Experimental Study on Compressive Strength of Permeable Concrete with Shredded Plastic and Plastic Pellets

This study examines the mechanical performance of permeable concrete incorporating shredded plastic fibers and plastic pellets as sustainable partial replacements for cement and coarse aggregates. The research aims to address two critical challenges: the growing environmental burden of plastic waste and the reduced mechanical strength typically associated with permeable concrete. Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) was partially replaced with shredded plastic at 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%, while plastic pellets were used at similar percentages to replace coarse aggregates. Experimental tests were conducted to determine compressive and flexural strengths at 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. The results reveal that a 1% replacement level provides the highest enhancement in performance, achieving a compressive strength of 37.87 N/mm² and a flexural strength of 7.66 N/mm² at 28 days both superior to the control mix. Improvements at this level are attributed to the fiber-bridging effect, which enhances crack resistance and internal bonding. However, strength decreased significantly beyond 2% replacement due to poor adhesion and increased void formation. Overall, the findings demonstrate that limited incorporation of shredded plastic and plastic pellets can improve mechanical properties while maintaining permeability, offering an eco-efficient, resource-conserving solution suitable for low-load pavements and sustainable urban drainage systems.