Strength of Concrete Slab Using Waste Materials

Abstract

To minimize the burden of waste materials on landfills of nation and economic burden on construction industries various attempts were made to incorporate these waste materials in plain cement concrete. This study emphasize on the enhancement of mechanical attributes of concrete that is incorporated with waste material like steel fibers, plastic industry waste and jute fibers. The Flexural strength test and Compressive strength test using their respective equipment were done. The results obtained for the samples containing steel fibers demonstrated maximum mechanical properties with an increase of 118% in the compressive strength and 129% in flexural strength owing to the fact that steel fibers tend to change the mode of failure from a brittle to that of ductile. The jute fibers also showed 105% increase in compressive strength and 109% rise in flexural strength. The polythene fibers however contributed to reduction in mechanical properties due to weakened adhesion between the cement and the smooth plastic surface. The study was therefore successful in revealing the potential use of waste materials for ecological, economical and value added benefits in concrete produ