Improvement of the compressive strength of mortar in the arid climates by valorization of dune sand and pneumatic waste metal fibers

In this work we studied the effect of the addition of a new type of metal fibers, resulting from used tires, on the compressive strength of dune sand concrete. This formulation is a contribution to the valorization of the dune sand and used tires, in order to take part in the protection of the environment and reduction of the costs of construction materials.Three types of fibers were tested, having 30, 40 and 60 mm lengths, and diameters of 0.9, 0.28 and 0.9 mm respectively. The fiber volume fraction in the concrete was 1% and 1.5%. The results obtained show an improvement of the compressive strength for the metal fiber reinforced sand dune concrete (MFSC) compared to the concrete without fibers.The improvement of the compressive strength of the MFSC mixtures is governed by the size, fiber volume fraction, the bond between fibers and the dune sand concrete, the aspect ratio, and fibers orientation. The maximum of compressive strength was obtained by the introduction of fiber having the highest aspect ratio.

► A new type of metal fibers resulting from pneumatic waste was used to reinforce concrete.
► Reduction of the materials cost and preservation of the environment by the valorization of dune sand and pneumatic waste.
► The used fibers had a positive effect on the improvement of the compressive strength.