Mechanical properties of concrete with recycled composite and plastic aggregates

The use of recycled materials in concrete applications is a genius alternative because it will significantly reduce impacts on the environment when waste material can be recycled for genuine uses. This project is aimed at studying the influence of incorporating recycled plastic and composite aggregate on the workability, mechanical property, water absorption, and electrical resistance of silica fume concrete. Secondly, the paper will evaluate the possibility to use recycled plastic concrete (RPC) in railway track application (i.e. traditional ballasted track and ballastless track). Two replacements (10% and 20%) of natural coarse aggregate by 3.35mm, 5.6mm and mixed size recycled plastic aggregate are introduced. The experimental results confirm that the workability is improved with an increase in the plastic aggregate replacement. In addition, it is found that mechanical strength and durability in terms of water permeability are reduced, whilst electrical resistance is improved. The result also reveals that application of this environment-friendly recycled plastic concrete in railway tracks sustainably can improve the ability to absorb vibration energy of the railway system.