Use of PET Fibers in Reinforced Concrete Slabs Subjected to Flexure

• Published in: Key engineering materials 2014-12, Vol.634, p.537-547
• Main Authors: Muñoz, Rosana, Quintella, Rogério Hermida, de Oliveira Carvalho, Lisa Sahadia, Velame, Roberto Brito, da Silva Leite, Bárbara Ariela
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Brazil; Concretes; Fibers; Modulus of rupture in bending; Panels; Polyethylene terephthalates; Reinforced concrete; Slabs
• ISSN: 1013-9826; 1662-9795; 1662-9795
• DOI: 10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.634.537

The addition of fibers in order to obtain better performance of mechanical characteristics of concrete has been common place in the last fifteen years in Brazil. Following a request from the Faculty of Architecture at the Federal University of Bahia to replace the Eternit Wall panels with structural deterioration used in its mezzanine floor, this research was developed to analyze the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete slabs with the addition of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) fibers obtained from soda bottles. Selection of this material was based on sustainability since PET wastes represent a serious environmental issue although it can be recycled at a low cost. The importance of this work is based on verifying some of the characteristics of PET fibers reinforced concrete aiming sustainability of civil construction. After laboratory analysis of materials used for slabs, specimens and concrete slabs were shaped with and without PET fibers, being respectively submitted to standard axial compression and flexural tests. Despite the averages of compressive and flexural strengths of slabs with fiber being similar to those without fiber, the firsts presented a better result in terms of cracking, deformation and a less abrupt rupture.