Utilizing Recycled Polypropylene Fibers as Reinforcement for Concrete Beams
Abstract
Polypropylene (PP) fibers are among numerous plastic waste materials, which
are generated by the different industrial and domestic activities. Due to its low
biodegradability, plastic waste constitutes a real environmental problem. The valorization
of recycled PP fibers in the fabrication of concrete is one of the efficient solutions to
cater for the environmental problems induced by plastic waste. In this experimental
work, the workability and the mechanical properties of concrete are examined with
different content ratios of recycled PP fibers. The mechanical behavior and the failure
mode of concrete beams reinforced with recycled PP fibers are also studied. The used PP
fibers are recycled from plastic waste of PLAST BROS factory in BordjBouArreridj, in
Algeria. The fiber's diameter varies between 0.7 and 0.9mm. The various fiber content
ratios tested in this investigation are 0.25, 0.5 and 1%. Based on the results of this study,
the presence of recycled PP fibers in concrete decreases its workability; the addition of
an adequate superplasticizer to the concrete mix becomes then necessary. Nevertheless,
a positive effect is observed on its mechanical behavior. Indeed, in the presence of steel
bars, reinforcing concrete beams with recycled PP fibers improves greatly their ductility
and delays the appearance of cracks.