The effect of fire to the compressive strength of concrete containing recycle plastic aggregate (RPA)

The Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste flake was used in concrete with partial replacement of 15%, 25% and 35% by volume of conventional fine aggregate. Four batches of concrete specimens including one without plastic aggregate, for comparison purpose, were prepared. All the concrete specimens were tested for its different mechanical properties after a curing period of 7, 14 and 28 days. Various physical properties of fresh concrete properties were also tested in the laboratory. It was found that the compressive strength of concrete specimen reduces as the waste PET increases. In conclusion, 15% plastic aggregate in concrete is found to be the most suitable replacement proportion. Furthermore, it is concluded that the use of waste PET in concrete provides some advantages such as reduction in the use of conventional aggregate, disposal of wastes, prevention of environmental pollution, and energy saving.