Sustainable Fiber Reinforced Lightweight Concrete Using Waste Materials: Mechanical and Durability Properties

Paper ID: EIJTEM_2026_13_2_174-187

Author's Name: Vijay Kumar Rayalla, Kalyani Gurram, Maheswararao R, Vijaya Sekhar B and Venugopal P

Volume: 13

Issue: 2

Year: 2026

Page No: 174-187

Abstract:

This study investigates the use of discarded lightweight aggregates and fibers in fiber reinforced lightweight concrete (FRLWC) as a sustainable substitute. Fibers were added between 0.5% and 1.0%, while waste aggregates were added at different rates (25% to 100%). The findings showed that increasing use of waste aggregate reduced density and compressive strength while fibers improved tensile and flexural strength. Concrete's density was lowered by roughly 33% when sintered fly ash aggregate was used, making it suitable for lightweight applications. However, because of its increased porosity, lightweight concrete without fibers showed lower mechanical strengths. Performance was greatly enhanced by the use of recycled polypropylene fibers: flexural strength rose by 30–57%, split tensile strength by 45–52%, and compressive strength by 28–35%. Improved water absorption and sorptivity (30–40% reduction) and negligible strength decline under sulfate were seen in durability assessments.

Keywords: Fiber Reinforced Lightweight Concrete, Sintered Fly Ash Aggregate, Recycled Polypropylene Fibers, Waste Materials Utilization.

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