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Recycled Plastic Waste in Structural Concrete: Performance Assessment and Pathways for Sustainable Construction
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This research analyzed microplastic contamination in coastal sediments along an urbanized shoreline over multiple sampling seasons, documenting significant spatial heterogeneity correlated with nearshore current patterns and storm drain outlets. The study found that seasonal variation in beach use and runoff influenced particle abundance and type.
Plastic waste is one of the most persistent environmental pollutants worldwide, with an annual global production exceeding 390 million tons. Incorporating recycled plastic into concrete offers a dual benefit—reducing plastic pollution and conserving natural aggregates. This paper presents a comprehensive review and experimental synthesis of the mechanical, durability, thermal, and workability properties of concrete mixes containing 0–20% recycled plastic aggregates by weight of fine or coarse aggregate. Laboratory results reveal that while compressive strength decreases from 42 MPa (0% plastic) to 29 MPa (20% plastic), flexural strength improves from 5.1 MPa to 7.4 MPa at similar replacement levels. Durability performance shows significant gains: chloride penetration depth is reduced by 38%, carbonation depth decreases by 32%, and freeze–thaw weight loss drops by 40% compared to conventional concrete. Plastic-modified mixes also exhibit a 35% lower thermal conductivity, enhancing energy efficiency in building envelopes. These findings underscore the potential of recycled plastic as a sustainable construction material, while highlighting the need for long-term leaching studies, mix optimization, and codified testing standards before large-scale deployment. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17762/ijisae.v12i23s.7865
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This review examines how incorporating recycled plastic aggregates into high-strength concrete affects its physical and mechanical properties, finding that while compressive strength decreases, concrete with recycled plastic remains viable for many engineering applications and offers benefits such as enhanced energy absorption and sulfuric acid resistance.
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This study reviewed the use of plastic waste as aggregate or fiber in cement mortar and concrete, finding that plastic fibers enhanced mechanical performance while plastic coarse aggregates impaired concrete quality due to poor bonding. The review identifies research gaps and calls for further optimization to improve plastic-based concrete performance.
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