Finite element analysis of stress in waste polyethylene terephthalate mixed with polycarbonate flakes as a base material for piles

In this study, we examined the repurposing of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a base material in prestressed high-strength concrete (PHC) piles by mixing it with different weight ratios (10-30%) of waste polycarbonate (PC). The specimens were prepared after determining their cross-sections, and their tensile strength, compressive strength, Izod impact strength, and Rockwell hardness were evaluated according to the ASTM standards. Furthermore, finite element analysis (FEA) was performed on the waste PET and PC specimens to evaluate their applicability as a base material for PHC piles. The FEA results revealed a 2.8-times increase in the load-bearing capacity of the mixed-material specimens with no considerable impact owing to the mixing ratios. Consequently, the amalgamation of waste PET and PC can effectively serve as a viable base material for PHC piles, thereby securing pile stability through heightened vertical stress resistance.