Research Projects

Objective: A scientific study to prove its applicability for the spalling-mitigation solution. In fact, the use of this polymer fiber in concrete may have the potential to replace virgin fibers and deliver a more environmentally-friendly spallingmitigation solution of concrete at accidental fire exposed condition. Also, the use of this polymer fiber instead of the newly manufactured polypropylene fibers in concrete can be a result of a low-cost solution for the spalling-mitigation problem.

Summary: Life safety of human life and to prevent economic loss at the accidental fire, the structural reinforced concrete (RC) member’s fire protection measures plays an important role for design criteria and to maintain structural integrity against collapse. Therefore, the addition of polypropylene fibers in the high-strength or high-performance concrete is common practice and a solution to avoid explosive spalling of HSC under catastrophic fire condition. In view of the other solution, worldwide thousands of tons of polymer fiber are generated as a byproduct from the recycling of the end of tire life. However, India contributes 1 million tons of the waste tire and disposing of this waste tire in landfills or stockpiles case a very serious issue that causes severe environmental and health concerns problems. Therefore, recycling of this waste tire is a solution, but one particular product which comes out under recycling that is waste polymer fiber. This recycled polymer fiber makes problems which relate to the storage, flammable at very large volume due to the low-density properties, and pollutes the surrounding environment when its contact with the wind. Also, this recycled polymer fiber comes with contaminated rubber which is generally disposed of by incineration and that caused environmental pollution. However, overall this recycled polymer fiber may hold equal quality and durability compared with newly manufactured fibers. That need a scientific study to prove its applicability for the spalling-mitigation solution. In fact, the use of this polymer fiber in concrete may have the potential to replace virgin fibers and deliver a more environmentally-friendly spallingmitigation solution of concrete at accidental fire exposed condition. Also, the use of this polymer fiber instead of the newly manufactured polypropylene fibers in concrete can be a result of a low-cost solution for the spalling-mitigation problem.