article · Case Studies in Construction Materials
This study examines the structural performance of reinforced concrete columns enhanced with recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and steel fibres. Researchers tested eight columns measuring 150 by 150 by 1000 millimetres under axial loading until failure, evaluating fibre volume fractions of 1%, 2%, and 3%. Incorporating 2% steel fibres into the concrete mix produced significant material gains, increasing compressive strength by 12.7%, tensile strength by 87.6%, and toughness by 304.8%. At the structural level, 2% steel fibres boosted ultimate load capacity by 15.6%, stiffness by 72.6%, and ductility by 34.29%. Columns containing 1% plastic fibres also showed improvements, increasing ultimate load capacity by 9.43%, initial stiffness by 62.6%, and ductility by 19.4% compared to unreinforced controls. Column capacity declined when fibre content exceeded 2%. Standard American Concrete Institute equations accurately predicted column capacity.
Modern construction requires structural materials that are both resilient and environmentally responsible. Demonstrating that recycled plastic waste and steel fibres can strengthen reinforced concrete columns provides a dual benefit: it offers a functional reuse route for plastic rubbish while enhancing the mechanical strength, stiffness, and ductility of load-bearing structural elements against heavy axial forces.
This research provides applied and tested experimental evidence that could interest precast concrete manufacturers, civil engineering contractors, and construction material suppliers looking to incorporate recycled PET and steel fibres into structural columns. Although tested on laboratory-scale specimens under axial loads, the alignment of results with existing ACI prediction equations suggests a clear technical pathway toward standardised structural design calculations, though full commercial deployment will require larger-scale testing.
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In this research, behavior of RC columns reinforced with recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and steel fibers (SF) was experimentally investigated. The experimental work includes testing of 8 columns of dimensions 150x150x1000 mm subjected to axial loading up to failure. Three volume fractions (1%, 2% and 3%) were carried out for both PET and SF. The axial/lateral displacement of the column and the transverse/vertical strain versus the load of the bars were recorded. The peak load, yield load, failure mode, ductility and stiffness of the columns were studied in detail. Influence of the plastic and the steel fibers on the concrete characteristics was experimentally investigated. Using 2% SF in the mix increased the compressive, tensile strength, and toughness of the concrete increased by 12.7%, 87.6% and 304.8%, respectively. Furthermore, enhancement rates of ultimate load capacity, stiffness, and ductility of the columns with 2% steel fibers were 15.6%, 72.6% and 34.29%, respectively. The ultimate load capacity, initial stiffness and ductility of the columns reinforced with 1% PF were 9.43, 62.6 and 19.4%, respectively, bigger than those of the column without fibers. The column capacity decreased with increasing the steel and plastic fibers over 2%. An equation of ACI was used to predict the column capacity and the results agreed with the experimental one.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.cscm.2023.e02344
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