Thermal conductivity, compressive strength and ultrasonic wave velocity of cementitious composite containing waste PET lightweight aggregate (WPLA)

In this study, the influence of waste PET as lightweight aggregate (WPLA) replacement with conventional aggregate, on thermal conductivity, unit weight and compressive strength properties of concrete composite was investigated. For this purpose, five different mixtures were prepared (the control mixtures and four WPLA mixtures including 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% waste PET aggregate by volume). Thermal conductivity (TC) coefficients of the specimens were measured with guarded hot plate apparatus according to TS ISO 8302 [1]. The thermal conductivity coefficient, unit weight and compressive strength of specimens decreased as the amount of WPLA increased in concrete. The minimum thermal conductivity value was 0.3924 W/m K, observed at 60% WPLA replacement. From this result, it was concluded that waste PET aggregates replacement with conventional aggregate in the mixture showed better insulation properties (i.e. lower thermal coefficient). Due to the low unit weight and thermal conductivity values of WPLA composites, there is a potential of using WPLA composites in construction applications.