Evaluating the Performance of Sustainable Concrete Made with Different Lengths of Tyre Waste Steel Fibers, Silica Fume, and Rice Husk Ash
Source abstract
Abstract
The growing environmental effect of conventional concrete manufacturing has led to the search for alternative sustainable solutions. This paper examines the synergistic properties of tyre waste steel fibers (TWSF), silica fume (SF), and rice husk ash (RHA) in natural and recycled aggregate concrete. The study fills a literature gap on the performance of recycled aggregates when mixed with these materials. The hypothesis goes that the mechanical and durability properties of concrete are increased when TWSF is used in conjunction with SF and RHA. The findings indicate that the best combination (10% SF, 20% RHA, and 1% TWSF) results in dramatic changes, such as 18% rise in compressive strength and 30–35% less water absorption than control mixes. The analysis shows that this mixture does not only increase the strength and durability of concrete but also helps more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions as industrial and agricultural waste is used. These results provide a new idea on the application of recycled aggregates in high-performance concrete because they further develop the concept of incorporating waste materials into concrete to increase concrete properties.
Source: openalex_inverted_index · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Innovative concrete reinforcement materials · Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites · Recycling and utilization of industrial and municipal waste in materials production
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Swedish College of Engineering and Technology
University of Engineering and Technology
University of Ha’il
Erbil Polytechnic University
King Khalid University
Northern Border University
Kampala International University
University of Management and Technology
References (70)
Show source-provided references
1. Afroughsabet, V., and T. Ozbakkaloglu. 2015. “Mechanical and Durability Properties of High-Strength Concrete Containing Steel and Polypropylene Fibers.” Construction and Building Materials 94:73–20. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061815300088?casa_token=r9X3Y9mgavQAAAAA:k-xvNegt1BBQfAXS2vGslR5Ekp35vAwsO8sDIC7wrcHHfRMx6LTJ7IOfA7n9dIQ_6JG_is_QTi2F.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.06.051 ↗
2. 10.1680/MACR.14.0023210.1680/MACR.14.00232 ↗
3. Ahmed, A., S. Ameer, S. Abbas, W. Abbass, A. Razzaq, A. M. Mohamed, and A. Mohamed. 2022. “Effectiveness of Ternary Blend Incorporating Rice Husk Ash, Silica Fume, and Cement in Preparing ASR Resilient Concrete.” Materials 15 (6): 2125. https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/6/2125.10.3390/ma15062125 ↗
4. Akbulut Z. T. Tawfik P. Smarzewski and S.-G. Buildings. 2025. “Advancing Hybrid Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Performance Crack Resistance Mechanism and Future Innovations.” https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/8/1247.10.3390/buildings15081247 ↗
5. 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e2901410.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29014 ↗
6. Aleksandrova O. and N. Quang. 2022. “The Effect of Mineral Admixtures and Fine Aggregates on the Characteristics of High-Strength Fiber-Reinforced Concrete.” https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/15/24/8851.10.3390/ma15248851 ↗
7. Alharthai, M., T. Ali, M. Qureshi, and H. Ahmed. 2024. “The Enhancement of Engineering Characteristics in Recycled Aggregates Concrete Combined Effect of Fly Ash, Silica Fume and PP Fiber.” Alexandria Engineering Journal 95:363–375. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1110016824003302.10.1016/j.aej.2024.03.084 ↗
8. 10.1080/19648189.2022.210359010.1080/19648189.2022.2103590 ↗
9. 10.1080/15440478.2026.261564210.1080/15440478.2026.2615642 ↗
10. Alibeigibeni, A., F. Stochino, M. Zucca, and F. L. Gayarre. 2025. “Enhancing Concrete Sustainability: A Critical Review of the Performance of Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCAs) in Structural Concrete.” Buildings 15 (8): 1361. https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/8/1361.10.3390/buildings15081361 ↗
11. Al-Saffar F. L. Wong and S.-P. Gels. 2023. “An Elucidative Review of the Nanomaterial Effect on the Durability and Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate (CSH) Gel Development of Concrete.” Mdpi.com. https://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/9/8/613.10.3390/gels9080613 ↗
12. Amir, M., S. Riaz, H. Ahmed, S. Raza, A. A. A. Shohan, and S. Alsulamy. 2023. “Synergistic Effect of Micro-Silica and Recycled Tyre Steel Fiber on the Properties of High-Performance Recycled Aggregate Concrete.” Sustainability 15 (11): 8642. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/11/8642.10.3390/su15118642 ↗
13. Amran M. 2025. “Innovative Technology for Converting Automobile Tire Waste Bead Wires into Recycled Steel Fibers for Sustainable Concrete Composites: Insights for the Al-Kharj Governorate Construction Industry.” International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation 43 (4): 665–692. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-03-2024-0067.10.1108/IJBPA-03-2024-0067 ↗
14. Antiohos S. and S. Tsimas. 2005. “Investigating the role of reactive silica in the hydration mechanisms of high-calcium fly ash/cement systems.” Cement and Concrete Composites 27 (2): 171–181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2004.02.004.10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2004.02.004 ↗
15. Bayraktar, O., G. Kaplan, J. Shi, A. Benli, and S. Likitlersuang. 2023. “The Effect of Steel Fiber Aspect-Ratio and Content on the Fresh, Flexural, and Mechanical Performance of Concrete Made with Recycled Fine Aggregate.” Construction and Building Materials 391. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061823002088.
