In the quest to build stronger, more sustainable structures, researchers are turning to unconventional materials to enhance concrete’s performance. Farid Muhamad Harahap, a researcher from the State University of Jakarta, has been exploring the potential of concrete waste and denim fabric fibers to bolster the compressive and flexural strength of concrete. His findings, published in Jurnal Pensil, which translates to ‘Pencil Journal,’ offer intriguing insights that could reshape the construction industry, particularly in the energy sector where durability and sustainability are paramount.
Concrete, the backbone of modern construction, has long been praised for its compressive strength but criticized for its brittleness and weight. Harahap’s research delves into the use of concrete waste as an aggregate substitute and the addition of denim fabric fibers to address these issues. “The idea is to not only reduce waste but also to enhance the material’s performance,” Harahap explains. “Denim fibers, with their high tensile strength and durability, seem like a promising candidate for this purpose.”
The study involved creating concrete samples with varying proportions of denim fibers—1% and 2% by weight—and comparing their strength to that of traditional concrete. The results were mixed but thought-provoking. While the compressive strength of the fiber-reinforced concrete did not reach the design strength of 40 MPa, the flexural strength showed significant improvement. The concrete with 1% denim fiber proportion exhibited the highest flexural strength, a 22.7% increase compared to the control concrete.
This enhancement in flexural strength could have substantial implications for the energy sector, where structures often face dynamic loads and require high resistance to bending and cracking. For instance, wind turbines, which are subject to constant stress from wind forces, could benefit from a concrete mix that offers better flexural strength without compromising on compressive strength.
Moreover, the use of concrete waste as an aggregate substitute aligns with the growing trend towards sustainability in construction. By repurposing waste concrete, the industry can reduce its environmental footprint and contribute to a circular economy. Harahap’s research, published in Jurnal Pensil, opens up new avenues for exploration in this area.
However, the reduction in compressive strength with the addition of denim fibers is a challenge that needs to be addressed. Harahap acknowledges this, stating, “While the flexural strength improvement is promising, we need to find a way to maintain or even enhance the compressive strength. This could involve optimizing the fiber length, width, or proportion, or exploring different types of fibers.”
As the construction industry continues to evolve, research like Harahap’s plays a crucial role in shaping its future. The potential of waste materials and unconventional fibers in enhancing concrete’s performance is a testament to the industry’s innovative spirit. As we strive for more sustainable and durable structures, such explorations could pave the way for groundbreaking developments in the field.