Fibre reinforced concrete using polyethylene strips

Author(s): N.L. Holland, J.M. Nichols, A.B. Nichols
Paper category: Conference
Book title: 8th RILEM International Symposium on Fiber Reinforced Concrete: challenges and opportunities (BEFIB 2012)
Editor(s): Joaquim A.O. Barros
Print ISBN: 978-2-35158-132-2
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-133-9
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Pages: 444 - 456
Total Pages: 12
Language: English

Abstract: 
The purpose of this research is to investigate the use of polyethylene terephthalate strips as reinforcing fibre for concrete. Concrete test cylinders, 100 millimetres in diameter and 200 mm high, were manufactured using a standard concrete mix with a water to cement ratio of 0.4. The polyethylene strips were manufactured from waste soft drink bottles using a standard cross-cut paper shredder. The average strip length was 50 mm and the width was 5 mm. A series of tests using differing proportions by weight of polyethylene to concrete was completed in two research stages. The specimens, after curing for at least 28 days, in plastic moulds with lids were tested in a uni-axial compression machine. The results show a significant improvement in the post failure ductility of the concrete cylinders with the addition of polyethylene terephthalate strips, but with a reduction in the peak strength as the strip percentage increased. The construction observation of interest from the experimental work is the increased compactive effort required with an increase in the percentage of fibre strips. This process is not meant to replace traditional structural design methods and materials, but may provide individuals in underdeveloped areas with limited resources and skills to prolong the time between the onset of failure and catastrophic failure.

Online publication: 2013
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00