Hybrid experimental–numerical methodology for the mechanical analysis of mortars containing recycled polymer inclusions

This investigation presents a hybrid experimental–numerical methodology for evaluating the mechanical behavior of mortars containing recycled polymer inclusions. Mortar mixtures incorporating recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyamide 6 (PA6) at replacement levels of 10 [%] and 20 [%] were produced and experimentally characterized through compressive and flexural strength tests. In addition, the elastic modulus and deformation capacity of the mixtures were determined to assess the influence of recycled polymers on mortar performance. The experimental results were subsequently used to calibrate and validate finite element models developed in SolidWorks Simulation. The numerical analyses enabled the evaluation of stress distributions, deformation patterns, and critical regions associated with damage initiation, providing additional insight into the mechanical response of the investigated mortars. The comparison between experimental measurements and numerical predictions demonstrated satisfactory agreement, confirming the suitability of the proposed modeling approach. The results indicate that the incorporation of recycled polymer inclusions modifies the stiffness and deformation capacity of the mortar while maintaining acceptable mechanical performance. PA6 inclusions promoted a more deformable response through a reduction in elastic modulus, whereas PET inclusions maintained mechanical strengths comparable to those of the reference mortar. The proposed methodology provides a reliable and reproducible framework for the characterization and numerical assessment of sustainable mortars containing recycled polymer materials and contributes to the development of environmentally friendly cement-based composites.