Mitigation of Alkali-Silica Reaction by Shredded Wind Turbine Blade Waste in Mortar

The utilization of wind turbines worldwide has led to a growing concern regarding the disposal and management of wind turbine blade waste (WTBW). Incorporating WTBW into concrete production represents a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for managing the increasing volume of this waste. However, alkali-silica reaction (ASR) has the potential to undermine the long-term structural integrity of concrete, due to the alkaline matrix environment. To address these issues, this study explores the WTBW as fiber reinforcement into mortar mitigating the ASR of the matrix. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray micro-computed tomography (mu XCT), compressive strength testing, and ASR test were used to assess the feasibility and long-term viability of utilizing WTBW in mortar. Results show that partial glass fibers without epoxy resin wrapping are attacked by an alkaline environment in the mortar matrix, losing the complete round shape. The incorporation of WTBW in the mortar leads to the formation of larger inner pores in the matrix.