasing a remarkable 195 % surge in compressive strength and a noteworthy 61 % elevation in flexural strength over conventional concrete (CC). However, when compared to the control mix devoid of rubber replacement, there is a modest reduction of 16 % in compressive strength and 4 % in flexural strength. Moreover, the incorporation of WTSF reinforcement proves beneficial in mitigating compressive strength losses post rubber particle inclusion and brings about a substantial increase in flexural strength with 3 % volumetric additions. Quantitative analysis reveals the reinforcement effect from WTSF is comparable to the effect of CSF reinforcement. These findings underscore the intricacies and potential opportunities in harnessing WTR and WTSF for the development of resilient and sustainable concrete formulations.

Shear Performance of Deep Concrete Beams with Openings Using Waste Tyre Steel Fibres: FEM and ANN Analysis

The creation of transverse openings in beams triggers the shear performance. The dual impact of height and length on the overall shear performance and strain variations in reinforcements of deep concrete beams with and without fibres was assessed to investigate the effect of opening in the beam. This effect of opening was explored and modelled using finite element software Abaqus and predicted using an artificial neural network (ANN) model. The data set for ANN was 56 deep concrete beams, while for the finite element model (FEM), 12 deep concrete beams were used. The effect of input parameters in the ANN model was assessed through sensitivity analysis. Results show that with an increase in opening depth, the strain in top steel reinforcement shifted to tensile strain, resulting in premature beam failure. In addition, experimental and FEM shear resistance had a mean absolute error (MAE) of 4.1, 5.0, and 20.6% for deep beams without fibres, with fibres and fibre mesh, respectively. Compared to available analytical models, the ANN model reasonably predicts the shear resistance with an R2of 0.84 and a mean square error (MSE) of 0.01. The use of the ANN and FEM models is recommended as they save time, and the prediction does not involve degradation of the environment, hence demonstrating sustainable construction practices. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-08-02 Full Text: PDF

Flexural behavior of BFRP bar–hybrid steel fiber reinforced UHPC beams

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has the potential to overcome the durability limitations of conventional concrete. Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) bars can mitigate the corrosion effects of steel bars and fully exploit the properties of UHPC. Industrial Steel Fibers (ISF) are a widely used component in the preparation of UHPC. To reduce environmental pollution and costs, this study proposes using recycled tire steel fibers (RTSF) instead of ISF in the production of UHPC. RTSF will be combined with BFRP bars to prepare hybrid steel fiber UHPC beams. The study investigates the effects of RTSF substitution for ISF and BFRP reinforcement ratio on the flexural performance of UHPC beams. The study indicates that the beam's bending failure modes include concrete crushing, equilibrium, and BFRP bar tensile failure. The replacement rate of RTSF has a dual effect on the flexural performance. As the RTSF replacement rate increases from 0 % to 100 %, the cracking load and ultimate capacity of the beams decrease by 2.86 % and 10.38 %, respectively, while the mid-span deflection of the beam increases by 7.94 mm when it reaches failure. When the replacement rate of RTSF is 60 %, the beams exhibit optimal bending performance, and their ultimate capacity can be increased by 2.95 % compared to the capacity when the replacement rate is 0 %. The failure mode of the beams is significantly influenced by the reinforcement ratio of the BFRP bars. Increasing the BFRP reinforcement ratio from 1.12 % to 7.12 % resulted in a 65.8 % decrease in maximum crack width and a 57.6 % decrease in mid-span deflection, while the ultimate load is increased by 78.6 %. The proposed theoretical calculation formula can effectively predict the flexural capacity of BFRP bar hybrid steel fiber UHPC beams, providing a theoretical basis for the application of FRP reinforced hybrid steel fiber UHPC beams.

Mechanical Behavior of Waste Tire Steel Fiber–Modified Mine-Cemented Backfilling Materials: Early Strength, Toughness, and Failure Mode

Mechanical Behavior of Waste Tire Steel Fiber–Modified Mine-Cemented Backfilling Materials: Early Strength, Toughness, and Failure Mode

Characteristics of concrete incorporating construction and demolition waste aggregate and post-consumer tires rubber and steel fibers

