Recycled Textile Fibres in Concrete Mixes Mechanical Performance and Environmental Advantages

The increasing accumulation of waste tires presents significant environmental challenges while simultaneously creating opportunities for sustainable material reuse in construction. This paper reviews the mechanical, durability, and sustainability performance of recycled textile fibres derived from waste tires when incorporated into concrete. Recycled fibres contribute to improved durability, particularly by reducing drying shrinkage and enhancing freeze-thaw resistance. However, some studies report increases in water absorption and porosity, which may influence long-term durability and require careful mix design optimisation. In addition to mechanical benefits, the use of recycled fibres contributes to sustainable construction by diverting large quantities of waste tires from landfills, reducing reliance on virgin materials, and lowering material costs by up to 78% under favourable processing conditions. Overall, recycled textile fibres from waste tires demonstrate significant potential as an alternative reinforcement material in concrete, supporting the construction industry.