Investigating the Effects of Using Plastic Waste as Fine Aggregate in Self Compacting Concrete

Abstract

Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) has properties of low yield stress, high deformability, and good segregation resistance. It is defined as fresh concrete that flows under its own weight and does not require external vibration to undergo compaction. The aim of this was to study and find the viability of replacing sand (fine aggregate) partially with recycled plastic waste (PET). Different SCC mixes were prepared with a consistent water/cementitious ratio of 0.368 with 550 kg/m3 of paste volume. The plastic waste content was varied with 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5% by weight of sand and was designated as Fine plastic waste (FPW) and was considered as the experimental parameters. The mixes were tested against their workability properties as SCC mixes, regarding tests namely L-Box test height ratio, V-funnel flow time, and slump flow diameter. Cubic compressive strength was also measured against a 28-days curing period. The experimental results indicated that plastic in small percentages could be incorporated and can successfully partially replace fine aggregate in self-compacting concrete.