Effect of Replacing Natural Aggregate with Plastic Aggregate on the Mechanical Properties of Concrete-Review

Humans are consuming vast quantities of plastic across various types, leading to significant challenges in decomposition and the subsequent generation of extensive plastic waste, posing a significant threat to the environment. To address this issue, researchers are actively exploring methods to minimize plastic waste and mitigate its widespread impact by incorporating it into concrete. This not only enhances concrete's durability but also reduces costs. This paper provides an overview of published research on the utilization of waste plastic in concrete. It reviews the efforts of numerous researchers in valorizing plastic waste in concrete, exploring different forms such as partial replacement of fine and coarse aggregate, as well as fibers, and examines their effects on the fresh, mechanical, and durability properties of concrete. The research findings indicate promising possibilities for recycling plastic waste in concrete. However, there is scope to investigate the combined utilization of plastic as both aggregate and fiber in concrete, potentially enabling the recovery of additional quantities of plastic waste. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze changes occurring within the concrete.