Engineers at RMIT University in Australia have discovered a way to create stronger, more crack-resistant concrete using recycled carpet fibres.
This innovative approach not only addresses sustainability concerns but also tackles a major challenge in the construction sector.
Dr Chamila Gunasekara, the lead researcher and ARC DECRA fellow from RMIT’s School of Engineering, reports that the team’s technique can reduce early-age shrinkage cracking in concrete by up to 30 per cent while simultaneously enhancing its durability.
This advancement is particularly significant given that the annual cost of repairing cracks in reinforced concrete structures amounts to approximately AU$8 billion in Australia and US$76 billion in the United States.
The research team, comprising civil engineers and textile researchers, has successfully demonstrated that waste carpet material can be utilised to improve concrete performance.
Their findings, published in the Construction and Building Materials journal, show that scrap carpet fibres can increase concrete’s tensile strength by 40 per cent and substantially reduce shrinkage.
“Cracking in early-age concrete slabs is a long-standing challenge in construction projects that can cause premature corrosion, not only making a building look bad but also risking its structural integrity and safety,” Dr Gunasekara explained.
This innovative approach also addresses the significant environmental challenge posed by textile waste.
Australia, the second-largest consumer of textiles per person globally, discards an average of 23 kilograms of textiles into landfills per person annually.
The research team is now collaborating with industry partners, including Textile Recyclers Australia and Godfrey Hirst Australia, as well as local councils in Victoria, to conduct field studies on concrete slabs made with reclaimed textiles.
These trials aim to test the material under real-world conditions and capture any unexpected factors that may arise in actual construction projects.
This development represents a significant step forward in sustainable construction practices, offering a solution that not only improves building quality but also contributes to waste reduction and environmental conservation.
