Bending behavior of green RC beams containing recycled garbage bag fibers in sea conditions

The appropriate mechanical behavior and high durability of marine concrete buildings, which are directly or indirectly connected to maritime infrastructure and numerous industries, appear indispensable for the world's population. However, concrete manufacturing and other associated businesses in coastal settings are the principal drivers of pollution, waste, and excessive use of natural resources and energy. Thus, using cement replacements to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and plastic waste as fiber may reduce environmental pollution and enhance concrete mechanical performance. This research examines the flexural and cracking characteristics of reinforced concrete (RC) beams containing 10 % metakaolin/zeolite when 0.5 and 1 % strip garbage bag fibers (BF) are added. The investigation is conducted over 28 and 180 days in the tidal environment of the Oman Sea. Results showed that adding BF to green RC beams enhanced flexural toughness (T) by 27 %. Additionally, bag fiber RC (BC) beams had a cracking load (Pcr) that was up to 21 % lower than RC. BF also increased RC beams' maximum load capacity (Pmax) by up to 16 %. Finally, compared to zeolite beams, metakaolin BC beams had higher maximum load capacity and flexural toughness values.