The effect of using polyethylene terephthalate as an additive on the flexural and compressive strength of concrete

The annual consumption of plastics in Nigeria has increased drastically and plastic wastes recycling has become one of the major challenges in recent times. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) has been selected in this study to ascertain its possible use as an additive in concrete construction. The study used the experimental research design in carrying out its work. The PET was pulverized so that it can mix with the concrete. The pulverized PET was used in concrete with percentages of 5 %, 10 %, and 15 % by weight of conventional fine aggregate. Four types of concrete specimens including the control were prepared. The flexural and compressive strength of the concrete specimens were tested, after a curing period of 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days respectively. The result showed that the concrete specimen containing PET at 5 % by weight showed higher compressive strength than other specimens. The flexural strength of concrete specimens containing PET aggregate was below that of the control concrete.