Characterization of processed lightweight aggregate and its effect on physical properties of concrete

Abstract

The plastic because of its lightweight and flexibility to adopt the required shapes has led in an enormous increase in production of plastic products during recent years. To minimize the negative environmental impacts of plastic waste, many industrial sectors have tried to recycle and utilize the plastic waste. Among the other sectors, concrete industry can be considered as one of the alternatives such as to use the recycled plastic as aggregate replacement in concrete. A processed lightweight aggregates (PLA) has been manufactured using the plastic waste and other local materials using a compression moulding press technique. The detailed characterization of the PLA was also conducted. In addition, the effect of PLA incorporation on the physical properties of concrete along with effect of curing temperature on the compressive strength was also tested. The addition of manufactured aggregate in concrete has increased the Poisson’s ratio, thermal conductivity values while the density, and compressive strength were found to be reduced as compared to control mix. It was also noticed that PLA concrete can be cured at temperatures up to 30 °C, without significantly affecting compressive strength. The PLA has shown the prospective to be used in lightweight concrete applications.