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Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - IGNIS (Reuse of Tyre Fibres for Fire-Spalling-Proof Concrete)

Teaser

Summary

Modern high-performance and high-strength concrete is vulnerable to fire-induced explosive spalling (violent peeling-off of concrete surface). In recent years, several tunnels and buildings experience severe damages due to fire spalling of concrete, leading to huge economic costs and potential loss of life. However, fire spalling still remains one of the least well understood aspects of concrete behaviour. This research aims to develop a better understanding of the complex mechanism behind fire spalling and to develop a novel sustainable spalling-mitigation solution by using waste fibres recovered from end-of-life tyres to replace manufactured polymer fibres that are currently used to prevent fire-induced spalling.

Work performed

To achieve its aim and objectives, this project accomplished five work packages. The state-of-the-art of the mechanism, modelling and mitigation of the fire-induced spalling of concrete were reviewed in WP1. In WP2, concrete specimens, with and without Recycled Tyre Polymer Fibre (RTPF) have been tested at high temperature, showing that RTPF has a strong potential to replace manufactured polypropylene fibres for the mitigation of fire-induced spalling in concrete construction. In WP3, numerical heat transfer analyses were conducted. A 1D mass transport model was also developed in this work package to determine the pore pressure development in concrete subject to heating. The environmental impact and economic cost of RTPF were assessed via Life Cycle Analysis and Life Cycle Cost Analysis in WP4, indicating that the use of RTPF is more environmentally friendly than the use of manufactured fibres. In addition, quantitative guidance on mix designs, tyre fibres and cover requirements to prevent spalling was provided in this work package. WP5 covers the dissemination of the project results, including i) for academia: one submitted journal paper, two journal papers under preparation and three conference proceedings in international conferences including papers and oral presentations, and ii) for general public: dissemination web page, YouTube channel and posts in scientific and general social media (ResearchGate and LinkedIn).

Final results

The results of this project demonstrate that RTPF has a strong potential to replace manufactured polypropylene fibres for the mitigation of fire-induced spalling in concrete structures/infrastructure. Novel techniques for RTPF cleaning and integration in fresh concrete have been developed. The project outcomes can potentially benefit society by providing safer and more sustainable concrete infrastructure, less waste, greener and cheaper construction and less economic losses due to repair and/or closure of fire-damaged infrastructure.