Structural distress in glass fibre-reinforced concrete under loading and exposure to aggressive environments

Abstract Using industrial and construction rejects as alternatives to conventional materials is becoming the most attractive option for ensuring sustainability in concrete production. This experimental study investigates structural distress in glass fibre-reinforced concrete containing marble and granite dusts exposed to various loadings and aggressive environments. The properties of concrete determined includes mechanical – compressive strength, split-tensile strength, flexural strength, and durability – chloride ingress and acid attack. A preliminary investigation showed that 20% marble dust or granite dust as fine aggregate replacement improved the strength characteristics of concrete. Then, further investigation has shown that 1% glass addition to concrete containing 20% marble dust as fine aggregate replacement produced higher strength properties than the control concrete. Concrete elements produced with glass fibre, marble and granite dust as described in this study are expected to have a prolong service life when subjected to a severe environmental condition.