Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of High-Strength Concrete with Nylon Granule Aggregates: Experimental Evaluation and Predictive Analysis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran

Abstract

In recent years, incorporating polymer trash as a substitute for natural aggregates in cementitious material has emerged as a sustainable approach to minimize environmental impact. Despite growing interest, limited studies have addressed the mechanical and microstructural performance of high-strength concrete (HSC) incorporating polymer waste under elevated temperature conditions. This research investigates the residual stress-strain response of HSC incorporating nylon granules (NG) as a partial substitute for natural sand at proportions of 0, 10, and 20%. Specimens were subjected to axial compressive loading after exposure to high temperatures of 20, 300, and 600°C. The analysis covered several physical and mechanical characteristics such as loss of weight, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, elastic modulus, strain at peak stress, ultimate strain, toughness, stress-strain model, visual changes, and microstructure. The experimental findings were benchmarked against established codes and standards, including ACI 216, ASCE, EN 1994-1-2, EN 1992-1-2, and CEB-FIP. Results demonstrated that higher temperatures substantially impaired concrete performance, with compressive strength and modulus of elasticity declining by approximately 59% and 75%, respectively, at 600°C. Furthermore, the inclusion of NG led to additional reductions in mechanical performance. Based on the experimental observations, predictive models were formulated for mechanical properties, and a stress-strain model for NG-modified concrete was developed, which correlated well with the experimental results

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Civil Engineering and Applied Solutions
Volume 1, Issue 1
June 2025
Pages 1-35

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