Calcestruzzi rinforzati con fibre di PET. Sperimentazioni sull'impiego delle fibre di PET provenienti dalla raccolta differenziata nella produzione di conglomerati

This research concerns the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, produced cutting plastic bottles, to reinforce concretes also for structural use. It investigates the durability of PET fibers in a basic environment and the mechanical properties of PET-FRC. SEM images of fibers after immersion for thirteen days (65°C) in distilled water and in two alkaline environments show that PET fibers have good behaviour in a solution 0,103 M NaOH.Mechanical properties have been measured for a concrete containing 4,5 kg/m3 of PET fibers, for another with 6,0 kg/m3 and for a third not-reinforced. The compressive and flexural tests show the good collaboration between concrete and PET fibers and notably the influence of the latter in the post-collapse behaviour of the former.