Flexural Behavior and Sustainability of Dual-Waste Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Designed for Pavement Applications

Abstract

This study evaluates the mechanical performance and sustainability potential of fiber-reinforced concrete incorporating mine tailings as the fine aggregate and waste tire wire as the reinforcing fiber. The concrete mixtures contained 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% waste tire wire with the natural fine aggregate replaced entirely with Pb-Zn-Cu tailings. The mixtures were tested for porosity, water absorption, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, toughness, fracture energy, and ductility to assess their mechanical performance and durability. The mine tailings improved the microstructure and reduced water absorption, particularly with tire wire. Using waste tire wire improved the compressive, tensile, and flexural performance; in particular, W-6 showed a 18.2% rise in compressive strength and a more than twofold increase in flexural strength relative to the control mix. The flexural toughness and fracture energy rose by up to 161%, while the ductility peaked at a fiber content of 0.2%. These gains were attributed to fiber crack-bridging and post-cracking energy absorption. The dual-waste system also reduced porosity, improved durability, and demonstrated strong potential for rigid pavement applications such as highways, industrial yards, and airport runways that require high fatigue resistance and a long service life. Beyond technical performance, this approach offers a sustainable solution that lowers maintenance, reduces life-cycle costs, and aligns with circular economy principles.