The behavior of sustainable self-compacting concrete reinforced with low-density waste Polyethylene fiber

Abstract

Sustainable concrete production and recycling the construction wastes are of utmost importance for today's sustainable urban development. In this study, low-density polyethylene waste was recycled in the form of fibers (LDPF) to produce eco-friendly fiber-reinforced sustainable self-compacting concrete (SCC). The content of LDPF ranged from 0.5% to 3.5% at a raise of 0.5% of the mix's volume. The SCC's features in fresh and hardened states were tested. The slump flow diameter, T500, V-funnel, and L-box ratio were measured for the fresh properties. The compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strengths were tested at the age of 28 days. However, the outcomes indicated that LPDF had some negative effect on the workability features, but all the results of SCC mixtures were within the standard limitations of SCC except that related to the L-box, which satisfied the standards up to 2% of LDPF. However, the incorporation of LDPF enhanced the mechanical properties, especially the flexural strength. The optimum ratio for the LPDF was 2%, which satisfies the required workability and the highest strength with modulus of elasticity. The thermal conductivity decreased with increasing LDPF content in the SCC mixtures.