Exploring the Synergistic Effects of Carbon Fibers and Shell Aggregates on the Mechanical Properties and Sustainability of Concrete

The field of carbon fiber–reinforced concrete (CFRC) with shell aggregates is attracting attention due to the demand for sustainable and high‐performance building materials, particularly, this topic is important for seeking to fill a gap in the literature regarding the combined use of carbon fibers (CFs) and shell concrete. Specifically, in this field, developing a composite material that addresses the brittleness and environmental impact of traditional concrete while improving its strength and durability is cutting‐edge; however, the amount of fiber and shellfish added is still under debate. To answer the question, this study explored the synergistic effects of CFs and shell aggregates on concrete’s mechanical properties and sustainability by employing an orthogonal experimental design. This method integrated CFs and shell aggregates into the concrete mix, replacing 50% of the traditional coarse aggregates with shells and adding CFs at rates of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%. Various mechanical tests assessed improvements in tensile strength, flexural strength, crack resistance, and overall durability. Additionally, the environmental impact and sustainability benefits of these materials were evaluated to identify the optimal combination for maximizing both performance and sustainability of the composite material.