International Journal of Trend in Scientific

Research and Development (IJTSRD)

International Open Access Journal
ISSN No: 2456 - 6470 | www.ijtsrd.com | Volume - 2 | Issue – 5

Experimental Investigation
nvestigation on the Properties of Concrete with Plastic
Pet Bottle Fibers as Partial Replacement oof Fine Aggregates
ssain Malik1, Mohd Zeeshan Khan2, Dr. Asif Hussain3
Abid Hussain
1
PG Student, Construction Technology & Management, Al-Falah Falah University, Haryana, India.
2
Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Department, Al
Al-Falah
Falah University, Haryana, India.
3
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India.

ABSTRACT
Industrial activities in India are associated with gravity and fire resistance. However, it has some
significant amounts of non-biodegradable
biodegradable solid waste, negative properties, like- low tensile strength,
waste plastic being among the most prominent. This brittleness, lower impact strength, less resistance
re to
study involved 86 experiments and 254 tests to cracking, heavy weight etc. Still concrete is better
determine the efficiency of reusing waste plastic in option than any other available materials for civil
the production of concrete. Thirty kilograms of waste engineering constructions. Some remedial measures
plastic of fabriform shapes was used as a partial can be taken to minimize these negative properties of
replacement for sand by 0%, 1%, 2%, 2.5%, 3% and concrete. Some of the undesirable properties
p of
5% with 80 kg of concrete mixtures. concrete are due to micro cracks at mortar aggregate
interface. Some of these bitter properties can be
All of the concrete mixtures were tested at room enhanced by adding fibers with other ingredients of
temperature. These tests include performing slump, the concrete. The fibers inclusion in concrete acts as
compressive strength, cost analysis, and weight unwanted micro crack arrester. In presence of fibers
analysis. 14 cubes were molded for compressive the crack prorogation is delayed which helps in
strength and dry density tests, Curing ages of 3, 7, 14, improvement in static and dynamic properties of
and 28 days for the concrete mixtures were applied in concrete.
this work. The results proved the arrest of the
propagation of micro cracks by introducing waste The consumption of plastic has grown substantially
plastic of fabriform shapes to concrete mixtures. This all over the world; it leads to create large quantities of
study insures that reusing waste plastic as a sandsand- plastic-based waste.
e. It is common to serve the mineral
substitution
stitution aggregate in concrete gives a good water in plastic bottles (Polyethylene Teraphthelne
approach to reduce the cost of materials and solve (PET) bottles) in every country. Plastic waste is the
some of the solid waste problems posed by plastics. one of the challenges to dispose and manage as it is
non-biodegradable
biodegradable material which is harmful to our
Keywords: Non-Biodegradable,
Biodegradable, Concrete, PET beautiful environment.
Bottles, Aggregates.
Concrete is the most widely used construction
1.1 INTRODUCTION material in the world due to its high compressive
Concrete is a versatile material for civil engineering strength, long service life, and low cost. Nowadays,
construction. It has ability to get cast in any form and unfortunately, the recycling rate of PET bottles is
shape. All basic ingredients of concrete are natural much less than the sales of virgin PET production
p for
origin. But the properties of concrete can be change common uses. This gap is dramatically increasing,
by adding some special natural or arti artificial pushing towards finding a solution of this problem
ingredients. It has many advantageous properties such and a higher recycle of PET. Particular interest is
as good compressive strength, durability, specific stirring, at present, the use of fibers obtained from

