Development of sustainable concrete using recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) granules as fine aggregate

Abstract

Solid waste management has become a significant environmental challenge globally. This study aims to examine the performance of sustainable concrete incorporating polyethylene terephthalate (PET) granules as partial (0%, 10%, 30%, and 50%) volumetric replacement of sand. The mechanical properties including compressive strength, tensile strength and elastic modulus were examined. The flexural and cracking performance of the reinforced concrete (RC) beams, as well as bond behaviour of concrete mixes with steel reinforcement were investigated. Incorporating 10% PET granules demonstrated positive impact on the mechanical properties, flexural strength and cracking behaviour of RC beam, as well as bond strength. A theoretical model was proposed for predicting bond strength of concrete containing PET granules and the results corresponded well with both experimental and previous research findings. The American and Australian standards conservatively predicted cracking and flexural moments of the RC beams. Finite element modelling was conducted on the RC beams and the results corresponded well with the experimental findings.