Incorporation of Micronized Polyethylene Terephthalate in Structural Concrete Blocks

This research's objective is to investigate the feasibility of incorporating polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into structural concrete blocks for use in civil construction. Initially, the materials were subjected to physical, chemical, and mineralogical characterization. Molded concrete blocks with dimensions of 14 cm x 19 cm x 29 cm, containing 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10.0% PET as a substitute for fine aggregate were used for the determination of physical and mechanical properties. It was observed that PET caused an increase in absorption and a reduction in the specific weight of structural concrete blocks. Furthermore, for compressive strength has been observed that PET reduced the strength of structural concrete blocks. PET caused mass variation, both for resistance to attack by sulfates, and to the action of rain. It did not change the acoustic behavior of the concrete when compared to the reference structural concrete block. The addition of PET resulted in more pores and hindered cement hydration. However, for PET contents of 2.5% and 5.0%, the values obtained for the characteristic resistance allowed us to classify them as class B structural blocks, with structural function for use in masonry elements above the ground level. Therefore, in the percentages and conditions established in this research, it is feasible from a technical point of view to use micronized PET to produce structural masonry blocks.