Technical, Economic and Environmental Analysis of the manufacture of concrete blocks with Recycled Terephthalate Polyethylene (PET)

Abstract

It is proposed the reuse of plastic in concrete blocks in replacement of fine aggregates. The technical, economic and environmental behavior of the proposal is analyzed, through mechanical tests, comparison of market prices and calculation of carbon footprint. Technically it was found that concrete specimens with 10% PET replacement have mechanical properties in accordance with Chilean regulation for no-structural blocks, which would allow the construction on non-structural walls. Economic analysis shows that concrete blocks is highly competitive compared to the products already on the Chilean market. Finally, the carbon footprint calculation on life cycle shows a decrease in the extraction stage of raw materials.