Physical and mechanical properties of reactive powder concrete containing waste glass and date palm fiber

• Main Author: Rasoul, Zainab Sabah
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; English
• Published: 2024
• Online Access: http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/28409/; https://plh.utem.edu.my/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=124350

Reactive powder concrete (RPC), composed of portland cement, silica fume, quartz, steel fiber, and a low water-to-binder ratio, exhibits exceptional mechanical and durability properties. However, RPC is prone to thermal spalling at high temperatures due to its dense microstructure. Additionally, the high cost of silica fume presents challenges for using locally available materials. This study evaluates the effects of replacing silica fume with waste glass powder on RPC’s physical, mechanical, and high-temperature properties. It also investigates the use of date palm fibers to enhance high-temperature stability. The effect of date palm fibers utilization on the RPC’s physical, mechanical properties high-temperature stability were assessed and the spalling behavior of RPC containing waste glass and date palm fiber were analyzed. Six RPC mixes were prepared: waste glass fully replaced silica fume, and date palm fibers partially replaced steel fibers, with a total fiber volume fraction of 2%. Specimens were cured for 3, 7, and 28 days, and their modulus of rupture, splitting tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity were tested according to ASTM C 78-02 and ASTM C 496-04. High-temperature performance was assessed using a fire flame test up to 600°C. Results show that while waste glass powder improves mechanical properties, spalling at high temperatures persists. The addition of date palm fibers significantly improves RPC’s high-temperature stability, reducing spalling despite a slight decrease in mechanical properties. The best performance was achieved with RPC containing an equal volume of steel (1%) and date palm fibers (1%), which exhibited stability and no spalling. In contrast, RPC with only steel fibers experienced explosive spalling at 600°C. The enhanced performance with date palm fibers is attributed to the reduced density and less dense structure of the RPC. Thus, a hybrid mix of steel and date palm fibers is proposed for high-temperature applications due to its improved stability.