Project Overview

This study evaluated blended fibres from second-hand clothing as reinforcement in cement mortar. Four mixes with 0%, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% fibre content were tested using a 1:3 cement-to-sand ratio and a 0.5 water-cement ratio. The work connects textile-waste recovery with practical construction research, measuring workability, compressive strength and water absorption.

RESEARCH PROBLEM

Textile waste needs a practical second life.

Second-hand clothing that can no longer be reused often enters landfill or is burned. At the same time, conventional mortar is prone to cracking and brittle failure. This research explores whether mixed post-consumer textile fibres can reduce waste while improving the post-cracking behaviour of mortar.

OBJECTIVES

Research Objectives

Main Objective

Examine the effect of blended second-hand clothing fibres on the performance of mortar.

Workability

Assess how varying proportions of fibres affect the flow and consistency of fresh mortar.

Compressive Strength

Evaluate the effect of clothing fibres on mortar strength at 7, 14 and 28 days.

Water Absorption

Measure how fibre content influences absorption and related durability behaviour.

MATERIALS

Materials Used

Portland Cement

The primary binder used to produce the mortar mixes.

Fine Aggregate

Sand used as the fine aggregate at a 1:3 cement-to-sand ratio.

Textile Fibres

Blended fibres prepared from second-hand clothing sourced in Kampala.

Clean Water

Mixing and curing water used at a 0.5 water-cement ratio.

METHODOLOGY

Research Methodology

All mortar mixes were prepared and tested in controlled laboratory conditions using standard procedures.

Fibre Preparation

Second-hand clothing was cleaned, cut and measured for consistent fibre content.

Mix Design

Control, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% fibre mixes were prepared for comparison.

Specimen Casting

Mortar specimens were cast using a consistent 1:3 cement-to-sand mix.

Curing

Samples were cured for 7, 14 and 28 days before strength testing.

Laboratory Tests

Flow-table, compressive-strength and water-absorption tests were completed.

Data Analysis

Results were compared to identify the most balanced fibre percentage.

LABORATORY TESTS

Experimental Tests

Flow Table Test

Compressive Strength

Water Absorption

KEY FINDINGS

Research Results

Low fibre content preserved mortar strength while improving its resistance to brittle, complete failure.

0.5%

Fibre content with the most balanced performance

23.3 MPa

28-day strength at 0.5% fibre content

24.33 MPa

Highest 28-day strength in the control mix

21 → 15 cm

Flow reduced as fibre content reached 1.5%

5.47 → 10.98%

Water absorption increased with fibre content

7–28 days

Strength development measured throughout curing

CONCLUSIONS

Major Findings

Waste-to-Resource Potential

Blended clothing fibres can give post-consumer textiles a useful role in construction materials.

Better Post-Cracking Behaviour

Fibre-reinforced specimens remained partly intact after cracking, unlike the brittle control specimens.

Low Content Works Best

At 0.5%, fibres maintained strength close to the control mix; higher contents reduced workability and strength.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Next Steps

Use fibre contents around 0.5% where strength retention is important.

Investigate fibre length, orientation and treatment methods.

Study long-term durability and water-resistance improvements.

Promote textile recovery for sustainable construction applications.