Sustainable and Durable Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composite for Concrete Infrastructure

The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, making its decarbonization essential to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). This project aims to develop a sustainable and durable fiber-reinforced cementitious (FRC) composite by synergistic utilization of recycled fibers and carbon-based quantum dots (CQDs). The proposed study will utilize four types of recycled fibers in concrete, namely steel fibers recovered from scrap tires, synthetic fibers derived from plastic waste, carbon fibers from composite waste, and glass fibers from decommissioned wind turbine blades, replacing carbon- and energy-intensive steel rebar and manufactured steel fibers. Additionally, the sustainable synthesis methods for CQDs using biomass and natural waste will be explored, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional, chemical-intensive methods. The outcome of this research will provide the construction industry with practical guidelines on selecting suitable recycled fibers and their optimal dosages for specific applications, enabling cost-effective and low-carbon construction practices.

Faculty Supervisor:

Rishi Gupta

Student:

Partner:

Texas State University

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Construction; Sustainability and the Environment; Quantum Science

University:

University of Victoria

Program:

Globalink Research Award

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