E-Plastic Waste Use as Coarse-Aggregate in Concrete

Abstract

Natural resources are rapidly deteriorating due to factors such as rapid population growth, technological developments, and changes in consumption habits, with increasing harm from electronic wastes (e-waste). E-plastics alone make up to 21% of the e-waste collected globally, and their management or recycling is a growing concern as they pose detrimental effects on the environment and public health. Construction industry is continuously adopting e-plastic waste for use as aggregate or fiber in concrete. Several studies have been conducted to test the applicability and properties of the resultant concrete when e-plastic is used as a partial substitute material for both coarse and fine aggregate in concrete of various grades. The results have yielded positive outcomes as well as criticisms. Therefore, this chapter presents an overview of published research regarding the physical properties of e-plastic aggregate and its potential use as replacement for coarse aggregate in concrete, clearly highlighting the effects of e-plastic waste on the physical, mechanical, durability, and thermal properties of concrete. The effects were found to be dependent on the type and characteristics of the e-plastic aggregate, the replacement rates, concrete grade, and the use of additives like superplasticizers and fly ash. Therefore, it is recommended that for use as an aggregate in concrete, the e-plastic waste ought to have a high specific gravity, low water absorption levels, and favorable and comparable abrasion resistance, crushing, and impact value to natural coarse aggregates.