INVESTIGATION OF THE USE OF POLYSTYRENE PLASTIC WASTE AS COARSE AGGREGATES IN CONCRETE

Abstract

Concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world, but its production consumes a large amount of natural resources and generates significant carbon emissions. In recent years, there has been growing interest in using waste materials and recycled products in concrete production to reduce its environmental impact. This study investigates the use of polystyrene plastic as a replacement for gravel in concrete. The research question addressed in this study is whether the use of polystyrene plastic in concrete can be an alternative substitute to gravel. It is also questioned if the use of polystyrene plastic in concrete can have the same properties as conventional concrete and thus be able to be used for structural purposes. The study employed a mixed design methodology to prepare three different concrete mixtures: conventional concrete, polystyrene concrete, and coated polystyrene concrete. The main findings of this study indicated that the full replacement of gravel with polystyrene plastic reached the minimum compressive strength required for structural use. The study also showed that the use of polystyrene plastic in concrete can reduce its overall weight and improve its workability. The significance of this research lies in its potential to reduce the environmental impact of concrete production by using recycled plastic waste as a replacement for natural resources. This study provides valuable insights into the use of polystyrene plastic in concrete, which can inform the development of more sustainable construction practices in the future.