Utilizing HDPE and PET Plastic Waste as the Replacement for Aggregates in Concrete

Abstract
Plastic waste, especially PET and HDPE, is a substantial threat to the environment, and locating ways to reuse this waste is critical. Innovative solutions are required to manage the growing plastic waste crises environmental implications. In order to improve building materials while lowering plastic pollution, this study explores the viability of adding Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic waste to concrete mixtures. Different amounts of HDPE (2%, 3%, and 4%) and PET (9%, 12%, and 15%) were used in concrete mixes in place of traditional aggregates. (The coarse aggregates were replaced with the PET plastic waste and the fine aggregates were replaced with the HDPE plastic waste) with the given percentages. The optimal replacement for aggregates in concrete is achieved by substituting 2% HDPE and 9% PET, this material exhibits superior split-tensile, compressive and flexural strengths relative with conventional concrete. The mechanical properties of the concrete were evaluated through tests measuring split tensile strength, flexural strength and compressive strength. Also investigated how the type, size, and amount of plastic waste added, along with how the concrete cured, affected the final properties of the concrete. It is important to take into account the environmental impact of producing and transporting plastic trash to the mixing site even if using HDPE and PET waste in concrete offers potential advantages. To reduce the overall carbon footprint of this strategy, sustainable procurement and recycling techniques should be used.

Keywords: Plastic waste, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), flexural strength, splittensile strength, compressive strength