Investigation on mechanical strength of concrete using steel bottle caps as fiber

Abstract

Metals used as cap for containers preserve liquids in the bottles, but the dumping of caps particularly soft drink bottle caps are harmful for the environment. On the other hand, concrete has low tensile strength and to offset this problem some fiber like material can be added to concrete to increase its tensile strength. Hence, an effort was made in the present investigation to study the influence of addition of waste materials like soft drink bottle caps at a dosage of 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%, of total weight of concrete as fiber. In this study, caps were cut into strips of size of 3 mm width and 10 mm length. Experimental investigation was carried out adding bottle caps in concrete and tests were carried out as per recommended procedures by relevant codes. The experimental values such as compressive strength and split tensile strength were found to be increased. The most improved compressive strength and split tensile strength were found for 1% bottle cap fiber. The strengths were increased by maximum 22.98% and 23.14% respectively.