Estudio del impacto del uso del PET-reciclado en concreto modificado, para incrementar la resistencia a la flexión

Abstract

The population increase brings significant challenges, such as a greater number of homes and infrastructure modernization, among others. In this regard, the material most commonly used to solve some of these problems is concrete. Because it has excellent properties: durability, workability, compressive strength, and low flexural strength. However, this material poses significant environmental problems, such as the production of clinker, which is responsible for 8% of global CO2 emissions. The extraction of fine (sand) and coarse (gravel) aggregates leads to the overexploitation of natural resources, among other things. Derived from the environmental and mechanical problems presented by this material, it is necessary to search for alternative materials that help mitigate these problems. Therefore, the use of recycled PET as a partial substitute for fine aggregate is proposed for the manufacture of sustainable concrete with improved flexural strength properties. The mechanical results obtained indicate an increase of more than 27% in the modulus of rupture. The use of recycled PET minimizes the exploitation of sandbanks and reduces the carbon footprint.