Exploring the Effects of Waste Materials on the Mechanical Properties of Concrete

Conventionally, concrete has relied on natural aggregates in developing a strong and durable concrete material. With the growing demand for concrete and environmental impacts caused by extraction of natural aggregates recently, interest in searching for alternative materials has been on the increase. The present paper intends to present an experimental study related to the use of incorporation of waste material in concrete as an environmentally friendly and economical solution. Recycled concrete aggregate, fly ash, and waste plastics were some of the kinds of wastes that fell under consideration and study. Mechanical properties of concrete specimens, containing these types of wastes, were characterized by compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strength tests, and the results were compared to conventional natural aggregate concrete. It also aims to find the optimal proportion of wastes in concrete mixtures that will not create a critical failure in mechanical performance and intends to propose a way for more sustainable and environmentally friendly construction.