The effects of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles on the properties of fresh and hardened self-consolidating concrete

Abstract

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) due to several economical and technical advantages is increasingly used in construction industry. It can be improved on strength behavior when the particles are added. Although the workability as a significant factor for this concrete must be maintained. This investigation experimentally evaluated the effects of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) particles on the properties of either fresh or hardened SCC. This particles resulting from cutting and pulverizing water and bavarage bottles and plastic bags. Fresh properties of SCC have been investigated by slump flow, V-funnel and L-box tests. Hardended properties were tested for compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, shrinkage and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) tests on different ages. The results showed that 3 Kg/m3 PET particles can be considered as suitable contents regarding to fresh and hardened properties of SCC. However, the addition of PET particles have caused a slight decrease in compressive strength.