Properties of Sawdust-Pet Concrete and Strengthened With GFRP

Abstract

The utilization of sawdust and waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flakes to replacing from fine aggregate as a partial replacement in the production of green concrete unites used in this study. Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) used in this study in the flexural strength unites in ratio 0.19%, 0.39% and 0.59% Sawdust and PET were utilized in various ratios to substitute fine aggregates from 30 percent to 70 percent by volume to accomplish the property of sawing and nailing capabilities of the resulting concrete. To evaluate the compressive strength, flexural strength and splitting tensile strength of the concrete, concrete cube specimens measuring 50mmx50mmx50 mm, cylinder diameter specimens with 100mm and 200mm height and 100mmx100mmx500 mm prisms were cast. The same specimens used for compressive strength measurement were also evaluated for density and ratio of the water absorption  at age of 28 day . Sawdust and PET addition to concrete decreased compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength and density, while increasing the water absorption ratio. GFRP Increased the flexural strength about (150-235)% depended on the reinforcement ratio.  Lightweight concrete units made with a 70 percent sand replacement ratio and equal amounts PET and sawdust demonstrated good mechanical qualities, as well as nailing and sawing abilities, and might be used as a low-cost alternative to hardwood and plastic elements in a variety of structural applications.