A review on the influence of recycled plastic aggregate on the engineering properties of concrete

The rapid increase in plastic production and consumption, has led to a significant rise in plastic waste generation, resulting in severe environmental issues. Finding effective methods to recycle and reuse to recycle plastic waste has become a crucial area of focus. In recent years, numerous researchers have investigated the utilization of plastic waste in concrete and evaluated the feasibility of using recycled plastic as aggregates in concrete. These studies have shown that incorporation of plastic aggregates in concrete can reduce its strength, enhances its energy absorption capacity and resistance to sulfuric acid attack. This paper presents a comprehensive review of research on the use of recycled plastic as aggregates in concrete, highlighting the influence of plastic aggregates on concrete performance and elucidating the underlying impact mechanisms from four key aspects: physical properties, mechanical properties, durability, and thermal properties. The findings contribute to our understanding of the potential benefits and limitations of using plastic aggregates in concrete, providing valuable insights for sustainable waste management and construction practices.