Performance Evaluation of Plastic Waste as Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregate in Concrete

Abstract

Plastic pollution is a significant environmental problem caused by the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, particularly in oceans, rivers, and terrestrial ecosystems. It is a global issue with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Thus, it is indispensable to reduce the use of plastics by recycling or reusing them. Utilizing waste plastic in the concrete mix is one of the methods of recycling it.In this study, the fine aggregate in the concrete mix is partially replaced by multi-layer plastic with a size of 5-7 mm. M20 concrete cubes were produced using a replacement weight of fine aggregate by plastic 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6%. To determine the strength parameter, 90 cubes were manufactured and put through a compressive strength test. The test result demonstrated that as the fraction of plastic increases, the compressive strength and weight of the concrete cube decreases. By adding admixture, the strength of the concrete increased slightly, but not significantly. When silica and additional additives were added to plastic mix concrete, the compressive strength test result showed an increase in comparison to regular M20 concrete's strength. In addition, it is discovered that when compared to 4% and 6%, the 2%plastic substitution yields the best results. The investigation leads to the conclusion that using plastic in concrete helps get rid of plastic trash.