EFFECT OF RECYCLED PET PLASTIC ON THE MECHANICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF HOLLOW CONCRETE BLOCKS
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Date
2025-11-16
Authors
Seifi,Majdi
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Abstract
The accumulation of plastic waste, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poses significant environmental issues due to its durability and detrimental degradation byproducts. The construction industry faces pressure to minimize reliance on natural resources like sand. Utilizing PET as a partial sand replacement in hollow concrete block production in Palestine presents a sustainable solution, reducing plastic waste and conserving natural aggregates.
This research investigated the impact of PET plastic waste as a partial fine aggregate (Sand) substitute in hollow concrete blocks, assessing different replacement ratios on compressive strength, unit weight, and thermal insulation. Four concrete mixtures were created with PET-to-sand replacement ratios of 0%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight. Shredded PET was sourced from post-consumer waste, and full-sized hollow blocks were cast. Testing evaluated compressive strength at 7 and 28 days, as well as block mass, specific weight, and thermal conductivity.
Increased PET content consistently decreased block weight while significantly enhancing thermal insulation. Thermal conductivity decreased from 1.12 to 0.47 W/m·°C, and R-values more than doubled. Compressive strength reduced at 10% and 15% PET but recovered at 20%, achieving 6.66 MPa at 28 days, similar to the control mix. PET-modified blocks showed brittle failure patterns. PET waste can be effectively reused in non-loadbearing hollow concrete blocks, enhancing thermal resistance and reducing weight while maintaining adequate strength, supporting sustainable building practices.