Utilizing Recycled PET and Mining Waste to Produce Non-Traditional Bricks for Sustainable Construction

Gonzalo Díaz-García (), Piero Diaz-Miranda and Christian Tineo-Villón
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Gonzalo Díaz-García: Research Department, César Vallejo University, Chimbote 02712, Peru
Piero Diaz-Miranda: Department of Civil Engineering, César Vallejo University, Chimbote 02712, Peru
Christian Tineo-Villón: Department of Civil Engineering, César Vallejo University, Chimbote 02712, Peru

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-21

Abstract: Plastic waste, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poses a growing environmental challenge. This study investigates the feasibility of incorporating recycled PET into clay bricks as a sustainable alternative in construction. Bricks were fabricated with 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% PET content. Clay characterization included particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, and moisture content. Physical and mechanical tests evaluated dimensional variability, void percentage, warping, water absorption, suction, unit compressive strength ( f b ′ ), and prism compressive strength ( f m ′ ). Statistical analysis (Shapiro–Wilk, p < 0.05) validated the results. PET addition improved physical properties—reducing water absorption, suction, and voids—while slightly compromising mechanical strength. The 15% PET mix showed the best overall performance ( f b ′ = 24.00 kg/cm 2 ; f m ′ = 20.40 kg/cm 2 ), with uniform deformation and lower absorption (18.7%). Recycled PET enhances key physical attributes of clay bricks, supporting its use in eco-friendly construction. However, reduced compressive strength limits its structural applications. Optimizing PET particle size, clay type, and firing conditions is essential to improve load-bearing capacity. Current formulations are promising for non-structural uses, contributing to circular material strategies.

Keywords: eco-friendly bricks; recycled PET; physico-mechanical properties; compressive strength; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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