Australian engineers have made a discovery that promises to transform the construction industry : using recycled carpet fibres to improve concrete . RMIT University, together with other strategic partners, has shown that these fibres can increase durability and prevent early cracking by up to 30%.
Concrete process with recycled carpet fibers
Research has shown that recycled carpet fibers also significantly improve the structural strength of concrete . They act as reinforcements that, when incorporated into the concrete mix, create an internal network that distributes stresses more efficiently.
The team used previously processed and recycled carpet fibers, which are often discarded or poorly managed in landfills. By integrating them into the concrete mix , they achieved a reduction in the drying shrinkage of the material , one of the main causes of cracks in the early stages of curing.
The experimental process involved creating several concrete samples that incorporated different types of recycled textile materials , including carpet fibers, and comparing their performance to traditional standards. The results showed that the carpet fiber-reinforced concrete slabs exhibited higher tensile strength and a superior ability to resist the stresses that cause cracking.
This breakthrough was achieved by using a specific fibre addition technique that improves the internal cohesion of the concrete, allowing the material to withstand more load without fracturing . In addition, the samples met strict engineering standards in Australia and demonstrated outstanding environmental performance, as they contribute to reducing textile waste, a growing challenge today.
A sustainable and effective solution
Lead researcher Dr Chamila Gunasekara explained that discarded carpet fibres are a valuable resource. “ We can use these fibres to increase the strength of concrete by 40% in tension, significantly reducing shrinkage problems and improving structural integrity ,” she said.
The research, in addition to addressing structural issues, proposes a sustainable alternative for managing textile waste . Australia faces a considerable environmental challenge with textile consumption, and this breakthrough could be a game-changer.
The RMIT University team is working closely with organisations including Textile Recyclers Australia and Godfrey Hirst Australia. Field trials and computational modelling in partnership with international experts are laying the groundwork for global adoption of this technology. Finally, testing has confirmed that the fibre-reinforced materials meet Australian engineering standards, highlighting their potential for real-world applications.
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Source and photos: RMIT University