Evaluation of concrete performance with different types of recycled plastic waste for kerb application

Abstract

This paper investigates the feasibility of using three types of recycled plastic waste to partially replace the coarse aggregate for kerbing application. The recycled plastic wastes adopted in the research include Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polypropylene (PP). Various properties of the mixes were assessed including fresh concrete properties (workability, fresh density, and air content), mechanical properties (compressive strength, indirect tensile strength, flexural strength and static chord modulus of elasticity) and durability properties (water absorption, water sorptivity, abrasion resistance and drying shrinkage). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was used to investigate the microstructures of the specimens. Results showed that utilization of plastic aggregate in concrete reduced overall workability and fresh density of concrete; using plastic waste as partial replacement for natural coarse aggregate up to 20% satisfies the kerb design requirement and the strength loss is not detrimental. Up to 20% replacement of PET and PP showed an improved abrasion resistance compared to the control mix. PET exhibited an acceptable drying shrinkage compared to the control mix. The analysis of microstructural observations showed that mixes containing PET exhibited better bond strength compared to HDPE and PP.