The Potential of Artificial Polyethylene Coarse Aggregate (APECA) on Compressive Strength of Concrete After Exposed by Temperatures

¹ Jamilus Research Center, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Parit Raja, Johor, Malaysia
² Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Parit Raja, Johor, Malaysia

^a Corresponding author : shahruln@uthm.edu.my

Abstract

The strength contribution of Artificial Polyethylene Coarse Aggregate (APECA) as a coarse aggregate replacement in concrete are explored. The compression tests is carried out on twenty-one specimens of concrete cube with 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% of APECA by utilizing two stages: The concrete specimens containing 6% of APECA as coarse aggregate are heated at different temperatures, the strength of concrete mixes with 0%, 3%, 6% and 9% APECA were compared under normal condition (un-heated) and after exposed by 250ºC. Based on literatures, 6% of APECA had an optimal percentage that contribute to the compressive strength of concrete compared to 0%, 3%, and 9% of APECA concrete. Thus, 6% ratio of APECA concrete was applied for continuous observation, which applied various temperatures at 150ºC, 200ºC, and 250ºC. As results, it is observed that the 6% APECA concrete at 150ºC had the highest compressive strength than other temperature (200ºC and 250ºC). Also, it is found that the APECA concrete strength decrease as exposed by higher temperature. However, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) results reveals that the APECA melting in the concrete and filled the micro-crack of concrete. It can be concluded that, the APECA has the potential to be a coarse aggregate replacement and more detailed investigations are however demanded to modify the APECA in order to increase its physical properties.