Sustainable CFRP-reinforced recycled concrete for cleaner eco-friendly construction

This study evaluates the mechanical performance and efficiency of epoxy-coated CFRP-reinforcements laminates in different recycled concrete beam configurations as well as conventional concrete beam. Our results revealed that the epoxy-coated CFRP laminate is a potential internal reinforcement in recycled concrete beams with significant improvement in ductility, load-carrying capacity, fracture toughness and fracture energy of both recycled and conventional. The improved efficiencies of the reinforced recycled concrete beams is attributed to the high tensile strength of the epoxy-coated CFRP laminates, large contact surface area with the concrete, and improved bonding of the recycled concrete with the epoxy coated CFRP laminate as a result of better aggregate interlock and improved interfacial transition zone of the recycled concrete. Our research also demonstrated that digital image correlation (DIC) can be utilized to capture full strain evolution as well as fracture propagation during experimental tests. In addition, pilot tests are needed to improve confidence towards their usage in on-site construction as well as lightweight modular and pre-fabricated concrete structures. High-quality recycling schemes should be put in place to encourage application of recycled coarse aggregates from construction and demolition wastes and avoid their landfill disposal. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.