16. 10.1186/s43065-025-00150-210.1186/s43065-025-00150-2 ↗
17. Colangelo F. A. Forcina and I. Farina. 2018. “Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Different Kinds of Concrete Containing Waste for Sustainable Construction.” Mdpi.com. https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/8/5/70.10.3390/buildings8050070 ↗
18. 10.1155/2020/826374510.1155/2020/8263745 ↗
19. Dezhampanah, S., and I. Nikbin. 2020. “Environmental Performance and Durability of Concrete Incorporating Waste Tire Rubber and Steel Fiber Subjected to Acid Attack.” Journal of Cleaner Production. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652620322630.10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122216 ↗
20. Dinesh A. and V. Parthiban. 2023. “Crack-Bridging and Strengthening Prospects of Nanofibers in the Cement Composite–A Review.” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214785323019685.10.1016/j.matpr.2023.04.069 ↗
21. Dong, C., Q. Zhang, C. Chen, T. Jiang, Z. Guo, Y. Liu, and S. Lin. 2022. “Fresh and Hardened Properties of Recycled Plastic Fiber Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete Made with Recycled Concrete Aggregate and Fly Ash, Slag, Silica Fume.” Journal of Building Engineering 62: 105384. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710222013900.10.1016/j.jobe.2022.105384 ↗
22. Gálvez-Martos, J., D. Styles, H. Schoenberger, and B. Zeschmar-Lahl. 2018. “Construction and Demolition Waste Best Management Practice in Europe.” Resources, Conservation & Recycling 136: 166–178. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921344918301538.10.1016/j.resconrec.2018.04.016 ↗
23. Gao, D. 2021. “Effects of Recycled Fine Aggregate and Steel Fiber on Compressive and Splitting Tensile Properties of Concrete.” Journal of Building Engineering. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710221004897.
24. “Global Construction Aggregates - Market Size Market Share Market Leaders Demand Forecast Sales Company Profiles Market Research Industry Trends and Companies - The Freedonia Group”. 2025. https://www.freedoniagroup.com/industry-study/global-construction-aggregates-3742.htm.
25. 10.1617/S11527-008-9411-910.1617/S11527-008-9411-9 ↗
26. Greco F. L. Leonetti and P. N. Blasi. 2012 “Non-linear macroscopic response of fiber-reinforced composite materials due to initiation and propagation of interface cracks.” Engineering Fracture Mechanics 80: 92–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfracmech.2011.10.003.10.1016/j.engfracmech.2011.10.003 ↗
27. Guo, Z., Z. Chen, X. Yang, L. Zhang, C. Li, C. He, and W. Xu. 2025. “The Influence of Rice Husk Ash Incorporation on the Properties of Cement-Based Materials.” Materials 18 (2): 460. https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/18/2/460.10.3390/ma18020460 ↗
28. Hamada, H., A. Al-Attar, S. Beddu, M. K. Askar, S. T. Yousif, and A. Majdi. 2025. “Impact of Rice Husk Ash on Geopolymer Concrete: A Literature Review and Future Directions.” Case Studies in Construction Materials 22: e04476. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509525002748.10.1016/j.cscm.2025.e04476 ↗
29. 10.1088/2053-1591/adc9fd10.1088/2053-1591/adc9fd ↗
30. Hwang, J., M. Jung, M. Kim, and K. Y. Ann. 2015. “Corrosion Risk of Steel Fibre in Concrete.” Construction and Building Materials 101: 239–245. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061815304931.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.10.072 ↗
31. 10.1007/s42452-024-06314-110.1007/s42452-024-06314-1 ↗
32. Jahandari S. and M. Mohammadi. 2021. “Mechanical Properties of Recycled Aggregate Concretes Containing Silica Fume and Steel Fibres.” Mdpi.com. https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/22/7065.10.3390/ma14227065 ↗
33. 10.11113/aej.V13.1917010.11113/aej.V13.19170 ↗
34. Kaïkea, A., D. Achoura, F. Duplan, and L. Rizzuti. 2014. “Effect of Mineral Admixtures and Steel Fiber Volume Contents on the Behavior of High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete.” Materials and Design 63: 493–499. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261306914005214.10.1016/j.matdes.2014.06.066 ↗
35. Khan M. I. W. Abbass and M. Alrubaidi. 2020. “Optimization of the Fine to Coarse Aggregate Ratio for the Workability and Mechanical Properties of High Strength Steel Fiber Reinforced Concretes.” Mdpi.com. https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/13/22/5202.10.3390/ma13225202 ↗
36. K. H.-M. R. Express. 2025. “Application of Waste Tire Recycled Steel Fibers in Concrete for an Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Construction Approach in China.” IOPscience.IOP.org. https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ADC9FD/META.
