Upcycling PET Waste as Hybrid Aggregates in Self-Compacting Concrete: Synergistic Effects on Rheology and Strength

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Civil Engineering, Qom University of Technology (QUT), Qom 37181-46645, Iran

2 Department of Civil Engineering, Qo.C., Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran

3 Department of Civil Engineering, Shahab-Danesh University, Qom, Iran

Abstract

The escalating demand for construction aggregates, combined with the growing environmental concerns associated with plastic waste, highlights the need for innovative and sustainable concrete technologies. This study evaluates the feasibility of upcycling Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) waste as a partial replacement for natural aggregates in Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC). Unlike previous studies that relied on single replacement strategies, this work introduces a novel approach by examining the synergistic interaction between granulated PET (fine aggregate) and flake PET (coarse aggregate). A comprehensive experimental program was conducted using 20 mix design configurations, comprising 120 cubic and 80 cylindrical specimens. Key variables included PET morphology, replacement ratios, and targeted strength classes. The results showed that hybrid incorporation of PET types produced overall superior performance compared to single-mode substitutions. Mixes containing up to 180 kg/m³ of PET maintained acceptable rheological properties required for SCC. Although replacing 10% of both fine and coarse aggregates resulted in moderate reductions in compressive and tensile strengths (25% and 22%, respectively), the mixtures still demonstrated adequate performance for non-critical structural applications. Overall, the findings provide meaningful insights into high-volume plastic waste utilization in SCC, supporting more sustainable construction practices while reducing reliance on natural aggregates.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Civil Engineering and Applied Solutions
Volume 3, Issue 1
January 2027
Pages 179-191

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History

  • Receive Date: 29 March 2026
  • Revise Date: 24 April 2026
  • Accept Date: 12 June 2026
  • First Publish Date: 12 June 2026

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