Work

Assessing the Impact of Shredded Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Post-Consumer Plastic as a Partial Replacement for Coarse Aggregates in Unreinforced Concrete

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the feasibility of incorporating shredded polyethylene terephthalate (PET) post-consumer plastic waste as a partial replacement for coarse aggregates in unreinforced concrete such as masonry blocks. Standard concrete blocks were produced with varying PET content (0%, 5%, 25%, 35%, 50%) and tested for workability, air content, density, compressive strength, flexural strength, and thermal conductivity. Results indicated that replacing up to 25% of traditional aggregates with PET maintains adequate compressive strength for non-load-bearing applications and enhances thermal insulation by reducing the thermal conductivity from 0.7 W/m·°K to 0.27 W/m·°K at 25% replacement level, representing a significant improvement of approximately 61%. Higher PET content (35-50%) resulted in reduced structural integrity but improved insulation, suggesting its suitability for non-structural applications. This research highlights the potential of using PET plastic waste in unreinforced concrete, promoting sustainable construction practices by reducing plastic waste and conserving natural resources.

Source: Materials

DOI: 10.3390/ma17215208

Authors: Elias Farah, Saidé Yaacoub, Joseph Dgheim, Nemr El Hajj

Institutions: Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Lebanese University

Language: English

Topic: Recycled Aggregate Concrete Performance

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,955