Work

Comparative study of mechanical properties of one-part alkali-activated slag concrete using deformed and recycled tire steel fibers

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The significance of finding industrial waste solutions in the construction industry plays a crucial role in the quest for environmental conservation. To reduce the carbon footprint, this research has focused on developing solutions. This study assesses the mechanical properties of water-cured one-part alkali-activated slag concrete (AASC) reinforced with deformed steel fibers compared to recycled tire steel fibers in equal proportions. Numerous characteristics, including workability, compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural toughness, stress-strain response under uniaxial compression, peak strain and energy absorption in long-term, and SEM observations were assessed. Alkali-activated slag mixes were prepared with three types of steel fibers, namely deformed steel fiber (DSF), recycled tire steel fiber (RTSF), and hybrid steel fiber (HSF) at varying volume fractions (0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.0%). According to the test results, compressive strength was largely unaffected by fiber addition, with DSF at 1% volume achieving the highest strength (58.51 MPa at 28 days). Conversely, optimal compressive strength for RTSF was observed at 0.5% volume. On the other hand, the concrete mixes' splitting tensile, and flexural strengths increased with the addition of steel fibers achieving maximum values at 1% DSF. The addition of steel fibers transformed the stress-strain response of one-part AASC mixes from brittle to ductile, with HSF1 specimens exhibiting a 50% increase in strain related to peak stress compared to the reference. Remarkably. The HSF1 mix achieved a 421% increase in toughness at 365 days compared to the reference mix. The DSF1 mix at 28 days and HSF1 at 365 days achieved the highest energy absorption capacity. Overall, the inclusion of 1% DSF, RTSF, and HSF fibers enhanced the mechanical properties of AASC, with DSF providing the most significant improvements at 28 days.

Source: Case Studies in Construction Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.cscm.2024.e04124

Authors: Ali Abdulkarim, Hossein Tajmir Riahi, Abdolreza Ataei

Institution: University of Isfahan

Language: English

Topic: Innovative concrete reinforcement materials

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,110