Structural properties of fiber-reinforced concrete containing thermosetting polymer plastic wastes

Limited studies investigated the structural properties of concrete containing cross-linked polyethylene (XPE) plastic wastes derived from thermosetting polymers. The XPE wastes cannot be recycled given their infusible and insoluble natures in the melt state, reflecting the need for sustainable disposal alternatives in the construction industry. The main objective of this paper is to assess the effect of XPE on the bond to embedded reinforcement and shear strength of reinforced concrete beams without stirrups. Test results showed that the ascending part of the bond stress vs. displacement curves is softened with XPE additions, which led to reduced ultimate bond strength to embedded rebars. Such additions also reduced the ultimate shear load and post-diagonal cracking resistance of reinforced concrete beams. The incorporation of 0.5% to 1% steel fibers, by volume, was efficient to delay the formation of cracks, which improved the concrete bearing capacity and aggregate interlock component of shear strength.