• Resources Recycling
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.16-22
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• 2003

Lightweight aggregate for concrete was manufactured from recycling the waste PET bottles (PET Bottle Lightweight Aggregate, LAPET). The qualities of LAPET and its mortar were investigated. Specific gravity and unit weight of LAPET was very low in comparison with river sand like as 1.39, 844 kg/㎥ respectively. In addition, compressive strength of concrete significantly decreased because of specific gravity of aggregate decreased with increases in containing ratio. When LAPET was contained to 25% and 50％ of river sand, compressive strength of concrete at 28 days was indicated more 30MPa. Most of LAPET was generally showed to round shape and fluidity of mortar increased significantly due to sleeking the surface texture of LAPET. On the other hand, capillary absorption of mortar with LAPET was greatly increased in comparison with that of mortar without LAPET because of LAPET was composed of singular gradation. Absorption of LAPET was 0％ because the interior structure of LAPET consists of PET like as organic high polymer. Therefore the fault of normal lightweight aggregate, absorption, will be improved. It could expect several advantages that the pollution of environment will be previously prevent and the waste resources could be recycled if LAPET is reused as aggregate for Lightweight concrete.