Investigating The Use of Recycled Plastics as Shrinkage Reinforcement in Non-Structural Concrete Slabs (Dept.C)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of using recycled plastics waste as reinforcement in non-structural concrete slabs. Two types of recycled plastics are used; the first is Recycled High Density Polyethylene in randomly-distributed shredded pieces for the percentages of 1%, 2% and 3%, by volume. The second type is Recycled Low Density Polyethylene, cylindrical in shape and 3-mm in diameter. Mesh reinforcement are made out of these fibers with the percentages 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% and tested for drying shrinkage, The results show that adding recycled plastics to the concrete mix can limit drying shrinkage far better than steel reinforcement when used in certain percentages but it has a negative impact on both tensile and comp < strong>ressive strengths. Thus, it is recommended that recycled plastics can be used in non-structural concrete.