37. 10.1038/s41598-024-83394-410.1038/s41598-024-83394-4 ↗
38. Ma, W., Y. Wang, L. Huang, L. Yan, and B. Kasal. 2023. “Natural and Recycled Aggregate Concrete Containing Rice Husk Ash as Replacement of Cement: Mechanical Properties, Microstructure, Strength Model and Statistical.” Journal of Building Engineering 66:105917. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710223000967.10.1016/j.jobe.2023.105917 ↗
39. 10.1080/23311916.2024.236590210.1080/23311916.2024.2365902 ↗
40. Mastali, M., A. Dalvand, A. R. Sattarifard, Z. Abdollahnejad, B. Nematollahi, J. G. Sanjayan, and M. Illikainen. 2019. “A Comparison of the Effects of Pozzolanic Binders on the Hardened-State Properties of High-Strength Cementitious Composites Reinforced with Waste Tire Fibers.” Composites Part B Engineering 162: 134–153. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1359836818329937.10.1016/j.compositesb.2018.10.100 ↗
41. Moein M. A. Moein A. Saradar S. Rigby and H. T. Heliyon. 2025. “Mechanical Properties of Portland Cement Concrete Mixed with Different Doses of Recycled Brick Powder and Steel Fiber.” Cell.com. https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(25)00280-4.
42. Montoya, A. S., C. Chung, and J.-K. Materials. 2023. “High Performance Concretes with Highly Reactive Rice Husk Ash and Silica Fume.” Materials 16 (11): 3903. https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/16/11/3903.10.3390/ma16113903 ↗
43. 10.1080/21650373.2016.123090010.1080/21650373.2016.1230900 ↗
44. 10.3390/ma1516558810.3390/ma15165588 ↗
45. Olumoyewa, A., O. Samson, S. A. Bello, B. Sefiu, and O. Cephas. 2018. “Splitting Tensile Strength Assessment of Lightweight Foamed Concrete Reinforced with Waste Tyre Steel Fibres.” International Journal of Civil Engineering and Technology (IJCIET). http://eprints.lmu.edu.ng/1786/.
46. Paul S. and G. van Zijl. 2020a. “Effect of Fibers on Durability of Concrete: A Practical Review.” Mdpi.com. https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/13/20/4562.10.3390/ma13204562 ↗
47. Paul S. and G. van Zijl. 2020b. “Effect of Fibers on Durability of Concrete: A Practical Review.” Mdpi.com. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13204562.10.3390/ma13204562 ↗
48. 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.12063610.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.120636 ↗
49. Saha A. K. 2018. “Effect of class F fly ash on the durability properties of concrete.” Sustainable environment research 28 (1): 25–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.serj.2017.09.001.10.1016/j.serj.2017.09.001 ↗
50. 10.1007/S41939-024-00398-310.1007/S41939-024-00398-3 ↗
51. Sathiparan N. 2025. “A systematic review of corncob ash in construction: Current findings and future directions.” Sustainable Materials and Technologies 43: e01315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susmat.2025.e01315.10.1016/j.susmat.2025.e01315 ↗
52. Sharma, A., G. Reddy, L. Varshney, H. Bharathkumar, K. K. Vaze, A. K. Ghosh, H. S. Kushwaha, and T. S. Krishnamoorthy. 2009. “Experimental Investigations on Mechanical and Radiation Shielding Properties of Hybrid Lead–Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete.” Nuclear Engineering and Design 239 (7): 1180–1185. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0029549309001368.10.1016/j.nucengdes.2009.02.017 ↗
53. 10.1038/s41598-025-92505-810.1038/s41598-025-92505-8 ↗
54. Simalti, A. 2021. “Comparative Study on Performance of Manufactured Steel Fiber and Shredded Tire Recycled Steel Fiber Reinforced Self-Consolidating Concrete.” Construction and Building Materials. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061820331068.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.121102 ↗
55. Sobuz, M., S. Datta, and A. Akid. 2024. “Evaluating the Effects of Recycled Concrete Aggregate Size and Concentration on Properties of High-Strength Sustainable Concrete.” Journal of King Saud University-Engineering Sciences. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1018363922000356.
