Innovation and uses: concrete using e-waste as a sustainable alternative to coarse aggregate

Abstract

The consequences of partially substituting electronic trash (e-waste) for traditional aggregates in concrete compositions are examined in this study. When compared to conventional mixes, the testing findings show that adding e-waste improves the mechanical qualities and durability of concrete. Specifically, compressive strength peaked at 30.19 MPa for the mix containing 12% e-waste, significantly surpassing the conventional concrete's strength of 25.21 MPa. Improvements were also observed in split tensile and flexural strengths, with maximum values of 2.00 MPa and 2.64 MPa, respectively. The modified concrete showed reduced water absorption and porosity, indicating enhanced durability. Notably, the resistance to sulfuric acid attack improved, with the lowest weight loss (5.52%) and strength loss (6.39%) recorded in the e-waste mix. These findings affirm that utilizing e-waste in concrete not only contributes to superior mechanical performance but also enhances resistance to environmental challenges. This research promotes the sustainable use of e-waste in construction, supporting eco-friendly practices and effective waste management strategies.