A statistical-experimental study to investigate the optimal parameters of fibres made from waste PET bottles for strengthening concrete.

This research investigated using waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle fibres in concrete. Experimental tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of PET fibre-strengthened concrete. The effects of the fibre volume fraction and fibre length were studied to obtain optimal values. Moreover, a thorough statistical analysis was performed to identify the parameter that impacts the inclusion of PET fibres in concrete. Furthermore, the study explored the effect of PET fibres on reinforced concrete beams of shear failure mode. The results showed that incorporating PET fibres significantly enhances the ductility of the concrete material and reduces shrinkage. It also promotes the initial stiffness, the inelastic absorbed energy and the ductility of steel-reinforced concrete beams. [Display omitted] • The influence of PET plastic fibres in concrete mechanical properties, ductility and shrinkage. • Experimental work to select the optimised volume fraction and length of the fibres. • Statistical analysis to define the parameter that impacts the inclusion of PET fibres in concrete. • Exploring the effect of PET fibres on reinforced concrete beams of shear failure mode. • PET fibre enhancement in the initial stiffness, energy capacity and ductility of the RC beams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]