DefinePK

Abstract

Plastic bags have become an essential part of people’s lives. Hence, the amount of plastic bags used annually has been growing steadily. In this two-part study, the mechanical and physical properties of three different types of plastic bag aggregates were described. These lightweight plastic aggregates were then used as substitute for natural aggregates at percentages of 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9%. Recyclable plastic bags measuring 10–20 mm were gathered then heated in an oven at approximately 150 °C for nearly 10 min. The first part of the study investigated the properties of the three different types of plastic bag aggregates and those of normal aggregates in terms of aggregate impact value, aggregate crushing value, specific gravity, and water absorption. The second part involved a compressive test on the different concretes and a comparison of the results with those obtained for the control concrete. A significant improvement in compressive strength was observed in the concrete mixes that contained 6% directly heated plastic bag aggregates and 6% and 9% glass-covered plastic aggregates. These aggregates were found to be a feasible replacement for coarse aggregates used in conventional concrete.