The Effect of Tire-Recycled Steel Fibers on the Mechanical, Environmental, and Economic Performance of Ultra-High Performance and Ordinary Concretes under Steam Curing Conditions

Abstract

Using recycled materials can help solve the pollution caused by industrial development, which has severe and irreparable consequences on the environment, in addition to reducing the production costs of fiber reinforced concrete. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of using tire-recycled steel fibers on the mechanical properties of ultrahigh performance concrete and ordinary concrete, including compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, residual flexural strength, toughness, and elastic modulus, have been investigated. In addition, the coefficient of environmental impact and cost in order to achieve sustainable and eco-friendly concrete has been calculated and compared with concretes without recycled fibers. The results show that using tire-recycled steel fibers in both types of concrete improves mechanical properties. In addition, environmental assessment and cost analysis showed that using recycled fibers has positive effects in reducing environmental impact and the cost of concrete.