Impact of crushed polyethylene terephthalate on the mechanical properties of a sandy soil, Pachacutec Sector, Ventanilla, Callao, 2025

Abstract

This research focuses on analyzing the impact of the inclusion of shredded polyethylene terephthalate (PET) on the mechanical properties of a sandy soil, specifically in the Oasis 1st Sector Pachacutec Human Settlement, located in Ventanilla, Callao. It was necessary to carry out laboratory tests following the guidelines of RNE-E.050 to evaluate the changes in the friction angle and bearing capacity of the soil; in addition, to obtain an optimum dosage of PET - sandy soil. The experiments involved the addition of different proportions of shredded PET to the sandy soil, specifically 2%, 4% and 6%, and direct shear tests were carried out under two loading conditions to obtain the friction angle and subsequently the bearing capacity. In addition, Proctor tests were carried out to determine the optimum moisture content and maximum dry density of the PET - sandy soil dosage that optimizes the mechanical properties of the standard soil. Preliminary results suggest that the addition of shredded PET could significantly improve the bearing capacity of the soil, which would indicate its viability as a stabilizing material in the study area; however, the proportion of PET - sandy soil varies according to the study region.