56. Suomie R. W. B. P. Mishra and S. Das. 2025. “Performance of rice husk ash (RHA) and recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) for sustainable concrete: A review.” Next Materials 8: 100778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100778.10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100778 ↗
57. Thomas, B., and R. C. Gupta. 2016. “A Comprehensive Review on the Applications of Waste Tire Rubber in Cement Concrete.” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 54: 1323–1333. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032115011715.10.1016/j.rser.2015.10.092 ↗
58. 10.1002/SUCO.20170006810.1002/SUCO.201700068 ↗
59. Tiwari, P., and V. K. Singh. 2023. “The Impact of Fiber Reinforcement on Fresh and Physical Properties with Durability of Recycled Coarse Aggregate Concrete: A Review.” Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review 16 (4): 85–93. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&profile=ehost&scope=site&authtype=crawler&jrnl=17912377&AN=172448803&h=JTwlH951j%2BBnkPAZJtAcNLwCy3JNQJEX6BJjd1wxH9Q%2FBeiP3kPfbbc6qC3gPMABtZwSH6UTOMLwvSo3jQWtaw%3D%3D&crl=c.10.25103/jestr.164.11 ↗
60. Turk K. M. Bassurucu and R. E. Bitkin. 2021. “Workability strength and flexural toughness properties of hybrid steel fiber reinforced SCC with high-volume fiber.” Construction and Building Materials 266: 120944. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.120944.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.120944 ↗
61. 10.1080/19648189.2022.207028510.1080/19648189.2022.2070285 ↗
62. Wang, Y., Z. Liu, Y. Wang, Q. Li, X. Gong, and Y. Zhao. 2022. “Effect of Recycled Aggregate and Supplementary Cementitious Material on Mechanical Properties and Chloride Permeability of Concrete.” Journal of Cleaner Production 369:133322. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652622029080.10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.133322 ↗
63. Wu B. Y. Liu P. Feng and J. Qiu. 2023. “Cracking Can Make Concrete stronger–The Coupled Effect of Matrix Cracking and SiO2-Enhanced Fiber/Matrix Interface Healing on the Tensile Strength of FRCC.” Cement and Concrete Composites 138: 105011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2023.105011.10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2023.105011 ↗
64. Xia L. W. Xin C. Zhiyuan J. Kaidi L. Weitao and W. Zhishen. 2025. “Synergistic Effect of Hybrid Micro-and Macro-Fibers on the Flexural Properties of Concrete.” Construction and Building Materials 462: 139901. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.139901.10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2025.139901 ↗
65. Yang J. G. Peng and G. Shui. 2019. “Mechanical Properties and Anti-Spalling Behavior of Ultra-High Performance Concrete with Recycled and Industrial Steel Fibers.” Mdpi.com. https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/12/5/783.10.3390/ma12050783 ↗
66. Yoo D. Y. H. O. Shin J. M. Yang and Y. S. Yoon. 2025. “Material and Bond Properties of Ultra High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete with Micro Steel Fibers.” Composites Part B: Engineering 58: 122–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2013.10.081.10.1016/j.compositesb.2013.10.081 ↗
67. Yuan, Z., Z. Chen, L. Yang, B. Liu, M. Liu, and Y. Zhang. 2025. “Corrosion Characteristics and Strength Degradation Mechanism of Metro Steel Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Materials Under the Low-Carbon Target.” Journal of Composites Science 9 (9): 463. https://www.mdpi.com/2504-477X/9/9/463.10.3390/jcs9090463 ↗
68. Zahemen Tuleun L. A. A. Adedeji and L. Zahemen. 2024. Advancing Ultra High Performance Concrete: Evaluation of Recycled Tire Steel Fibers and Rice Husk Ash for Enhanced Sustainability and Performance. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5165150/v1.10.21203/rs.3.rs-5165150/v1 ↗
69. Zainal S. I. S. F. Hejazi and A. M. Mafaileh. 2023. “Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Slabs Using Macro and Micro Synthetic Fibers.” In Structures 1579–1590. Vol. 51. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2023.03.120.10.1016/j.istruc.2023.03.120 ↗
70. 10.1515/rams-2022-002910.1515/rams-2022-0029 ↗