Experimental and numerical study on axial compressive strength of waste carbon fibre-reinforced concrete

Abstract

The integration of waste carbon fibre materials, specifically shredded prepreg carbon cloth waste (SPCCW) and discarded carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (DCFRP), presents a sustainable and innovative approach to enhancing the structural performance of concrete. This study evaluates the impact of these waste materials on the axial compressive strength, crack propagation, and failure mechanisms of reinforced concrete. Experimental findings revealed that SPCCW-reinforced concrete exhibited a 17.4% increase in strength at an optimal 1.5% fibre dosage, while DCFRP-reinforced concrete achieved an 18.8% improvement in strength at a 1.0% dosage. Excessive fibre content, however, negatively impacted performance, particularly in SPCCW mixtures, due to clustering effects and reduced matrix homogeneity. Numerical simulations, conducted using the ABAQUS software and the concrete damaged plasticity (CDP) model, provided an accurate representation of the nonlinear behaviour of concrete under axial compressive loading. Fibre distribution and orientation were modelled using Monte Carlo and pseudo-random methods to replicate real-world variability. Simulated results demonstrated excellent alignment with experimental data, achieving a maximum error of just 0.84%, validating the robustness of the model. Stress distribution and crack propagation analyses revealed the superior confinement effect of DCFRP fibres and the crack-bridging ability of SPCCW fibres, which enhanced stress redistribution and delayed failure. These findings underscore the dual benefits of incorporating waste carbon fibres into concrete by improving its mechanical properties while addressing environmental concerns through industrial waste reduction.

Keywords

Shredded prepreg carbon cloth waste fibre / Discarded carbon fibre-reinforced polymer / Axial compressive strength / Numerical simulation / Monte Carlo method

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