Louis M. Wong IV, David Andrew M. Balingit, Michael Joshua B. Espiritu, Edgardo S. Cruz

Abstract: Concrete plays a vital role in civil engineering and infrastructure development. As the focus shifts toward sustainable practices, innovative approaches such as geopolymer concrete and the use of glass waste as aggregates have emerged, improving both the environmental impact of concrete and its mechanical properties. Fiber reinforcement, especially with recycled materials, has gained attention for enhancing the sustainability of concrete, with commercial storage materials such as steel cans becoming viable reinforcement. This study examined the workability, compressive strength, and tensile strength of fly ash–glass waste fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete (FRGC) using recycled steel can fibers. Samples were produced by crushing soda-lime glass bottles and cutting steel cans into hook-end fibers, with an M20 concrete mix formulated by substituting 30% of cement with fly ash and 30% of coarse aggregate with glass waste. Recycled steel can fibers were added at varying percentages (0–5% by weight of cement). Results showed a decrease in workability as recycled fibers were added. Although compressive strength also decreased, the reduction was insignificant at 4% fiber content. The addition of fibers improved tensile performance, though the increase remained statistically insignificant compared to the control group. Notably, concrete samples containing recycled steel can fibers exhibited ductile failure and fiber bridging. Overall, the fly ash–glass waste FRGC with 4% recycled steel can fibers demonstrated favorable outcomes in compressive and tensile strengths. This study highlights the potential of using recycled steel cans to enhance concrete sustainability.

Keywords: Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC), Geopolymer Concrete, Recycled Fibers, Workability, Compressive Strength, Tensile Strength

Date Published: December 1, 2025
DOI: 10.11159/ijci.2025.019

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