A step towards durable, ductile and sustainable concrete: Simultaneous incorporation of recycled aggregates, glass fiber and fly ash

Abstract

High carbon footprint and low tensile strength are two of the major drawbacks of plain cement concrete (PC). Simultaneous incorporation of recycled materials and fiber-reinforcements in concrete may help to overcome these issues. In this research paper, a novel method is proposed to enhance the mechanical and durability performance of RAC by combined incorporation of glass fiber (GF) and fly ash (FA). In this study, various properties of concrete mixes are evaluated such as compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, water absorption, chloride penetration, and acid attack resistance. It is found that the individual incorporation of GF improves the overall mechanical performance and acid attack resistance of RAC. The use of GF upgrades the mechanical performance of RAC, but it also increases the water absorption and chloride penetration. FA not only improves the later age mechanical properties, but also helps in minimizing the loss in durability due to incorporation of both GF and RCA. FA improves the bond between GF and binder matrix, therefore, GF-reinforced mixes (GFRC) incorporating FA exhibit more net gain in mechanical strength than GFRC mixes without FA. Composite addition of GF and FA can help in manufacturing more durable, ductile and sustainable RAC.