Enhancing Concrete Durability through Partial Replacement of Coarse Aggregate with Recycled Plastic Granules

Abstract

This research study aims to explore and present the practical application of plastic granules as a substitute for coarse aggregate in the production of concrete cubes and cylinders. The concrete specimens, comprising various percentages of plastic granules (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%), were manually cast and then subjected to empirical tests to evaluate their split tension and compression strengths. Surprisingly, the study found that the compressive and split tension strengths of the concrete containing plastic granules were comparable to those of conventional concrete.The primary focus of this investigation lies in analyzing concrete mixes that integrate partial replacement of coarse aggregate with plastic granules. This substitution approach not only helps in reducing the dead weight of structures but also presents a practical solution for addressing plastic waste. The findings suggest that incorporating plastic granules in concrete not only brings advantages but also serves as an environmentally friendly method for recycling plastic waste. The results of this study contribute valuable insights into sustainable construction practices and the effective utilization of plastic materials.