Optical Fiber Waste Used as Reinforcement for Concrete with Recycled Marble Aggregate

Sustainable development in the 21st century depends on the reuse of materials and products, as well as on economic and environmental incentives for recycling. Several studies have sought to improve the quality of concrete, as well as its durability and strength, by adding fibers (metallic, polypropylene, carbon, vegetables) or by replacing the aggregate. The use of optical fiber waste in concrete is still incipient and few studies address the use of marble aggregate to be used in concrete. This research assesses the behavior of the mixture composed of- Portland cement + fine aggregate (sand from crushed marble waste) + coarse aggregate (gneiss) + optical fiber waste and water. The compressive strength, the tensile strength and the modulus of elasticity of concrete and the durability of optical fiber waste in alkaline composite were tested through microstructural evaluation. The results present an increase of about 20% in the mechanical properties and a reduction in the rigidity of the mixture, making the material more ductile. The superficial protection of the fibers made them more resistant to the alkaline attack of the cement. The knowledge acquired would allow the creation of sustainable concrete reinforced with optical fiber in a much more efficient way.