Mechanical properties of polypropylene plastic waste usage and high-density polyethylene in concrete

Abstract

Using plastic waste as a construction material was one of the techniques used to overcome the inconsistencies associated with environmental pollution created by indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste. It was refined into aggregates that were utilized as a fractional replacement for coarse aggregates in concrete mixtures. The sole objective of this research work is to analyze the use of plastic waste in concrete. Two types of aggregates extracted from plastic waste namely: Polypropylene (PP) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) were used in carrying out this study. The percentages of PP used were 5%, 10%, 15%, while 15%, 20%, 25% were used for HDPE. Similarly, the slump value, compressive strength, and tensile strength were tested for 28 days and at a concrete age of 3.7. The results obtained proved that a percentage increase in plastic aggregate would invariably reduce the value of slump, compressive strength, and tensile strength. The optimum percentage of PP and HDPE used were 10% and 15% respectively. This research contributed to providing an alternative to overcoming plastic waste.