Title: Assessment of Reinforcing Effects of Recycled Plastic and Paper in Concrete

Author(s): Parviz Soroushian, Jesus Plasencia, and Siavosh Ravanbakhsh

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 100

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 203-207

Keywords: concrete; fibers; reinforcement

DOI: 10.14359/12620

Date: 5/1/2003

Abstract:
Mixed plastic and paper waste products were subjected to different processing schemes that yielded end products of different slenderness and fineness levels. These end products were evaluated as discrete reinforcement systems in concrete. The dosages of recycled products were adjusted in light of their geometric attributes to yield fresh concrete mixtures with desirable workability, homogeneity, and air content. The effects of discrete reinforcement systems of recycled and virgin origins on concrete mechanical, physical, and durability characteristics were examined. The results indicated that discrete reinforcement systems derived from abundantly available waste streams can, at proper dosages, yield positive reinforcing effects in concrete. The improvements in restrained shrinkage crack control and impact resistance were particularly significant and comparable to those of virgin fibers.