Waste material used as aggregate in local concrete : use of recycled plastic as aggregate in concrete

Abstract

The selection of materials used in the construction industry is becoming an important issue, especially when taking into account the constant developments and new fields of study that are being carried out while keeping the conservation of the existing materials, recycling and energy saving as some of the main priorities. The use of waste materials such as plastic as part of the natural aggregate in concrete could be beneficial in several aspects regarding energy conservation. Primarily, the amount of natural aggregate, being one of the main natural resources of our islands, could be minimized, thus reducing the need for quarries and their negative impact on the environment. Secondly, we could make use of waste materials, which would otherwise be dumped or land filled. Although certain waste materials may result in strength deficiencies when utilized in concrete, in certain aspects they could be superior to normal aggregate as a result of the unique characteristics which they possess.