Mejora de la sostenibilidad y el comportamiento en servicio de estructuras de hormigón mediante el uso de fibras metálicas recicladas

In this work, a theoretical and experimental study is presented as regards the improvement in the performance in service of concrete structures by adding recycled metal fibres obtained from used tyres. This work compiles three series of tests: one on reduced size elements, another on large beams subjected to two particular loads, with a wide constant moment area, and lastly a series on supports subjected to imposed head movements. In the case of large-sized isostatic beams, a series of twin trials carried out with conventional concrete is presented.

An analysis is made of the experimental results that have a bearing on the influence of adding fibres on the in-service performance. The experimental results are compared with the theoretical results obtained, incorporating into the constitutive equation of the concrete the tension softening branch to which the fibres contribute, as well as the effect of the contribution between cracks of the conventional structural concrete itself. These results are also compared with those obtained by applying the model proposed by MC2010.

Finally, studies are presented that are being conducted within the framework of the Anagennisi (Re-Birth) Research, which looks to recycle all the components of tyres in applications relative to structural concrete. These studies are focused on how the sustainability of concrete structures can be improved with the use of recycled metal fibres, as well as looking for particular applications in which their influence could be a determining factor, both as regards reducing construction costs, as well as reducing the environmental impact (CO₂ footprint and energy consumption). These studies are focused on the project of water containment structures and in increasing the slenderness of the flagstones in building structures.