Electrical waste fibers impact on mechanical and durability properties of concrete

Abstract

Major aspects that were considered while designing a structure are safety and serviceability. Serviceability is also called as life span of structure reduces, when exposed to severe environments. Solid waste management in developing nations has been growing everyday, which influenced the scientists and researchers around the world in recycling and application of solid waste in various fields. Introduction of waste and recycled fibers in concrete is quite prominent from last few decades. In this research, electric waster copper fibers (EWCF) are added to concrete to test mechanical properties and chloride ion penetration that could reduce the durability of concrete. Adopted percentages of copper fibers added to the concrete are 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50, 1.75 and 2.00 for volume of concrete. Concrete introduced with EWCF was tested for compression, tensile, flexural and elastic modulus to determine mechanical behavior. Most optimal EWCF percentage of replacement that increased the strength of concrete is 1.0% in volume of concrete. Water absorption, sorptivity, acid attack, bulk diffusion and rapid chloride penetration test (RCPT) were performed on concrete with EWCF to evaluate the durability and microstructure performance. E-Glass and Steel fibers were also adopted in the study to compare the mechanical properties and durability. Optimum values for both strength and durability were determined from the experimental test results.