Mechanical Strength Performance of Mortar Incorporating Recycled Grass Cutter String Fibre

Abstract

The improper disposal of nylon-based waste, particularly recycled grass cutter string (RGCS), contributes to environmental pollution despite its potential as a value-added construction material. This study experimentally investigated the effects of incorporating RGCS on the mechanical properties of cement mortar. Mortar specimens were prepared using RGCS fibre lengths of 10, 20, and 30 mm at volume fractions of 0.15%, 0.225%, and 0.3%. The mechanical performance of the fibre-reinforced mortar was evaluated through compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strength tests. The experimental results revealed that the incorporation of RGCS fibres generally caused a slight reduction in compressive strength compared with the control mix. However, notable improvements were observed in both flexural and splitting tensile strengths, indicating enhanced crack-bridging and post-cracking behaviour. The optimum performance was achieved using 20 mm and 30 mm fibres at a volume fraction of 0.15%, which provided the greatest enhancement in tensile-related properties while maintaining satisfactory compressive strength. These findings demonstrate that RGCS fibres can serve as an effective fibre reinforcement for cement mortar, improving its mechanical performance while promoting the sustainable reutilisation of nylon waste and supporting environmentally responsible construction practices.