ABSTRACT
Combining a continuously hydrating, highly alkaline matrix with a wide variety of types, shapes and sizes of reinforcing fibres will lead to complex, time-dependent fibre–matrix interactions. Making fibres less susceptible to attack by the matrix will increase durability. Recycling of any composite component in an assembly involves one of three options. These include: disassembly and consequent reuse of entire components in a new structure or other application, reduction of the composite into its component phases and separate recycling of each phase, and crushing and recycling of the composite component as a lower-grade material. Waste materials such as microsilica, blastfurnace slag or fly ash, plus manufactured materials such as metakaolin are all routinely used in most multifilament fibre-reinforced cements and concretes where durability is a prime concern, and can significantly increase the predicted service life of the materials, especially in warm service conditions.
