Utilizing Wet Wipes Waste in Concrete: Analysis of Compressive Strength, Tensile Strength, and Absorption

Abstract

This study explores the use of wet wipes waste as an additional fiber in concrete mixtures to improve mechanical performance and durability to support sustainable construction practices. The addition of fiber is divided into variations of 0.15%, 0.20% and 0.25% with a variation of 0% as the control concrete. Concrete performance was analyzed through the results of compressive strength, split tensile strength, and absorption tests using the wet curing method. The test results indicate that the addition of wet wipe fibers has a significant effect on the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. The 0.20% variation was shown to exhibit optimum performance in compressive strength equivalent to that of the control concrete, higher split tensile strength, and low water absorption, indicating an increase in resistance to cracking and structural densification. In contrast, the 0.15% and 0.25% variations reduced concrete performance due to increased porosity and fiber agglomeration. The integration of wet wipes waste into the concrete mix is the novelty of this study. Wet wipes, as a non-biodegradable material, pose a significant environmental challenge, but they have the potential to be used as concrete reinforcement fibers. This research not only focuses on improving concrete quality but also contributes to reducing waste distribution as a reusable material in the building and infrastructure sectors. This finding is significant, demonstrating the potential of wet wipe waste fibers as an additive in concrete to maximize the development of the sustainable construction industry.

Access to Document

Other files and links

• Link to publication in Scopus
• Open Access Version Available

Fingerprint