Investigation on pullout and shear behavior of recycled plastic rebar-concrete connection for mortar-free housing

Abstract

Conventional construction materials and techniques offer major drawbacks in terms of emissions from cement processing and economic viability due to high material cost. Recycled plastic has emerged as a reliable material but its application as rebars in structural concrete and mortar-free housing applications is yet to be uncovered. Thus, this study evaluates the pull-out and shear anchorage characteristics of recycled HDPE plastic rebar for application in mortar-free construction. Various configurations have been considered based on influencing parameters namely, diameter, embedment, concrete mix and rebar type. The results reveal superior pull-out performance of ribbed rebars with a diameter of 19.05 mm having embedment depth 300 mm in a concrete mix of 1:2:4. However, fixed embedment depth of 100 mm in a concrete mix of 1:2:4 shows better shear anchorage performance of ribbed rebar having diameter of 12.70 mm. Empirical equations can accurately predict pull-out and shear anchorage strengths based on limited data set. Long-term straining behavior of recycled plastic rebar needs to be considered in future for real life implications in construction.