Study on mechanical characterization plastics waste as coarse aggregate (PWCA) for concrete

Abstract

Quantities of plastics waste have been increased these recent years due to the boost in industrialization and the rapid improvement in the standard of living. In Malaysia, most of plastics waste is abandoned and not recycled. This situation causes serious problems such as wastage of natural resources and environmental pollution. Polymer products such as synthetic fibers, plastics and rubber belong to petrochemical compound and uneasily degrade in the natural environment. Plastic materials are not easily biodegradable even after a long period. In fact wide variety of waste materials can be utilized as inert in cement matrix. In this research, trash bag plastics are used as plastics waste as coarse aggregate (PWCA). The aim of this work is to study the properties and mechanical characterization of plastics waste as the replacement of coarse aggregate in concrete. Heating process were done at five different temperature; 160°C, 170°C,180°C, 190°C and 200°C . Four compositions of coarse aggregate with different crushed stone: PWCA waste ratios were used that are 0:100, 20:80, 40:60, and 100:0 by volumetric method. The comparisons of conventional concrete with PWCA were investigated depends on compressive and flexural testing. 100 % PWCA showed The compressive strength was measured after 28 days and it was found that the PC is suitable for nonstructural usage. As for cost analysis, the results showed that the PC is more cost effective than conventional concrete.