A Study of Concretes Containing Thermoplastic Wastes as Aggregates

Title: A Study of Concretes Containing Thermoplastic Wastes as Aggregates
Author(s): Gavela
Paper category : conference
Book title: International RILEM Conference on the Use of Recycled Materials in Building and Structures
Editor(s): E. Vázquez, Ch. F. Hendriks and G.M.T. Janssen
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-52-7
e-ISBN: 2912143756
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2004
Pages: 911 - 918
Total Pages: 8
Nb references: 7
Language: English

Abstract: In the frame of an extended research program concretes containing various types of
polymer waste as aggregates were studied. The above materials attract a growing ecological
interest especially due to the increasing volume of polymer wastes. Used materials or
industrial wastes from polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) were studied
as alternative replacements of a part of the conventional aggregates. Sieve analysis, specific
gravity tests and water absorption tests were performed in all types of aggregates. There were
two replacement levels, 20% and 30% by volume of aggregates. Reference specimens
without polymeric aggregates were also prepared. Before the molding of all fresh concretes
their specific gravity was measured. The dimensions of specimens for flexural and
compressive tests were 100mm*100mm*500mm. Tests were carried out in accordance to
standard procedures, 7 and 28 days after the specimen preparation. The interface of polymer
aggregate and mortar was examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy. The first results of
this research suggest that PP and PET can be used as concrete aggregates for certain structural
applications taking into consideration their behavior in extremely thermal conditions.

Online publication: 2004-09-29
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/2912143756.100