Production of novel manufactured plastic aggregate and its utilisation in concrete

Alqahtani, Fahad Khshim (2017). Production of novel manufactured plastic aggregate and its utilisation in concrete. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Plastic waste and its low recycling rate make a significant contribution towards the pollution of the environment. Therefore , it is essential that plastic waste is utilised in different applications . One of the applications is its use either as an aggregate or to form aggregate for use in the concrete. New aggregates were developed using plastic waste and by-product or low cost granular materials. These aggregates have a relatively low density and water absorption as compared to conventional aggregates , and were successfully used to produce sustainable or green lightweight concrete.

The new aggregates were used to replace the conventional coarse fraction of either nonnal weight or lightweight aggregates at full or partial replacements; where both properties of fresh and hardened concrete were investigated. It was found that the effect of the replacement level of the conventional aggregate with the manufactured recycled plastic aggregates was less prominent on density as compared to the other properties. The hardened concrete showed a reduction in mechanical properties , with an increase in the proportions of manufactured recycled plastic aggregates in the mix .

The assessment of durability properties, thermal conductivity and curing temperature was also carried out. The concrete ductility, drying shrinkage, creep strain and thennal conductivity increased as the content of manufactured recycled plastic aggregate increased in the mix. Whilst, the chloride penneability was found to decrease with an increase in the percentage of recycled plastic aggregate.

Finally, models were proposed to predict the mechanical and durability properties utilising the results of this study.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):