Evaluation of the microstructural and mechanical properties of eco-friendly concrete reinforced with recycled wind turbine blades

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the feasibility of utilizing Wind Turbine Blade (WTB) wastes as an alternative for the natural aggregate in cement concrete. Three types of experimental investigations were conducted to assess the potential of WTB combined with natural aggregate in concrete. As preliminary investigation, porosity property of the WTB aggregate is determined by water absorption test. Similarly, toughness and impact resistance properties are verified by aggregate impact and crushing tests respectively. An attempt has been made to study the influence of waste WTB as a substitute for natural aggregates in concrete for M25 grade at replacement percentage of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50. Mechanical properties of developed concrete are evaluated by compressive strength, flexural strength and split tensile strength tests. Based on the results, 20% WTB waste substituted concrete had 8.5%, 14.7%, and 8.9% higher compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength than conventional concrete. The strength increment in the developed concrete is confirmed through microstructural evaluation using SEM micrographs, XRD and FTIR. Based on the investigation-conducted use of WTBs seems to have prospective applications in concrete with economic and environmental benefits preventing the accumulation of landfills of WTBs paving way for sustainability.

Keywords:
Wind Turbine blades; EOL; Natural aggregates; Reuse; Sustainability