Sustainable Green Lightweight Concrete Containing Plastic-Based Green Lightweight Aggregate.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Civil Engineering

Background:

• Growing environmental concerns due to plastic waste and natural resource depletion.
• Need for sustainable construction materials and waste utilization strategies.
• Potential of incorporating recycled plastic waste into building materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize plastic-based green lightweight aggregates (PGLAs) using PET plastic waste.
• To evaluate the physical, mechanical, and durability properties of green lightweight aggregate concrete (GLAC) using PGLAs.
• To assess the feasibility of using PGLAs as a sustainable alternative in concrete production.

Main Methods:

• Development of PGLAs incorporating PET plastic waste and byproduct additives.
• Comparative analysis of PGLA properties against reference aggregates.
• Production of GLAC mixes with 100% PGLA replacement of coarse aggregates.
• Evaluation of fresh, hardened, microscopic, and durability properties of GLAC.

Main Results:

• PGLAs exhibited 21-29% lower unit weight and low water absorption (1.2-1.6%).
• Developed aggregates showed 45% higher strength compared to lightweight coarse aggregates.
• Structurally sound GLACs meeting ASTM C330 requirements were produced.
• GLACs demonstrated low-to-moderate chloride penetration (ASTM C1202).

Conclusions:

• PGLAs offer a viable and sustainable solution for lightweight aggregate production.
• GLACs produced with PGLAs meet structural requirements and exhibit good durability.
• This approach effectively utilizes plastic waste, contributing to environmental protection and resource conservation.