Evaluation of the Performance of Cement Concrete with the Incorporation of Plastic Waste as Fiber Reinforcement

Introduction: The disposal of plastic waste has become one of the most significant environmental challenges in recent years. In response, various studies have explored alternative uses of plastic waste, particularly in construction materials. This research investigates the performance of cement concrete when plastic waste is used as fiber reinforcement. The study focuses on assessing the mechanical properties of concrete such as compressive strength, flexural strength, and workability, alongside the environmental benefits of utilizing plastic waste in construction. The results indicate that the incorporation of plastic waste as fibers enhances certain properties of cement concrete, offering a promising solution for both waste management and sustainable construction practices. By incorporating plastic waste fibers, the cost of aggregates is reduced, while providing enhanced strength for structures and roads. This approach also helps decrease landfill waste and conserves energy. Plastic waste fibers are derived from discarded plastic bottles, which are non-biodegradable, and can serve as a partial replacement for either coarse or fine aggregates in construction. Objective: The objective of the study is to evaluate the impact of incorporating plastic waste as fiber reinforcement in cement concrete, focusing on its effects on the concrete's physical and mechanical properties. This includes assessing changes in compressive strength, flexural strength, workability, and durability. The study also aims to explore the environmental benefits of using plastic waste as a sustainable alternative to traditional reinforcement materials in concrete. Result: Rebound Hammer Test: The rebound hammer test showed that the surface hardness of concrete samples with plastic waste fibers was comparable to that of conventional concrete, indicating similar compressive strength. The rebound values were consistent with the compressive strength measurements obtained from the CTM. Compressive Strength Test: The compressive strength of concrete decreased with the incorporation of plastic waste fibers. The reduction in compressive strength was observed to be 46%, 55%, and 58% for 10%, 12%, and 15% plastic aggregate replacement, respectively. Conclusion: Using recycled plastic in concrete not only helps in reducing environmental pollution by utilizing non-biodegradable waste but also contributes to the reduction in the unit weight of concrete, making it suitable for lightweight applications such as façade panels. While the addition of plastic waste lowers the density, compressive strength, and tensile strength of concrete, its impact on strength development is less significant compared to conventional concrete, due to the reduced bond strength between the plastic aggregates and the cement paste. This leads to failure at the bond interface rather than within the concrete matrix itself. Overall, while plastic waste can serve as a partial substitute for aggregates, its effect on concrete strength should be carefully considered for structural applications.