Engineers have discovered a method to enhance concrete’s strength and resistance to cracking by incorporating scrap carpet fibers, paving the way for sustainable practices in the building industry.
Engineers in Australia have discovered a technique for creating stronger and crack-resistant concrete using scrap carpet fibers, promoting sustainable practices in the construction industry.
The research team is collaborating with organizations such as Textile Recyclers Australia, Godfrey Hirst Australia, and various local councils in Victoria to conduct practical studies on concrete slabs made from reclaimed textiles.
Dr. Chamila Gunasekara, the lead researcher from RMIT University, explained that the team has developed a method that uses waste carpet fibers to reduce early shrinkage cracking in concrete by up to 30%, while also enhancing the material’s durability.
This research targets a significant issue in the construction industry, where the yearly expense for repairing cracks in reinforced concrete structures in Australia is around A$8 billion. In the United States, this cost is estimated at US$76 billion annually.
The findings were published in the Construction and Building Materials journal, showing that repurposed carpet materials can effectively enhance concrete quality.
With advanced textile research facilities at RMIT, the team of civil and textile engineers has also utilized other discarded fabrics like clothing to strengthen concrete.
“Early cracking in concrete slabs has been a persistent problem in construction that can lead to early corrosion, making buildings aesthetically displeasing and potentially jeopardizing their structural safety,” stated Gunasekara, an ARC DECRA fellow from the School of Engineering.
“Incorporating scrap carpet fibers can boost concrete’s tensile strength by 40% and significantly reduce early cracking by minimizing shrinkage.”
Laboratory samples of concrete have been created using various textile materials, and they have successfully met Australian engineering performance and environmental standards.
Tackling a significant waste issue
Disposing of carpets and other textiles poses a serious environmental challenge, according to Gunasekara.
“Australia ranks as the second-largest textile consumer per capita globally, following the US. Each Australian buys an average of 27kg of new clothing and textiles annually, discarding 23kg into landfills,” he noted.
“Burning carpet waste emits toxic gases, raising serious environmental concerns.”
Dr. Shadi Houshyar, a material and textile scientist at RMIT, pointed out that waste from firefighting clothing is also problematic, as the properties making these materials suitable for firefighting complicate recycling efforts.
“As much as 70% of textile waste could potentially be transformed into usable fibers, providing a significant opportunity within the materials supply chain,” noted Houshyar from the School of Engineering.
Collaborating with industry and government to promote waste recycling
Field trials supported by industry partners and local government will help capture the real-life conditions encountered in construction projects.
This initiative is backed by the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for the Transformation of Reclaimed Waste Resources to Engineered Materials and Solutions for a Circular Economy (TREMS), as well as funding for an early-career research grant. TREMS is directed by Professor Sujeeva Setunge from RMIT.
