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Investigating Mix Proportioning Effects on Compressive Strength of Concrete Containing Pelletized Plastic Aggregates for Environmental Benefit
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Incorporating pelletized waste plastic as a fine aggregate replacement in concrete reduced compressive and flexural strength by up to 45% at higher substitution levels, requiring strict limits on plastic content for structural applications. While this approach keeps plastic out of landfills and the environment, its mechanical limitations highlight the challenge of valorizing plastic waste at scale and reducing the volume that ultimately fragments into microplastics.
The increasing volume of non-recyclable plastic waste necessitates its sustainable incorporation into construction materials. This research assesses the effects of incorporating varying percentages of pelletized waste plastic (0% to 20% mass replacement of fine aggregate) on the fresh and hardened properties of concrete across three distinct mix ratios: 1:1:2, 1:1.5:3, and 1:2:4. Test such as Slump and Compacting Factor tests were conducted on the fresh concrete while test such as compressive strength, flexural strength, density, and water absorption rate were conducted on the hardened concrete.The results shows that both compressive and flexural strengths exhibited a substantial decrease as the plastic content increases, thus attributed to the weak inherent mechanical properties of the plastic and a compromised interfacial transition zone (ITZ). The maximum 28-day compressive strength reduction exceeded 45% in the leaner mixes. Concurrently, slump, compacting factor and density decreases with plastic inclusion while the water absorption rate increases. In conclusion, while pelletized plastic offers a viable route for waste valorization and density reduction, its detrimental effect on structural strength and workability requires strict limitations on substitution levels and the implementation of compensatory mix design strategies to achieve performance parity with conventional structural concrete.
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Researchers tested recycled PET plastic waste as a 10–20% replacement for fine and coarse concrete aggregates in Malaysia, finding that coarse aggregate substitution produced denser, stronger concrete with lower water absorption — demonstrating a viable pathway to divert plastic waste into sustainable construction materials.
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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 review examines research on incorporating plastic waste into concrete as a partial replacement for conventional aggregates and cement. Researchers found that adding recycled plastic can reduce concrete density and improve thermal insulation properties, though it generally decreases compressive strength at higher replacement ratios. The study suggests that optimizing plastic content and treatment methods could make this approach a viable strategy for diverting plastic waste from landfills.
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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.
Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Properties of Concrete with Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregate by Plastic Waste
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Researchers partially replaced fine aggregate in concrete mixtures with processed PET and other waste plastic particles and found an optimal replacement level that preserved acceptable compressive and tensile strength while reducing density, beyond which plastic-to-cement bonding degraded mechanical performance, suggesting a viable route for incorporating plastic waste into lightweight non-structural construction.
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