COMPRSSIVE STRENGTH MODEL FOR CONCRETE CONTAINING POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE(PET) BY USING ULTRASONIC PULSE VELOCITY

Abstract

This research proposed a model describing the relationship between ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and the compressive strength test of concrete containing PET (Polyethylene terephthalate). This was achieved by measuring ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) on this type of concrete and comparing the result of compressive strength tests to clarify the accuracy of the ultrasonic test equation for this type of concrete. Waste bottles of water was used in this study by cutting them into laminar form of fibers with zigzag edges in different length (1,2,3) cm for each volume fraction of PET (1%,2% and 3%) by cement weight with fixed width (0.5) cm. Then, they were incorporated with the concrete. It was noticed from the laboratory tests results that the relationship UPV - strength are related together in the volume fraction of 1% for the length 3cm and the correlation factor (R) is equal to 0.94. This indicates a very good exponential relationship between UPV and compressive strength. Also, the results are compared and discussed with another proposed formula that found in literature.