Hybrid Steel-Polyethylene Fiber-Reinforced Iron Ore Tailing Concrete: Mechanical, Sulfate Freeze–Thaw Resistance, and Microscopic Characteristics

This study examines the effects of iron ore tailing (IOT) replacement ratios and the hybridization of steel fiber (SF) and polyethylene (PE) fiber (PF) on the mechanical, sulfate freeze–thaw (F–T) resistance, and microscopic characteristics of IOT concrete. The mechanical properties of specimens including compressive strength (f_cu) and splitting tensile strength (f_sts) were evaluated. Sulfate F–T cycle indices of specimens including surface damage, f_cu loss, relative dynamic elastic modulus (RDEM), and mass loss are examined. Meanwhile, microscopic characteristics are analyzed using industrial computer technology (CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicated that IOT replacement ratios below 40% positively influenced mechanical properties and sulfate F–T resistance, whereas ratios exceeding 40% exhibited adverse effects. Incorporating hybrid SF and PF further enhanced the mechanical properties and sulfate F–T resistance of IOT concrete. The IOT concrete containing 1.5% SF and 0.6% PF (designated T40S1.5P0.6) demonstrates significantly improved mechanical properties and sulfate F–T resistance. A set of parameters was proposed to predict the f_sts. The Weibull damage model, capable of quantitatively reflecting the F–T damage of IOT concrete, was established. The pore structure of IOT concrete gradually deteriorates with increasing sulfate F–T cycles. The pore characteristics of T40S1.5P0.6 were superior. This was further validated through SEM observations.