Mechanical Properties and Forensic Failure Analysis of Eco-Concrete with Twisted Aluminium Can Waste Fibers

The growing accumulation of aluminium can waste presents an environmental challenge, while the construction industry seeks eco-friendly materials to reduce its footprint. Recycling aluminium waste into fibers offers a sustainable strategy for concrete production; however, its effects on mechanical properties and durability remain insufficiently explored. This study investigates the incorporation of twisted aluminium fibers derived from beverage can waste into concrete. Fibers were added at 0.00-3.00% by cement weight, and specimens were tested for compressive strength, water absorption, and crack patterns under compressive loading in accordance with SNI 1974:2011. Results show that increasing fiber dosage reduced compressive strength by up to 27.78% and increased water absorption by 182.24% compared with control specimens. Forensic failure analysis revealed a shift in failure modes, from brittle cone fracture in control concrete to cone-shear and shear-dominated mechanisms at higher fiber contents. Despite strength reduction, the fibers improved crack distribution and post-peak ductility, demonstrating their role in enhancing structural resilience. These findings highlight the potential of aluminium waste valorization for sustainable concrete, particularly in non-structural and crack-sensitive applications. They emphasize the importance of identifying an optimum fiber content (0.5-1.0%) and adopting improved mixing or hybrid approaches with supplementary cementitious materials to balance strength, ductility, and durability.