Enhancing the Sustainability of Concrete: The Contribution of Recycled Steel Fibers to Mechanical Performance

This study aims to investigate the effect of adding waste steel fibers on the mechanical properties of reinforced concrete. Reinforced concrete is a crucial construction material widely used in various projects; however, it is prone to cracking due to tensile stress, especially under harsh environmental conditions or dynamic loading. The utilization of steel fibers as an additive in reinforced concrete mixtures has gained attention as a method to improve crack resistance and mechanical performance. This research identifies several key issues, including optimizing the percentage of waste steel fibers, evaluating their effects on different concrete properties, and assessing their adaptability in large-scale construction practices. An experimental approach was employed to test various percentages of waste steel fibers relative to coarse aggregates in reinforced concrete mixtures. The research methodology includes material preparation, concrete mixing, testing of fresh and hardened concrete, data analysis, and result interpretation. Fresh concrete was tested for workability using the slump test, while hardened concrete samples were subjected to compressive and tensile strength tests after the designated curing period. The collected data were analyzed using a descriptive approach to evaluate the impact of waste steel fiber addition on the mechanical properties of reinforced concrete. The results indicate that adding 0.5% waste steel fiber is the optimal composition, increasing the tensile strength from 1.82 MPa to 2.13 MPa. Although the compressive strength decreased to 25.45 MPa, it still met the design requirement of 25 MPa. This study provides valuable insights into the application of steel fibers in reinforced concrete, contributing to the development of more efficient and sustainable construction practices.