Compressive Strength of Experimental Cellular Mortars with Pet Lightweight Aggregates

Abstract

There is extensive research covering the use of plastic as lightweight aggregates or as fibers in concrete. However, just a few studies have focused on its influence on cellular mortars. The aim of this paper was to explore how density, compressive strength and porosity varied in cellular mortars with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) aggregates. Fifteen cellular mortar mixes were prepared with porosities between about 1 to 50%, either with or without plastic aggregates. PET was used as lightweight aggregate in contents as high as 340 kg/m3. It was found that the main variables influencing compressive strength by positive relationships were density and cement content, no matter if PET was used or not. On the other hand, porosity had proportionally inverse relationship with density and a negative exponential one with cement content. A previous linear model for predicting compressive strength was not accurate to estimate the results of this work. Further research is recommended in order to improve foaming additive dosage and to include other properties and plastic resins in the scope.