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) ISSN: 2456-6470
waste PET bottles. A possible application is to utilize 1.3 METHODOLOGY
waste PET fibers as replacement of fine aggregates in In this project, river sand found in percentages 5%,
concrete. The purpose of this project is to evaluate the 10%, 15% & 20% is substituted for 20, 25 and 30
possibility of using granulated plastic waste materials molar grade concrete. The amount of replacement
to partially substitute for the fine aggregate (sand) in percentage with respect to volume wise in comparison
concrete composites. to the total volume is relative and it is blend
proportioned. 150 mm x 150 mm × 150 mm cubical
Considerable researches and studies were carried out and axle specimens of admeasurements 100 mm ×
in some countries like USA and UK on this topic. 100 mm × 500 mm and the butt specimens’
However, there have been very limited studies in admeasurements are 150mmx600mm dia of 36
India on plastics in concrete. Hence an attempt on the numbers are chosen for the purpose of casting for
utilization of waste Poly-ethylene Terephthalate altered accommodation with PET bottles (grounded)
(PET) bottle granules as fine aggregate is done and its and ascendancy mixture. Slump analysis was
mechanical behavior is investigated. performed initially accurate to actuate the feasibility.
The extensive performance evaluation tests performed
Further research to evaluate the use of plastic waste in on accustomed accurate afterwards 7 and 28days
concrete production is therefore required. This is the canicule of abating were compression bend analysis
background of our present study. The waste and spilt compactness tests.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles were
converted into fibers and added in concrete as an 1.3.1 Analysis and Study
additional ingredient of concrete. The tensile, flexure  To collect the PET bottles needed for research
and compressive strength of conventional concrete  To procure the equipment’s needed
and PET fiber reinforced concrete were determined.  Shredding the waste bottles into pieces
The results are then analyzed and compared.  Granulating the pieces to smaller size as that of
sand
1.2 OBJECTIVES  Casting and curing of the basic test specimens
Main Objective (cubes, cylinders, prisms) for determination of
 To investigate the properties of concrete when strength
waste plastics in powdered form is used as partial  Casting and curing of the structural elements
replacement of fine aggregates in concrete.  To test the structural models (RC beams with
various percentage of plastic waste) for the results
Specific Objectives
 To compare the properties like compressive The flow chart shown blow illustrates the
strength, workability, impermeability and density methodology of the project
of conventional concrete with the concrete
produced by using plastic wastes.
 To find a means of reducing the pressure on
natural resources of earth by decreasing the use of
conventional aggregates.
 To compare the physical characteristics including
toughness, specific gravity, water absorption
capacity etc. of conventional aggregate with
aggregate obtained from plastic wastes.
 To produce light weight concrete for multi-
purpose use.
 To provide a safe and useful method of disposal of
harmful non biodegradable plastic wastes.
 To affect economy in concrete production.
 To examine the applicability of my experimental
findings in field.

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) ISSN: 2456-6470
2456
1.4 EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS AND 1.4.1 Compressive Strength
DISCUSSIONS Concrete cubes were prepared according to IS 456.
In this chapter the parameters studied on the control The compression test machine was used for the
concrete and PET replaced concrete are discussed. compression test. The cubes were tested immediately
The parameters such as Compressive Strength, after taken out of water while they were still wet. The
Splitting Tensile Strength and flexural strength are average of compression strength of 6 cubes was
discussed and Comparison between the Control recorded for each testing age.
Concrete and PET added concrete is represented.

Table 1 Variation of 7 Day compressive Strength (% of fiber ad

added)
ded)
Percentage Change in
S. Percentage Addition of Failure Compressive Strength of
Compressive Strength
No Fibres Load (KN) 7 days (Mpa)
1 0% 300 13.33 0.00
2 1% 355 15.77 18.3
3 2% 370 16.50 23.7
4 2.5% 345 15.34 15
5 3% 275 12.2 -8.4
6 5% 240 10.6 -20.4

Table 2: Variation of 28 Day Compressive Strength

S. Percentage Addition of Failure Compressive Strength Percentage Change in
No Fibres Load (KN) of 28 days (Mpa) Compressive Strength
1 0% 510 22.67 0.00
2 1% 595 26.44 16.62
3 2% 625 27.77 22.50
4 2.5% 580 25.77 13.67
5 3% 465 20.66 -8.86
6 5% 410 18.22 -19.63

Figure 1 Graph between 77-day

day compressive strength verses %age PET added

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) ISSN: 2456-6470
2456

Figure 2 Graph between 28

28-day compressive strength verses %age PET added

It was noticed that the compressive strength increases with increase in percentage of PET both in 7 and 28-day
28
tests up to 2% replacement of the fine aggregate with PET bottle fibres and then decrease for 2.5%, 3%
3 and 5%
replacements. Compressive strength of 2% polyester fiber reinforced concrete has found to be 22.5% increase
in strength, when compared to that of Conventional concrete.

