Multi-recycling of polypropylene fibre reinforced concrete: Influence of recycled aggregate properties on new concrete

Abstract

Herein, an investigation of multi-generational recyclability of polypropylene fibre reinforced concrete (PPFRC) was performed. The parent concretes were produced with 0 and 6 kg/m3 of polypropylene fibres. After recycling, the obtained coarse recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) were used in new concrete with 0 and 6 kg/m3 of polypropylene fibres, repeating for three generations always with the same quantities of fibres. Properties of RCA, the mechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete, the recovery rate of polypropylene fibres and the content of fibres embedded within the RCA were measured. The results of the study show that RCA obtained by PPFRC recycling offers significant benefits to new concrete production. This is achieved through the recovered fibres reintroduced into the new concrete, as well as through the fibres embedded in the recycled aggregates, leading to increased residual tensile strength.