This study aims at investigating the performance of Portland cement concrete incorporating construction and demolition waste aggregate in conjunction with rubber and steel fibers from post-consumer tires. Eight concrete mixes were prepared and tested. In these, natural coarse aggregate (NCA) was replaced by 100 % recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and/or 20 % and 40 % rubber coarse aggregate (RuCA). The contribution of post-consumer tire steel fibers (PCTSF) to the behavior of the various recycled concrete mixes was also examined. The axial compressive stress–strain, flexural stress–deflection, and splitting tensile strength behaviors together with the dry density, porosity and rapid chloride penetration for all concrete mixes were investigated and compared. The results indicated that increasing the replacement levels of RuCA resulted in a decrease in concrete strength, although the decrease was less pronounced in the concrete mixes with RCA than in mixes incorporating NCA. Specifically, the reductions in compressive, tensile and flexural strengths were respectively as much as 6.6 %, 12.9 % and 14 % less in the mixes containing RCA. Also, the addition of PCTSF substantially mitigated the reductions in strength and, more significantly, the deflection at peak stress was increased by up to 664 %. Furthermore, incorporation of these fibers maintained up to 47 % of the flexural peak strength of the concrete mix at 4 mm deflection in the post-peak region. Additionally, the porosity of the concrete mixes ranged from 6 % to 12 %, placing them in the high-durability concrete category. The dry density exhibited an inverse relationship with the rubber aggregate content, resulting in a reduction of up to 10.2 % compared to the control mix. Hence, utilizing a substantial volume of post-consumer tire materials in recycled-aggregate concrete mixes is envisaged as an ideal choice in construction applications where lower concrete rigidity is desired, for example in seismic or vibrated zones. The approach also aligns with the increasing emphasis on sustainable construction materials.

Innovative technology for converting automobile tire waste bead wires into recycled steel fibers for sustainable concrete composites: insights for the Al-Kharj Governorate construction industry

PurposeThe initiative for sustainability in the construction industry has led to the innovative utilization of automobile tire waste, transforming it into value-added products, toward decarbonization in the construction industry, aligning with the development and sustainability goals of Al-Kharj Governorate. However, the disposal of these materials generates significant environmental concerns. As a payoff for these efforts, this study aims to contribute to a fruitful shift toward eco-friendly recycling techniques, particularly by studying the transformation of tire waste bead wires into recycled steel tire fibers (RSTFs) for sustainable concrete composites.Design/methodology/approachThis research delves into how this technological transformation not only addresses environmental concerns but also propels sustainable tire innovation forward, presenting a promising solution for waste management and material efficiency in building materials. Recent studies have highlighted the superior tensile strength of RSTFs from discarded tires, making them suitable for various structural engineering applications. Recently, there has been a notable shift in research focus to the use of RSTFs as an alternative to traditional fibers in concrete. In this study, however, efforts have paid off in outlining a comprehensive assessment to investigate the viability and efficacy of repurposing tire bead wires into RSTFs for use in concrete composites, as reported in the literature.FindingsThis study examined the Saudi waste management, the geometrical properties of RSTFs, and their impact on the strength properties of concrete microstructure. It also examined the economic, cost, and environmental impacts of RSTFs on concrete composites, underscoring the need for the construction industry to adopt more sustainable and adaptable practices. Furthermore, the main findings of this study are proposed insights and a blueprint for the construction industry in Al-Kharj Governorate, calling for collective action from both public and private sectors, and the community to transform challenges into job opportunities for growth and sustainability.Originality/valueThis study pointed to thoroughly demonstrate the technological advancement in converting tire waste to reinforcing fibers by evaluating the effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and practicality of these fibers in eco-friendly concrete composites. Besides, the desired properties and standards for RSTFs to enhance the structural integrity of concrete composites are recommended, as is the need to establish protocols and further study into the long-term efficacy of RSTF-reinforced concrete composites.

Effect of waste steel fiber use on concrete behavior at high temperature

Recently, recycling of waste vehicle tyres which pose a significant risk to environmental health has become an important research issue due to environmental concerns worldwide. To handle the waste tyre pollution problem, recycling waste into new products and using waste to improve other materials’ properties can be considered. Waste vehicle tyres can be used in the production of energy and various materials, providing economic and environmental advantages. In this study, experimental studies were carried out on the use of waste tyre steel fiber (WS) obtained from the recycling of heavy vehicle tyres in concrete, including the goal of recycling and reducing the need for raw materials. In one experimental group, waste tyre steel was added to concrete at 0.4% by volume instead of fine aggregate, while in the other experimental group it was added at 0.8% by volume. In the study, in addition to mechanical analyses, many microanalysis experiments were carried out to understand whether there was a strong relationship between the results. The study was conducted at target temperatures of 400, 600 and 800 °C depending on the fire scenario for building and construction materials according to ISO 834 and ASTM E119 standards. Compressive strength losses and characterization changes in 15 cm cube plain concrete and composite concrete specimens exposed to targeted high temperatures for 60 minutes were compared in terms of strength. Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was also performed, as it was understood that there was not enough data in the literature regarding waste tyre steel fiber reinforced concrete. General results showed that fiber-added concrete made significant contributions to concrete performance at high temperatures.