Figure 3 Comparison between 7 & 28 Day Compr

Compression
ession Strength v/s percentage PET added

1.4.2 Discussions of Results

All the tests were conducted on green and hardened strengths reduced drastically for higher percentage
concrete as per relevant standards. The results were replacement.
obtained experimentally after 7 and 28 days of curing
of each specimen. Compressive ive strength, tensile Addition of PET fiber acts as a crack arrester. The
strength and flexural strength increased considerably micro-cracks
cracks developed in concrete even before
with the increase in PET fibers. Compressive and loading, particularly due to drying shrinkage or other
tensile strength were both maximum at PET causes of volume change, propagate and open up
percentage of 2%, while flexure strength was when loaded. The propagation of these cracks gets
observed to be maximum at 2.5%. However, the arrested when they encounter a fiber particle.
Moreover, the tensile strength of PET is in the range

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) ISSN: 2456-6470
of 55-75 MPa, which imparts additional strength to
fiber reinforced concrete.

The decrease in strength for higher percentage is

because of weak interfacial bond between cement
paste and PET fiber. The cracks produced in PET
added concrete does not occur through PET fiber, but
goes around the PET aggregate.

This fact also indicates poor bond strength between

cement paste and PET aggregate. Increasing of PET
fibers increases the size of porosity and interfacial
transition zone in concrete matrix which results in the Figure 4 Plastic Bottle Powder Percentage Vs
reduction of strength in concrete. Slump Value Graph
This may be because when PET is added to the 1.4.3 Weight Analysis
mixture in order to the partial replacement of sand, the The weight of the cubes in each trial was found out
silica content gets reduces, and equivalent carbon and the observations are given in the table below.
content replaces it.
Table4. Weight Analysis of Cubes with Different
The Si-Si bond is weaker than C-C bond, is simply %Age Plastic Power
that because the Si atom is bigger than the C atom the
Percenta Weight kg
electrons forming the bond are farther from the nuclei
ge e of Avera
and don’t lower their energy as much by forming the S.
Tri fine ge
bond, which but if PET is added beyond 2% the N Cu Cu Cu
al aggregate Weigh
compressive strength decreases because all free o. be 1 be 2 be 3
replacem t kg
carbon is bonded or the increase in fiber content
ent not
decreases bond strength between fibers until some
Trai
admixture are added to increase the bond strength 1 0% 7.50 7.45 7.40 7.45
l1
between fibers.
Trai
2 2% 7.35 7.20 7.30 7.25
l2
Hence replacement of fine aggregate with 2%
Trai
replacement will be optimum. 3 2.5% 7.25 7.20 7.30 7.25
l3
Trai
1.4.3 Slump Test Results of Fresh Concrete 4 3% 7.10 7.05 7.15 7.10
The slump test for each of the four trails was l4
conducted and the observations are given in Trai
5 5% 7.10 7.05 7.15 6.96
the table below. l5

Table 3 Slump Test Results Conducted on

Different %Ages of FA Replacement
Percent Fine
S. Trail Slump
Trail Aggregate
No. Value (mm)
Replacement
1 Trail 1 0% 50
2 Trail 2 2% 46
3 Trail 3 2.5% 40
4 Trail 4 3% 35
4 Trail 5 5% 30
Figure 5 Graph Showing the Variation of Weight
with Plastic Bottle Powder Content

