Influence of Locally Sourced Recycled Tire Steel Fibers and Waste Aluminum on the Strength and Absorption Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

The study looks at how adding locally sourced recycled tire steel fibers (SF) and waste aluminum (WAL) affects the strength and absorption capacities of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC). FRC is a popular choice in sustainable construction because it improves strength, durability, and cracks resistance. However, the performance of FRC is influenced by fiber type, volume, and distribution. In this research, three SF volume fractions (0.5%, 1.25%, and 2%) and 10% WAL as a partial replacement for fine aggregate were incorporated into eight concrete mixes, including plain concrete, SF-enhanced concrete with varying fiber contents, WAL concrete, and combined SF-WAL mixes. Workability, density, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and water absorption were determined after 28 days by the experimental program. Mechanical properties were found to increase by 1.25% SF, but strength decreased when the SF content was raised to 2%, as it caused fiber clumping. The experiment showed that when WAL is used alone, its effect is to boost workability, but it lowers the strength in compression and tension. Still, using 1.25% SF together with 10% WAL brought about a good balance, preserving the concrete’s strength. Using a moderate amount of SF limited water absorption, but when the concrete contained WAL, water absorption went up somewhat. According to this study, adding recycled SF and WAL to concrete improves its strength and supports sustainable construction.