Effect of Tire and Industrial Steel Fiber Mix on Structural-Grade Concrete Performance
摘要
The disposal of waste tires poses a significant environmental issue, as non-combustible steel fibers account for approximately 15–25% of a tire. Recycling these fibers into concrete offers a sustainable alternative to commercial fibers, potentially reducing both solid waste and CO2 emissions. However, earlier studies demonstrated that raw tire steel fibers (RF) alone cannot fully replace industrial steel fibers (IS) in cement composites. As a solution, combining RF with IS in a hybrid form is suggested to enhance performance while maximizing the use of recycled materials. This pilot study investigates the use of a fiber mix (MF) comprising 60% RF and 40% IS in high-strength concrete made with locally available materials. Standard concrete specimens were prepared and tested in accordance with ASTM standards. Compressive strength (CS), elastic modulus (EM), and water absorption (WA) were measured using 82-day-old specimens. The results showed a notable increase in the EM, 8%, and a reduction in water absorption, 15%, for MF-reinforced concrete. These results showed that the selected fiber mix enhances both the mechanical performance and durability of the concrete. For future studies, it is recommended to consider the influence of MF on the in-depth mechanical attributes and structural behavior of reinforced concrete members.