Utilization of Plastic Waste in Concrete Pavement

The incorporation of utilized plastic waste into concrete mix designs for precast pavement applications presents a highly efficacious strategy, yielding demonstrably superior mechanical properties. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is the proposed type of plastic in this study. It demonstrates remarkable performance and durability characteristics. The methodology not only significantly curtails landfill waste and incineration but also contributes to a reduction in energy consumption within the concrete sector, thereby establishing itself as a definitive sustainable solution that addresses environmental, economic, and societal imperatives. The optimal incorporation ratio for the recycled plastic within concrete matrices is determined to fall between 10% and 15%, as this range facilitates the attainment of the most desirable material properties. This study specifically focuses on plastic waste and the incorporation of recycled plastic into concrete materials. The emphasis on plastic is due to its material properties, which are particularly well-suited for concrete applications. Experimental tests are conducted on recycled concrete in comparison with the conventional concrete. The results demonstrate high mechanical properties to the recycled concrete. The novelty of this research is the type of plastic used in the concrete mix. Although most of the worldwide applications use Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), HDPE showed exceeding properties and performance. Two important factors that influence the architectural aspect of construction materials are the heat island effect and the solar reflective index. These factors affect the energy absorption and emissivity rates of construction materials. The embodied carbon in the concrete mix impacts environmental and energy consumption rates, which directly relate to climate change, one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).