Effect of recycled tire polymer fibers on autogenous deformation of self‐compacting concrete

Abstract

Self‐compacting concrete requires a special composition with an increased proportion of fine particles and larger volumes of paste compared to traditional vibrated concrete. Larger volumes of paste increase autogenous deformation, which can cause microcracking of concrete. The aim of this paper is to research the possibility of using recycled polymer fibers obtained from end‐of‐life tires to prevent micro cracking due to autogenous deformation in self-compacting concrete. Mixes of self‐compacting concrete containing 1 and 2 kg/m3 of recycled tire polymer fibers and reference mixes were prepared and tested. Beside autogenous deformation, fresh state properties as well as compressive strength at the age of 3, 7 and 28 days were tested. The results of the performed laboratory tests indicate that the use of recycled tire polymer fibers is effective for the reduction of autogenous deformation at early age with insignificant difference in compressive strength at tested ages.