Synergistic Effect of Micro-Silica and Recycled Tyre Steel Fiber on the Properties of High-Performance Recycled Aggregate Concrete

Abstract

The present research investigates the mechanical and physical properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) modified with micro-silica (MS) and recycled tire steel fiber (RTSF). Natural coarse aggregates (NCA) were completely replaced by recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) to prepare RAC. High-strength RAC mixes were prepared by replacing 5% and 10% of Portland cement with MS. With each level of MS, RTSF was incorporated as 0%, 0.5%, 1 and 2% by volume fraction. In addition to mechanical properties, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), electrical resistivity (ER), and water absorption (WA) of the mixes were also evaluated. The performance of modified RAC mixtures was also compared with plain natural aggregate concrete (PNAC). The experimental investigation revealed that RTSF substantially increased the tensile strength of RAC, whereas MS improved the durability of RTSF-reinforced RAC. RAC made with 1% RTSF and 10% MS showed 54% more splitting-tensile strength compared to the PNAC. The WA capacity of RAC incorporating 10% MS was 15–22% lower than that of the PNAC.