Analytical modeling of tensile and flexural performance of concrete reinforced with recycled FRP-fiber from wind turbine blades

Abstract

The increasing retirement of wind turbines has raised environmental concerns regarding the disposal of waste wind turbine blades. This study investigates the reuse of recycled fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) from wind turbine blades in concrete and evaluates the tensile and flexural properties of the resulting FRP-fiber reinforced concrete (FRP-FRC). Uniaxial tensile and three-point bending tests were conducted to assess the tensile and flexural strengths of concrete reinforced with various contents of recycled FRP. The results indicate that an optimal FRP content of 1%–1.5 % enhances both the deformation capacity and strength of the reinforced concrete. Additionally, a closed-form, multi-segment analytical model was developed to predict the flexural behavior of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) under three-point bending. Model predictions were validated through comparisons with experimental data and numerical simulations, demonstrating excellent agreement and confirming the model's reliability. Parameter sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the performance of the analytical model. Findings suggest that an analytical framework employing five-segment analytical model and an incremental step of 1E-6 ensures both predictive accuracy and computational efficiency. The model also effectively captured the influence of initial crack length on the bending performance of FRC beams. This study provides a novel analytical method and theoretical framework for concrete reinforced with FRP and other fiber materials. Furthermore, it offers valuable insights into the potential reuse of recycled wind turbine blades in construction applications.