Abstract

The waste hierarchy establishes a prioritized framework for effective waste management, where higher levels such as prevention, re-use, and recovery are associated with the conservation of primary resources and the retrieval of secondary resources. This approach aligns with the objectives of the construction industry, which aims to promote the efficient utilization of resources by treating raw materials in an environmentally responsible manner. In this context, utilizing waste fibers to reinforce cementitious composites becomes more logical than producing new fibers with similar properties. These waste fibers typically originate from the production of high-performance technical textiles used for structural repair and rehabilitation. By reusing these waste materials, the construction industry contributes a circular economy in its own sector and fosters cross-sectoral industrial symbiosis. Although the potential benefits and positive environmental impact of utilizing such materials are recognized, their influence on the properties of composites requires further investigation. This study examines the impact of production waste glass fibers on the properties of the mortar in both the fresh and hardened states. The study focusses on properties such as compressive strength and toughness. To gain a better understanding of the fibers’ contribution to the matrix properties, an investigation was conducted using µCT. The study focuses on investigating the effects of waste fibers with lengths of 5 and 10 mm and different dosages (0.2, 0.6 vol.%) on the properties of high-strength mortar, comparing them with factory fibers.