STUDY OF LITERATURE REVIEW ON THE USE OF PLASTIC IN CONCRETE MIXES

Abstract

Plastic waste poses significant environmental challenges due to its widespread use and long-lasting nature. In the search for sustainable construction solutions, this study presents a systematic review of international research spanning two decades on the integration of recycled plastics into concrete mixtures, either as aggregates or fibers. Applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, 97 of the 187 articles initially identified were analyzed in depth. Key findings indicate that the introduction of plastics can influence essential concrete properties such as density, compressive strength and thermal conductivity. The effectiveness of plastic integration largely depends on factors such as the type, size and shape of the plastic used. In particular, the research reveals that the use of plastic fibers can improve crack resistance, influenced by the size and type of fiber. Depending on the application, an optimal plastic replacement percentage is usually between 10% and 20%. This review highlights the potential of recycled plastics to increase the properties of concrete, offering an environmentally friendly route to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable construction.