Published Paper Details:

The rapid growth of urbanization and industrial development has led to a significant increase in construction activities, resulting in massive consumption of natural resources and the generation of large volumes of construction and plastic waste. Conventional concrete, while strong and versatile, heavily relies on virgin aggregates, contributing to the depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation. This project explores a sustainable alternative by integrating recycled aggregates and plastic waste into concrete production, aiming to reduce environmental impact while maintaining or enhancing the material's performance. The study investigates the mechanical and durability properties of concrete mixes incorporating varying proportions of recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) and shredded plastic waste. A detailed experimental methodology is adopted, including slump tests for workability and compressive strength tests at different curing intervals to assess performance. The results indicate that the optimized use of recycled materials does not significantly compromise strength and, in certain mixes, improves durability by enhancing resistance to microcracking and shrinkage. Additionally, this approach offers substantial environmental benefits by minimizing landfill usage, lowering carbon emissions, and conserving natural stone resources. The research supports the feasibility of incorporating waste materials in concrete for structural and non-structural applications, promoting the transition toward greener and more resource-efficient construction practices. Furthermore, this initiative aligns with global sustainability goals and contributes to circular economy models in the construction industry. It emphasizes the dual benefits of waste management and material innovation, paving the way for future studies and potential standardization. With increasing emphasis on sustainable development, the construction sector must adapt to innovative material solutions like this to ensure long-term environmental and economic viability.