A Review of the Mechanical and Durability Performance of Cellulose Acetate Fiber-Reinforced Recycled Aggregate Concrete

The depletion of natural aggregate resources and the increasing accumulation of construction and demolition waste have encouraged the development of recycled aggregate concrete as a sustainable alternative to conventional concrete. Recycled coarse and fine aggregates can reduce landfill disposal and natural-resource consumption; however, their adhered mortar, high porosity, irregular texture and water absorption frequently reduce concrete workability, strength and durability. Fiber reinforcement has therefore been investigated as a method of compensating for these deficiencies. This review examines previous research concerning the fresh-state behaviour, mechanical properties and durability performance of recycled aggregate concrete reinforced with steel, glass, polypropylene and cellulose-based fibers. Particular attention is given to cellulose acetate fiber, which can be produced from renewable cellulose or recovered from discarded cigarette filters. The literature indicates that moderate recycled aggregate replacement generally produces satisfactory structural performance, whereas complete replacement can cause significant reductions in compressive and tensile strength. Properly proportioned fibers improve crack resistance, post-cracking behaviour, tensile strength, flexural capacity and resistance to water and chloride ingress. Nevertheless, excessive fiber content may reduce workability, increase porosity and cause fiber agglomeration. The review identifies cellulose acetate fiber-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete as a promising sustainable material while emphasizing the need for long-term durability, microstructural, field-scale and life-cycle investigations.