No abstract

Different types of fibres are often used in concrete to prevent microcracking due to shrinkage, and polypropylene fibres are among the most often used ones. If not prevented, microcracks can lead to the development of larger cracks as drying shrinkage occurs, enabling penetration of aggressive substances from the environment and reducing durability of concrete structures. The hypothesis of the present research is that polypropylene fibres, used in concrete for controlling formation of microcracks due to shrinkage, can be replaced with recycled polymer fibres obtained from end-of-life tyres. To test the hypothesis, concrete mixtures containing polypropylene fibres and recycled tyre polymer fibres were prepared and tested. Experimental programme focused on autogenous, free, and restrained shrinkage. It was shown that PP fibres can be substituted with higher amount of recycled tyre polymer fibres obtaining concrete with similar shrinkage behaviour. The results indicate promising possibilities of using recycled tyre polymer fibres in concrete products. At the same time, such applications would contribute to solving the problem of waste tyre disposal.

No abstract

Abstract. In line with current "green" transport initiatives, Croatia plans to build over the next investment period a high speed railway line which will connect central Croatia and its capital with coastal regions of the country. According to design documents, the track system will be built using ballastless concrete solutions. In the scope of the project "Concrete track system -ECOTRACK", researchers from the University of Zagreb -Faculty of Civil Engineering analysed a new material, i.e. the rubberized hybrid fibre reinforced concrete (RHFRC), in order to find out whether its properties are adequate for the proposed concrete track system. The RHFRC contains by-products from mechanical recycling of waste tyres (rubber and steel fibres). The study of fibre and rubber interaction and their contribution to mechanical properties of the fibre reinforced concrete is presented, as extensive research on positive interaction between industrial and recycled steel fibres has not as yet been made. The results show that the RHFRC is an innovative, sustainable and cost-effective concrete, which is fully compliant with criteria prescribed in relevant standards.Keywords: fibre reinforced concrete, industrial steel fibres, recycled steel fibres, mechanical properties, recycled rubber, waste tyre.

No abstract