Sustainable paver block development using recycled plastic waste and fiber reinforced geopolymer concrete

Abstract Geopolymer concrete has emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional Portland cement concrete, addressing the need for environmentally friendly construction materials. This study explores the development of eco-friendly paver blocks using geopolymer concrete, where fly ash completely replaces cement, and recycled plastic waste is used as a partial substitute for fine aggregates at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% replacement levels. The investigation focuses on evaluating the mechanical and durability properties of the resulting paver blocks through tests such as flow table (workability), water absorption, ultrasonic pulse velocity, rebound hammer, compressive strength, and split tensile strength. Results indicate that incorporating plastic waste affects both the workability and strength of the mix. While higher plastic content reduces mechanical strength, it enhances sustainability by promoting waste utilization. An optimal replacement percentage was identified that maintains structural integrity while maximizing environmental benefits. The findings demonstrate that geopolymer paver blocks incorporating plastic waste offer a viable, sustainable alternative to conventional blocks. This approach significantly reduces cement usage and natural aggregate demand while contributing to effective plastic waste management, paving the way for greener infrastructure solutions.