PLSR Models for Mechanical Strengths of Concrete Composite Materials Reinforced...

• Author(s): Castro, Ana Cristina Meira ; Ribeiro, M. C. S. ; Meixedo, João Paulo ; Silva, Francisco J. G. ; Alvim, Mário Rui ; Fiúza, António ; Dinis, M. L.
• Date: 2012
• Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/4922
• Origin: Repositório Científico do Instituto Politécnico do Porto
• Subject(s): Partial Least Squares Regression; Pultruded GFRP; Waste recovery; Mechanical strength
• Document Type: Article
• Language: English

Description

In this paper, we present two Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) models for compressive and flexural strength responses of a concrete composite material reinforced with pultrusion wastes. The main objective is to characterize this cost-effective waste management solution for glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) pultrusion wastes and end-of-life products that will lead, thereby, to a more sustainable composite materials industry. The experiments took into account formulations with the incorporation of three different weight contents of GFRP waste materials into polyester based mortars, as sand aggregate and filler replacements, two waste particle size grades and the incorporation of silane adhesion promoter into the polyester resin matrix in order to improve binder aggregates interfaces. The regression models were achieved for these data and two latent variables were identified as suitable, with a 95% confidence level. This technological option, for improving the quality of GFRP filled polymer mortars, is viable thus opening a door to selective recycling of GFRP waste and its use in the production of concrete-polymer based products. However, further and complementary studies will be necessary to confirm the technical and economic viability of the process.