Innovative fiber-reinforced self-compacting concrete using activated slag from sugar factory lime waste

This study presents a pioneering investigation into the development of self-compacting concrete utilizing slag activated with sugar factory lime waste reinforced with various types of fibers. Comprehensive testing was conducted to evaluate fresh concrete properties, including slump flow, specific gravity, t50, V-Funnel, and Orimet tests, as well as hardened concrete characteristics such as compressive strength, tensile strength, four-point bending, and water absorption. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was performed to assess the microstructure, and a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was carried out using the IMPACT 2002+ method to evaluate environmental impacts. The results indicated that samples reinforced with 0.5% and 1% Barchip fibers, following samples without fibers (with a slump of 695 mm), achieved slump values of 690 mm and 688 mm, respectively, along with optimal discharge times, thereby demonstrating favorable fresh concrete characteristics. Meanwhile, the samples reinforced with steel fibers exhibited the best mechanical properties, with compressive, bending, and tensile strengths of 53.6 MPa, 7.1 MPa, and 6.6 MPa, respectively, representing increases of 8%, 65%, and 69% compared to fiber-free samples. The four-point bending tests revealed that steel fibers provided the largest softening zone, whereas barchip fibers produced the largest hardening zone. SEM analysis confirmed that steel fibers contributed to a denser microstructure and stronger bonding within the cement matrix. Furthermore, LCA results demonstrated that polypropylene and barchip fibers had the lowest carbon footprints, at 222.4 and 227.9 kg CO 2 eq, respectively, highlighting their potential for sustainable construction applications. This research contributes valuable insights into formulating eco-friendly self-compacting concrete with enhanced mechanical properties, promoting sustainable practices in the construction industry.