Utilization of Electronic Waste and Textile Fibers as Reinforcements in Concrete Pavement

Abstract

Throughout the past couple of decades, this is an increasing concern regarding the disposal of textile scraps. The textile market is influenced by both population growth, capital, and style. The fast fashion cycle in the apparel industry has resulted in top levels of utilization while also generating waste. The textile industry's fast fashion cycle promotes excessive consumption and waste. The textile and garment industry is notoriously polluting, so this could hurt the environment. Textile manufacturing requires a significant amount of water due to its chemical nature. Waste from textile production primarily consists of wastewater and fiber waste. Unwanted clothing in the textile production chain led to the majority of fiber waste. This paper investigates how adding textile and electronic waste to concrete affects its properties. Electronic waste and textile fibers were cut into 20mm x 8mm pieces and used at a 1.5% volume ratio. The concrete grades used were M30, M35, and M40. The concrete combined plan is based on IRC 44:2008 standards. Current evaluations involving the durability properties of fiber-reinforced concrete show significant improvements over 28 days: compressive strength increased by 18%, while flexural and vibration strengths boosted by 39% and 32%, respectively. Experimental findings indicate a 17% reduction in deflection during 4-point bending tests and a 33% decrease in double shear test deflection. Deflection calculations were performed using energy-based approaches, with computed and empirical results aligning within acceptable margins. Notably, electronic and textile waste demonstrate promising potential as effective reinforcements for cement-based concrete.