Physical-mechanical Evaluation of Polyethylene Terephthalate Fiber Dune Sand Mortar Exposed to Elevated Temperature

Abstract

The mechanical properties of mortar containing Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) as Strapping Band Fibers (SBF) replacing natural sand have been studied by many researchers. These studies indicate that when SBF is used as a substitute for sand in mortar, the characteristics in both the fresh and hardened states are altered. This experiment’s purpose is to valorize local materials, which are abundant in the region of Djelfa (Algeria), in cement mortar manufacturing and to discuss the influence of these materials on the mechanical and physical characteristics of the resulting mortar at the room, and at the high temperature. This study presents the results of an experimental investigation into the effects of high temperatures on the properties of dune sand mortar made with strapping band fibers. The method for formulating the mortar mixes was based on the progressive replacement of dune sand by PET fibers, with weight contents of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5%. Several tests have been carried out to study the evolution of the different characteristics of mortar mixtures. The workability, bulk density, compressive and tensile strengths, and all samples were subjected to temperatures of ambient, 100 °C, 200 °C, and 400 °C. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of the recycled fibers and the preservation mode had remarkable effects on the characteristics of the mortar obtained.