Impact of waste steel fibres from tyres on the mechanical properties of concrete

This study investigates the mechanical and environmental implications of incorporating waste tyre steel fibres (WTSFs) into M20 grade concrete. With over 1.5 billion tyres discarded globally each year, the reuse of high-strength steel fibres extracted from end-of-life tyres presents a sustainable alternative to virgin materials. Experimental analysis was conducted with WTSF dosages ranging from 0% to 2.0% by weight of cement. Results revealed that a 1.0% fibre content significantly improved compressive strength (35.3 MPa, +13.14%) and flexural strength (4.4 MPa, +37.5%) while maintaining acceptable workability (65 mm slump). Performance declined beyond this dosage due to fibre clustering and workability issues. The study concludes that WTSFs enhance concrete’s ductility, toughness, and durability, offering a dual benefit: mitigating tyre waste and improving structural performance. Thus, WTSF-reinforced concrete is positioned as a viable solution for sustainable and resilient construction practices.