Study of the reinforcement of structure members by polypropylene fibres waste

The valorisation of industrial waste in the field of construction became a very interesting axis of research from scientific, economic and environmental point of view. We have conducted this work to study the effect of the addition of polypropylene fibres waste on the mechanical behaviour of reinforced concrete beams subjected to a simple flexural loading, with and without transversal reinforcement. The used fibres are coming from the waste of the fabrication of domestic brushes and sweeps; they have an average diameter of 0.47 mm and a length between 40 and 60 mm. Two weight dosages of fibres are used, 0.25 and 0.5 %. The experimental results showed that the incorporation of polypropylene fibres waste into the concrete affects negatively its workability, but its flexural and compressive strength are improved. The fibers have presented a significant contribution on the shear behavior and the cracking of beams, particularly in absence of transversal bars. The waste used in this work as fibrous reinforcement has not only increased the ductility of reinforced concrete beams, but it have also provided a perfect cracking distribution on the concrete surface and it has participated in a considerable way in the reduction of cracks number and dimensions, which allows to ensure the material durability and then the structure longevity. The reinforcement of concrete beams with 0.5 % of polypropylene fibers waste with a minimal steel bars can ensure an excellent mechanical behavior in shear, as in flexion.