Optimization of waste tyre steel fiber and rubber added foam concretes using Taguchi method and artificial neural networks

This research presents a study on the waste tyre steel (WTS) and rubber particles (RP) added foam concrete using Taguchi method and Artificial neural networks (ANN) by revealing its potential utilization in construction industry. The fresh and hardened characteristics of foam concretes were experimentally tested. Twenty-five different samples were first prepared according to the Taguchi design and compressive and flexural strengths, dry density and thermal conductivity of the samples were optimized. A Quasi-Newton based ANN algorithm was proposed to obtain prediction equations for the flexural and compressive strength of foam concretes. ANOVA analysis was also conducted to determine the most important factors. The results showed that the combined utilization of WTS and RP decreases the harmful effect of RP on the strength properties of foam concretes. Taguchi optimization results were confirmed through validation tests. With the proposed ANN method, R2 values were obtained as 0.9775 for compressive strength, 0.9723 for flexural strength, 0.9654 for dry density and 0.9527 for the thermal conductivity measurements. Both Taguchi and ANN system were found to be suitable for the design and estimation of the responses.

Synergistic integration of waste fibres and supplementary cementitious materials to enhance sustainability of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC)

Efforts to improve the environmental sustainability of the construction industry involve exploring waste materials, environmentally friendly production processes and high performance materials like ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). Despite UHPC’s benefits, its widespread use is hampered by its high cost and environmental concerns. To address this, limestone filler and metakaolin were used to replace 30% of the cement, while recycled tyre steel fibres (RTSF) and production waste carbon fibres (CF) replaced the conventional factory-made fibres. Eight mixes underwent various tests in fresh state and hardened state, revealing initial negative effects of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) on strength and capillary absorption, which improved considerably over time. Fibres addition, especially hybrid fibres, increased strength and toughness without significantly affecting modulus of elasticity. RTSF at 1 vol% and 1.5 vol% positively impacted compressive strength and toughness, while 1 vol% CF improved flexural strength and capillary water absorption. Optimal contents varied for the hybrid fibre mixes depending on the tested property, with overall best results in compressive strength, toughness and specific energy absorption. The hybrid mixes outperformed the RTSF mixes but lagged behind the CF mixes in terms of flexural strength and capillary water absorption. A multi-criteria analysis was conducted to determine the optimum mix design, taking into account factors such as performance, cost, and environmental impact. This analysis highlighted the potential of the supplementary materials and fibres to improve the environmental and economic efficiency of UHPC while maintaining or even improving the tested properties.

Enhancing the dynamic splitting tensile performance of ultra-high performance concrete using waste tyre steel fibres

The application of waste fibres in ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) would reduce the total material cost of UHPC, but it is still unclear whether industrial fibres can be replaced by waste tyre fibres in terms of the impact resistance. In the present work, a series of experiments were performed to figure out the influence of waste tyre steel fibre (WF) content (i.e., 1.0 %, 2.0 %, 3.0 % and 4.0 %) on the workability, compressive strength, elastic modulus, flexural strength and dynamic splitting performance of UHPC, in comparison with plain UHPC containing 2.0 % industrial straight steel fibre (IF). The results reveal that the slump of UHPC is reduced with the increasing WF fibre content, but the flexural and static splitting strengths of UHPC are improved by up to 31.0 % and 24.7 %, respectively, within the measured WF content. Moreover, the dynamic splitting strength and dissipation energy of UHPC are promoted when the WF content is lower than 3.0 %, while an opposite trend takes place as the content of WF reaches 4.0 %. Additionally, the dynamic increase factor of WF reinforced UHPC shows higher sensitivity to strain rate than UHPC containing 2.0 % IF throughout the strain rate range of 2.0 s−1–6.5 s−1. The optimal WF content of UHPC can be regarded as 3.0 % considering the overall static strengths, dynamic splitting behaviour, as well as economic and ecological impact.

Sustainability Enhancement through High-Dose Recycled Tire Steel Fibers in Concrete: Experimental Insights and Practical Applications

This study investigates the viability of incorporating high doses of recycled tire steel fibers (RSFs) in concrete to enhance sustainability. To address this, RSFs are incorporated at volume fractions ranging from 1% to 1.75% in the concrete mixture. The study evaluates various performance parameters, including workability, elastic modulus, compressive strength (CS), split tensile strength (SS), flexural strength (FS), linear shrinkage (LS), and water absorption (WA). Results show a 10% improvement in SS and a 4% improvement in FS compared to plain concrete (0RFRC). Additionally, RSF-reinforced concrete (RFRC) exhibits a maximum 15% reduction in LS. Water absorption slightly increases, and adverse effects on CS and workability are noted with high RSF doses. RFRC can impact the cost of rigid pavements due to reduced depth requirements. Disposing of discarded tires and their by-products has emerged as a substantial environmental challenge, obstructing progress toward achieving net-zero targets. As a sustainable solution, this study explores the potential utilization of secondary materials derived from discarded tires within the construction industry. In conclusion, this research highlights the significant potential of utilizing RSFs to enhance the sustainability of infrastructure and contribute to more eco-friendly construction practices.