This work aims to verify the influence of poly (ethylene terephthalate) - PET - wastes additions on the concrete mechanical strength. The concrete used was prepared with a Portland cement. The PET was used in the as received shape from the packing recycling industry. The wastes were used as substitutes of concrete aggregates. For each waste type four mixtures (10, 20, 30 and 40 vol-%) were prepared. In order to prepare mixtures, high early strength Portland cement (CPV - ARI) was used, supplied by the Votoran Company. From each mixture obtained fifteen cylindrical shaped samples were prepared. The samples were prepared in accordance to the NBR 5738 Brazilian Standard. As reference materials, samples without wastes were also prepared. Mechanical strength tests were performed according to the Brazilian Standard NBR 5739. In this case, the following ages were tested: one, three and seven days. For each age, five samples were tested from each mixture prepared. For all mixtures obtained and for each sample age tested, a reduction in the mechanical strength occurred as the PET waste additions were increased. The highest mechanical strength value, 15.38 MPa, was obtained using sample with seven days age and mixture without aggregates. The lowest strength value, 1.94 MPa, was also obtained using sample with seven days age but with 40 vol-% PET waste addition.
concrete; Portland cement; wastes; poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET)
