Utilization Of Waste Plastic and Fly Ash to Enhance Mechanical Properties of Rigid Pavements

Surface transportation is a primary mode of travel across regions, and rigid pavements made from concrete are commonly used in roadway construction. Concrete is composed of basic natural materials, but due to their limited availability, the need to find alternative materials has become crucial. Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, is being explored as a partial replacement for cement. Waste plastic, a growing environmental concern due to its non-biodegradability, can be an effective substitute for fine aggregates in concrete. This study investigates the combined impact of waste plastic and fly ash on the mechanical properties of rigid pavement concrete. Experimental results indicate that waste plastic can replace fine aggregate in concrete without significantly compromising performance. Additionally, the strength loss due to the plastic content can be mitigated by using 10% fly ash as a partial substitute for Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC).