Frost resistance and life prediction of recycled brick aggregate concrete with waste polypropylene fiber

Abstract

Due to recycled aggregate concrete technology, sustainable resource utilization can be achieved, but the weak frost resistance of this type of concrete affects its application in cold regions. Using waste polypropylene fibers as reinforcing materials can improve the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. This study explores the influence of waste polypropylene fiber on the frost resistance durability and microstructure of recycled brick aggregate (RA) concrete. The results show that with the increase in freeze–thaw cycles, the mass of the concrete first increases and then decreases, while its relative dynamic elastic modulus and compressive strength gradually decrease. After 60 freeze–thaw cycles, the maximum mass loss, maximum relative dynamic elastic modulus loss, and maximum compressive strength loss of the RA concrete are 1.73, 45.1, and 73.7%, respectively. Waste fiber (WF) can improve the frost resistance of concrete, as demonstrated by the obvious reduction in mass loss, relative dynamic elasticity modulus loss, and compressive strength loss, which are 0.11, 33.0, and 64.0%, respectively, after 60 freeze–thaw cycles. The action mechanism of WF on the frost resistance of RA concrete is revealed, and the life prediction model of RA concrete with WF under freeze–thaw conditions is established.