Effect of Non-Woven Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Tissue on Fresh and Hardened Properties of Concrete

Abstract

This study will investigate the effect of non-woven PET plastic tissue on the fresh, physical, mechanical, acoustic, thermal, and microstructural behaviors of concrete. Including reference specimens, non-woven fabrics were considered in two ways: (a) as a layer with four various configurations of 1-layer, 2-sides, 3-sides, and full wrapping (4-sides) to strengthen specimens, and (b) as (10 × 10) mm cut pieces with three different incorporated percentages of 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75%. Based on the experimental results, mechanical properties (compressive, split tensile, and flexural strengths) were remarkably improved by applying non-woven sheets as a layer. For instance, the cylindrical compressive and split tensile strengths were improved by 13.40% and 15.12% for the strengthened specimens compared to the reference specimens, respectively. Moreover, control specimens were damaged to many fragments after mechanical testing, but the samples strengthened by such fabrics or containing cut pieces were maintained and not separated into many small parts. The acoustic behavior and thermal conductivity declined by 9.83% and 19.67% with the attachment of tissue on one side and 2-sides, respectively. Acoustic behaviors decreased by 10.0%, 17.60%, and 26.30% and thermal conductivity decreased by 6.60%, 12.10%, and 15.50%, with the incorporation of 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% of cut pieces, respectively. Finally, it was discovered that non-woven tissue is advised to enhance particular properties of concrete.