Evaluation of Parameters Affecting Bond Strength and Pull-Out Behavior of Polyethylene Terephthalate Ropes in Steel Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Note

Authors

1 Department of Civil Engineering, Se.C., Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran.

2 Civil Engineering Department, Se.C., Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran

10.24200/j30.2025.67085.3436

Abstract

This study investigated the bond behavior of braided ropes made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a substitute for steel rebar in fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC).

For this purpose, pull-out tests were conducted according to the RILEM RC6 standard on steel rebar and PET ropes with the same diameter, using FRCC laboratory specimens containing different percentages of steel fibers. The results showed that the pull-out force was approximately 30 kN for the steel rebar and about 7.6 KN for the PET rope, indicating a 75% reduction in bond strength for the PET material.

However, the displacement corresponding to the maximum load was about 23.5 mm for PET and 0.6 mm for the steel rebar, demonstrating a 40-fold increase in ductility for PET compared to steel. The PET ropes experienced rupture in all specimens but did not pull out of the concrete, whereas the steel rebars detached from the concrete by slipping. These results suggest that despite the lower tensile resistance of PET ropes, their bond behavior, especially in areas requiring high ductility, can be considered for use in specialized design applications.

This study investigated the bond behavior of braided ropes made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a substitute for steel rebar in fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (FRCC).

For this purpose, pull-out tests were conducted according to the RILEM RC6 standard on steel rebar and PET ropes with the same diameter, using FRCC laboratory specimens containing different percentages of steel fibers. The results showed that the pull-out force was approximately 30 kN for the steel rebar and about 7.6 KN for the PET rope, indicating a 75% reduction in bond strength for the PET material.

However, the displacement corresponding to the maximum load was about 23.5 mm for PET and 0.6 mm for the steel rebar, demonstrating a 40-fold increase in ductility for PET compared to steel. The PET ropes experienced rupture in all specimens but did not pull out of the concrete, whereas the steel rebars detached from the concrete by slipping. These results suggest that despite the lower tensile resistance of PET ropes, their bond behavior, especially in areas requiring high ductility, can be considered for use in specialized design applications.

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Sharif Journal of Civil Engineering

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 17 June 2026

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