Abstract:
This thesis paper investigates the sustainable application of textile waste fiber as a low-cost
concrete material. The study was motivated by the need to reduce the environmental impact
of textile waste by finding a viable solution to repurpose it. The main objectives of the study
were to reduce the textile waste load to landfill and the carbon monoxide emissions
associated with textile waste. To achieve these objectives, we casted cylinders and beams
incorporating textile fibers in various proportions and tested them for compressive strength,
split tensile strength, flexural strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, surface resistivity, water
absorption, water penetration, and density. The test results were compared with those of a
standard sample to assess the performance of the textile fiber concrete in various
perspectives.
The findings of this study indicate that incorporating textile waste fiber in concrete
production can significantly enhance its mechanical and durability properties, while
reducing its cost and environmental impact. By partially replacing fine aggregate in
concrete with textile fibers, it is possible to reduce the amount of fine aggregate used and
mitigate the negative environmental impacts associated with concrete production. The
addition of textile fibers improved the split tensile strength, and flexural strength of the
concrete by 1.8% and 70.4% respectively. Moreover, the ultrasonic pulse velocity, and
surface resistivity properties of the concrete were also enhanced by 23.8% and 61%
respectively. The results also suggest that the textile fiber concrete has a potential to reduce
the amount of textile waste going to landfills, thereby mitigating the environmental impact
of textile waste.
Overall, the use of textile waste fiber as a low-cost concrete material is a promising
approach for sustainable construction. It not only helps to reduce the environmental impact
of textile waste but also contributes to the development of circular economy by valorizing
textile waste. The findings of this study could have practical implications for the
construction industry, as it offers a potential solution to reduce the cost and environmental
impact of concrete production.
