Experimental investigation on mechanical and durability properties of M30 concrete with HDPE plastic waste as partial coarse aggregate replacement

Abstract

The rapid increase in accumulation of plastic waste created a major environmental challenge due to the non-biodegradable nature of plastics. One of the most commonly used plastics among them is the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), used for bottles, containers and plastic packaging, which has generated a huge amount of waste. This research works towards the goal of discovering the possibility of using HDPE plastic waste as a replacement for coarse aggregate to the extent of about 50%, in M30 grade concrete. Irregularly shredded HDPE waste with particle sizes between 5 and 10 mm was chosen as its replacement level (10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% by volume of coarse aggregate). The mechanical properties like compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural were systematically evaluated to assess optimum percentage of HDPE concrete. The optimum replacement level has been subjected to water absorption, acid resistance and sulphate resistance tests as well. According to experimental results, the addition of a larger amount of HDPE affected the strength of the concrete. However, in all the mixes, 10% of the HDPE was replaced was identified optimum. The present study concludes that the use of HDPE plastic waste as a partial replacement of coarse aggregate within a limit is a sustainable and efficient approach for eco-friendly concrete production.