Title: Concrete Containing Plastic Aggregates

Author(s): A. A. Al-manaseer and T.r. Dalal

Publication: Concrete International

Volume: 19

Issue: 8

Appears on pages(s): 47-52

Keywords: aggregates; bulk density; compressive strength; field tests; modulus of elasticity; splitting tensile strength; water-cementitious ratio

DOI:

Date: 8/1/1997

Abstract:
This article investigates the feasibility of using post-consumer shredded plastics as a substitute for conventional coarse aggregates in concrete. The physical properties of concrete containing plastic aggregates replaced by volume at different percentages of 10, 30, and 50 percent were studied. The results showed that concrete mixes containing post-consumer plastic aggregates are flowable and have acceptable strengths. The 28-day compressive strength of concrete containing plastic aggregates at different percentages of 10 to 50 percent ranged from 7000 to 2800 psi, while the splitting tensile strength ranged from 940 to 470 psi. The compressive and splitting tensile failures of concrete specimens containing plastic aggregates were found to be more ductile in behavior than similar types of concrete made with conventional aggregates. A field trial evaluation was conducted to cast a floor slab using concrete containing 30 percent plastic aggregates replaced by volume of coarse aggregate. The concrete slab was placed and finished successfully.