Experimental Investigation on Ternary Blended Recycled Aggregate Concrete Using Glass Fibers

Abstract

The demand for sustainable construction materials has driven the exploration of various innovative approaches to enhance the properties of concrete for reducing its environmental impact. The present study examines the effects of incorporating recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), slag cement, alccofine, and glass fibers into concrete mixtures. In the present study, it has been observed that recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) exhibits inferior properties, including higher water absorption and poorer performance, when compared to natural coarse aggregate. Various replacement levels of RCA were utilized in this study to assess its impact on concrete performance. Alccofine, a supplementary cementitious material, is used to partially replace the binding material. Additionally, glass fibers were added to enhance the flexural and tensile behavior of the concrete. The concrete mixtures were designed to meet the required strength and durability specifications. A comprehensive testing program was conducted to evaluate the fresh and hardened properties of the concrete. A slump cone test was performed for assessing the workability of fresh concrete. For hardened concrete, compressive strength, flexural strength, and split tensile strength are evaluated. The results demonstrated that incorporating RCA, slag cement, alccofine, and glass fibers into the concrete mixtures improved mechanical properties. The use of RCA led to a reduction in natural resource consumption, namely natural coarse aggregate in concrete. On the other hand, the generated construction and demolition (C&D) waste is used effectively. Portland slag cement (PSC) and alccofine (A) improved the long-term strength of concrete. The addition of glass fibers significantly enhanced the tensile and flexural performance of the concrete, resulting in improved crack resistance and overall performance. This study introduces a novel concept by exploring the potential utilization of recycled concrete aggregate, slag cement, alccofine, and glass fibers in combination as sustainable and high-performance components in concrete mixtures. Previous research has not extensively studied this combination of materials, making it a unique and innovative approach. These findings contribute to the development of eco-friendly construction practices and provide insights for engineers, researchers, and practitioners aiming to incorporate recycled materials and supplementary cementitious materials into concrete construction.