Evaluating the creep behaviour of plastic-processed aggregate-based concrete

Abstract In this study, the mechanical and creep characteristics of concrete integrating the plastic-processed aggregates (PPAs) were evaluated. A constant water-to-cement ratio was used with PPAs that were incorporated at 25, 50, 75 and 100% to formulate the concrete mixes. The mixing of PPAs in concrete has resulted in a decrease in mainstream mechanical properties, including dry density, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity by 18.6, 27.8, 37.2, 26.4, and 63.6%, respectively, at 100% aggregate replacement. The instantaneous creep strain, ultimate shrinkage strain, and ultimate creep strain of the PPA concrete mixes were significantly higher than that of the reference concrete especially at total replacement of PPA in the concrete mix. The increase in instantaneous creep strain, ultimate shrinkage strain, and ultimate creep strain at 100% replacement was found to be 100, 119, and 69%, respectively. The increase in creep strains of the PPA concrete mixes can be attributed to the reduction in the mechanical properties of subsequent concrete. Even with the reduction in the mechanical and creep properties of PPA concrete, the use of plastic-based aggregates in non-structural concrete applications is encouraged.