The Influence of Fibres on the Properties and Sustainability of Oil-Impacted Concrete

Abstract

There are significant environmental and health consequences associated with oil-contaminated sand due to its toxic and persistent nature. The impacts include disrupted ecosystems with harm to plants and animals and contamination of water sources, requiring immediate and sustained remediation. Using oil-contaminated sand in construction addresses waste management and promotes sustainability by reducing waste, protecting the environment, saving energy, and driving innovation. This study investigates the impact of crude oil-contaminated sand on concrete’s physical and mechanical characteristics. It focuses on assessing the impact of incorporating four different fibres (Forta Ferro PP, ReoShore 45 PP, glass, and steel fibres) and finding the optimal quantity (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 or 0.5%) to improve the physical and mechanical properties of concrete prepared with sand contaminated by crude oil. The impact of crude oil on the bond strength between fibres and concrete was examined. Additionally, the effect of crude oil on heat flow and cumulative heat was analysed. The results demonstrated that increasing oil content decreases concrete density and compressive strength. Nevertheless, the findings indicated that sand contaminated with 10% oil is suitable for low-strength concrete applications. Incorporating 0.1% of Forta Ferro PP, glass, and ReoShore 45 PP fibres had a negligible impact on the mechanical properties of concrete contaminated with 10% oil. Comparatively, steel fibres enhanced the concrete’s compressive strength by 30% at 0.1%, and the flexural strength improved by 9.6% at 0.5%. Concrete with a 10% crude oil content reinforced with steel fibres hinders fracture stabilisation and load transfer, making it suitable as a sustainable material for low-strength civil engineering applications.