Performance Evaluation and Exponential Prediction Models for LDPE-Substituted Concrete and Mortar

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Sustainable Construction

Background:

• Growing use of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) necessitates exploring its application in construction materials.
• Conventional aggregates in concrete are being investigated for sustainable replacements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of replacing sand with varying percentages (10%, 20%, 30%) of LDPE granules in concrete.
• To evaluate the mechanical properties and deformation abilities of LDPE-substituted concrete.
• To develop and validate predictive models for LDPE-substituted concrete properties.

Main Methods:

• Concrete mixes were prepared with 10%, 20%, and 30% LDPE replacing sand.
• Standard tests were conducted: compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, slump, and density.
• Experimental data were combined with previous research to form a dataset.
• Exponential predictive models were developed and compared to linear models.

Main Results:

• A decrease in compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, slump, and density was observed with increasing LDPE content.
• LDPE substitution enhanced axial and lateral strain capacities, improving ductility.
• Proposed exponential models showed high prediction accuracy (R² up to 0.981) with low MAPE (1-17%).

Conclusions:

• Low-density polyethylene can be used as a partial sand replacement in concrete, offering improved ductility.
• A balance exists between mechanical performance reduction and sustainability benefits at low LDPE substitution rates.
• Developed exponential models provide accurate predictions for the properties of LDPE-substituted concrete and mortar.