Melbourne: Australian researchers have found a way to make stronger and crack-resistant concrete using scrap carpet fibers in a breakthrough for sustainable construction. The innovative approach promises to not only enhance the durability of concrete structures but also provide an environmentally friendly solution to textile waste.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the team of engineers and textile researchers from RMIT University in Melbourne discovered that incorporating carpet fibers and other discarded textiles, including clothing fabrics, into concrete can reduce cracking from shrinkage. This phenomenon occurs as a result of chemical reactions during hydration, leading to moisture evaporation and volume reduction as the concrete dries and cools. If not properly managed, shrinkage can lead to cracks and wide joint openings.
The researchers found that their new method reduces early-stage concrete shrinkage cracking by up to 30 percent and increases concrete’s strength by up to 40 percent. Lead researche
r Chamila Gunasekara from the RMIT School of Engineering highlighted the dual benefits of this method, which boosts sustainability in the construction sector while providing a recycling solution for textile waste. “Cracking in early-age concrete slabs is a long-standing challenge in construction projects that can cause premature corrosion, not only making a building look bad but also risking its structural integrity and safety,” he stated in a media release on Tuesday.
The economic implications of this innovation are significant, with approximately 8 billion Australian dollars (5.2 billion U.S. dollars) being spent annually on repairing cracks in reinforced concrete structures in Australia. The samples of concrete using textile materials have been shown to meet Australian standards for engineering performance and environmental requirements. The research team is now collaborating with industry and local government partners to conduct field trials of the concrete, moving a step closer to commercial application
.