Impact resistance and energy absorption capacity of concrete containing plastic waste

PET (Polythene terephthalate) bottles and cans are mostly discarded after a single use cycle, creating environmental and waste management concerns. This study reports an experimental work carried out, in which PET bottles were shredded and used as aggregate (fine and coarse) in concrete at various replacement percentages, i.e., 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by weight of concrete. Concrete parameters such as compressive strength, impact resistance and energy absorption capacity of concrete containing PET waste were studied. In addition, the residual compressive strength of concrete containing PET waste was investigated for exposure to 300 °C and 600 °C elevated temperatures. The analysis of test results indicated lower compressive strength of concrete containing waste plastic PET aggregate. However, results showed better resistance to impact loading in case of plastic concrete when compared to control concrete.