Recycled glass fiber reinforced polymer composites incorporated in mortar for improved mechanical performance. (30th October 2018) - Rodin, Harry
Highlights: Recycled glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) was used as reinforcement in the mortar. Fiber-like GFRP shapes replaced fine aggregate in mortar. Aspect ratios were compared in terms of toughness and strength. Volumetric percentages of 1 and 3 showed the most successful results. Abstract: Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) panels from retired wind turbines were recycled into discrete structural elements in mortar. Based on 7-day testing, out of Powder, Small, Medium, and Large fiber size groups, the Large group was identified as the optimum size due to the highest modulus of rupture ( MR ) and toughness index ( TI ) while maintaining comparable compressive strength ( f'c ) relative to control. Implementing the Large group at 1, 3, and 5% replacement of sand resulted in 5, 25 and 35% increases in 90-day MR with significant increases in TI and minimal reductions in f'c and no expansion due to alkali-silica reaction.