An evaluation of the durability performance of Recycled Steel Fibre Reinforced Cement Mortar (RSFRCM)

Title : An evaluation of the durability performance of Recycled Steel Fibre Reinforced Cement Mortar (RSFRCM)

Abstract:

Recently, researchers have looked into the potential of using cement-based panels reinforced with recycled steel fibres for strengthening of reinforced concrete beams. The objective of this study is to investigate the durability performance of Recycled Steel Fibre Reinforced Cement Mortar (RSFRCM) in the context of its application for strengthening of Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams. To assess its durability indicators, which are typically used for plain concrete, five different durability tests were conducted on RSFRCM with a fibre content of 3.8% by volume. These tests included measuring water absorption through both immersion and capillarity, evaluating permeability to air, examining chloride diffusion through migration under non-steady state conditions, and assessing drying shrinkage. To provide a basis for comparison, the study also considered the recent research conducted on the durability of Steel fibre Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete (SFRSCC). Results indicated that RSFRCM exhibited higher average non-steady state chloride migration coefficient and air permeability coefficient than SFRSCC. The addition of RSF to the composite increased open porosity due to fibres with rubber crumb attracting air. Water absorption by capillarity for RSFRCM was relatively higher, suggesting less effectiveness in preventing the penetration of deteriorating agents. Drying shrinkage tests revealed that the majority of shrinkage occurred within the first 4 days, coinciding with higher water loss. Overall, the study provides insights into the durability performance of RSFRCM and its potential application for strengthening RC beams.

Audience Take Away Notes: 

• Benefits of using Recycled fibers as replacement of traditional rebar in reinforced concrete elements
• Durability performance of cemenitious materials reinforced with recycled steel fibers
• Other faculty could expand this research for other issues

Biography:

Ziaaddin Zamanzadeh completed his PhD degree, funded by FCT, in 2017 at the University of Minho, Portugal. Following this, he obtained an assistant professor position at the Islamic Azad University and served as a visiting professor at Khazar University. With over 15 years of experience in teaching and researching civil engineering, specializing in structural engineering and construction materials, Dr. Zamanzadeh has been a dedicated faculty member at Renowned International Institutions. He has contributed significantly to the field, having published more than 20 papers in international and national journals and conferences.