Enhancing Concrete Performance by Incorporating Polyethylene Terephthalate as a Partial Sand Replacement in Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete

This research investigated the practicality of integrating waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) powder as apartial replacement of sand in steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC). The main aim was to develop anenvironmentally friendly concrete with improved mechanical properties. The study examined the effects ofdifferent waste PET powder dosages (3%, 5%, and 7%) and steel fiber contents (1.5% and 2%) on themechanical properties of SFRC. The analysis aimed to establish whether the strength characteristics of concretemeet the prescribed tolerances in ASTM and ACI design standards and if it could be used in concrete containing PET-aggregates and steel fibers. The results showed that the compressive strength increased with up to 5% PET aggregate and 2% steel fiber incorporation but decreased for further increments in PET percentage. Similar trends were observed for splitting and flexural strengths for the implemented PET and steel fiber percentages. The study was a significant step towards advancing sustainable construction materials by exploring their optimal utilization to reduce the environmental impact of recyclable plastic and decrease reliance on fresh sand extraction. The findings provided crucial insights into the practicality of using waste PET powder as a viable substitute in SFRC manufacturing, thereby instilling confidence in the feasibility of the research and its potential to contribute to the promotion of sustainable and high-performance concrete.