Investigation of the fiber reusability of glass fiber reinforcet concrete (GRC) wastes

Glass fiber reinforced concrete (GRC) is a highly preferred composite building material in terms of physical, mechanical and aesthetic properties. However, the recycling and reuse of these materials with high economic value is very important in order to benefit from the natural resources at the maximum level. In this study, the usability of ground GRC wastes as cement replacement material was experimentally investigated. Glass fiber reinforced concrete (GRC) samples were produced by adding 0% (Reference), 5%, 10% and 15% grinded GRC wastes by weight and 3% glass fiber by volume. Fresh mortar tests on the produced samples; standard consistency determination, setting time determination, expansion test and slamp test, from hardened mortar tests; bending strength, compressive strength, water absorption and dry density test, durability tests; heating-rain effect and freeze-thaw test were carried out. As a result of the study; it was determined that each group of the ground GRC waste can be used as a cement replacement. So; waste GRC materials that are not accepted during production, that have been damaged during packaging and transportation, and that are determined as inappropriate during the quality control phase, can be re-evaluated. Keywords: Cement, Compressive strength, Freeze-thaw, Glass fiber reinforced concrete (GRC) waste