Compressive behavior, microstructural properties, and freeze–thaw behavior of tailing recycled aggregate concrete with waste polypropylene fiber addition

Abstract

To improve the high brittleness of recycled aggregate concrete containing iron ore tailings (TRAC), the feasibility of adding polypropylene fiber (PPF) to TRAC was studied by performing a compression stress–strain curve test, scanning electron microscope characterization, and a freeze– thaw cycle test. The results indicated that PPF had a beneficial impact on reducing the brittleness of TRAC. With the increase in PPF content, the peak strain increased, the elastic modulus decreased, and the peak stress and energy absorption capacity increased at first and then decreased. Furthermore, the microstructure investigation revealed that the interface friction between the PPF, aggregate, and cement matrix was the main source of energy dissipation. When the load acted on the concrete, the stress was dispersed to the fiber monofilaments, thus effectively enhancing the peak stress and peak strain of concrete and suppressing the generation and development of cracks in the concrete. In terms of freeze–thaw resistance, adding a small amount of PPF could reduce the negative effects of the freeze–thaw process on the cement matrix. On the premise of ensuring strength, the waste utilization should be as high as possible. Therefore, it was suggested that the content of PPF in fiber-reinforced tailings recycled aggregate concrete (TRAC-PP) should be 0.6%.