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) ISSN: 2456-6470
1.5 COST ANALYSIS The optimum strength was observed between 2 to
1.5.1 Normal Concrete 2.5% of fiber content for all types of strengths,
Cost per kg of fine aggregate = Rs.5.00 there after reductions in strength were observed.
Quantity of fine aggregate used in one M 25 cube = 3. The concrete with PET fibres reduces the weight
2.18 kg of concrete and thus mortar with plastic fibres can
Cost of fine aggregate used in one cube = 2.18 x 5.00 be made into light weight concrete based on unit
= Rs. 10.9 weight.
Quantity of fine aggregate required for producing 1 4. While testing control cement concrete cube the
m3 M 25 concrete = 647 kg spalling of concrete was observed. However, the
Cost of fine aggregate per cubic meter of m 25 failure mode of fiber concrete was bulging in
concrete = 647 x 5 = Rs. 3235 transverse direction
5. The mode of failure was changed from brittle to
1.5.2 Modified Concrete ductile failure due to inclusion of plastic fibers
 3 % Replacement of Fine Aggregate: into the concrete.
Cost per kg of plastic powder = Rs 3.50 6. From this experimental investigation, the PET
Cost incurred per cube in fine aggregate at 3 % bottles would appear to be low-cost materials
dosage = 2.11 x 5.00 + 0.0654 x 3.50 = Rs 10.7 which would help to resolve solid waste problems
Cost incurred in fine aggregate in 1 m3of concrete and preventing environment pollution.
at 3 % dosage = 627.59 x 5.00 + 19.14 x 3.5 = Rs 7. Plastics have low bonding properties which results
3205 in reduction in compressive, tensile and flexural
Saving per cubic meter of M 25 concrete at 3 % strength for higher percentages.
dosage = 3235 – 3205 =Rs 30 So, to improve the bonding strength the PET
fibres can be modified into one of the several
 6 % Replacement of Fine Aggregate: patterns like crimped, twist or cramped patterns.
Therefore, saving per m3 of M 25 concrete at 6 % 8. The slump test was conducted for every trail and it
dosage = 30 + 30 = Rs 60 was observed that slump value showed a
decreasing trend with increase in polyethylene
 9 % Replacement of Fine Aggregate: Saving per powder content. The slump value for normal
cubic meter of M 25 concrete at 9 % dosage = 30 concrete was found out to be 50 mm which
+ 30 + 30 = Rs 90 decreased to 46 mm at 2.5 % replacement of fine
aggregate with polyethylene powder. At 3 %
The cost per cubic meter of concrete seems to replacement, the slump value decreased to 40mm
decrease by a small margin at these dosages but and at 5% replacement the slump value decreased
keeping in mind that billions and billions of cubic to 36 mm. The decrease in workability is not a
meters of concrete are produced every year major issue because required workability of
throughout the world. Therefore, even at these 48 concrete can be maintained with the help of
small dosages there is an enormous scope of saving plasticizers. The decrease in workability also takes
money and resources. place when fibres like steel fibre, glass fibrates are
added to the concrete.
1.6 CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK 9. Weight is an important characteristic feature of
1.6.1 Conclusions concrete because self-weight of concrete has a
The major conclusions based on the results obtained major impact on the design parameters. The
in the experiments are as follows. weight of concrete due to the replacement of fine
1. Inclusion of fibers content increases flow aggregate with polyethylene powder has shown a
properties of concrete. The density was also decreasing trend. The average weight of cubes for
affected but made concrete slightly light weight. normal 54 concretes was found out to be 7.45 kg.
2. The maximum compressive, was at 2% of fiber At 2.5 % replacement, the average weight
content was 22.50 %, over control concrete (0% decreased to 7.40 kg and at 3 % and 5 %
fibers content). The significant improvements in replacement the average weight decreased to 7.25
strengths were observed with inclusion of plastic kg and 7.10 kg respectively. Therefore, it may be
fibers in concrete. concluded that polyethylene plastic powder can
prove to be an effective alternative in the

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 International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (IJTSRD) ISSN: 2456-6470
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