Mechanical and durability performance of concrete made using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic from waste-EEE as a partial replacement of the coarse aggregate

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a study focused on assessing the mechanical strength, durability performance and microstructure of concrete produced using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic derived from waste electrical and electronic equipment as aggregate. Granulated waste ABS replaced the coarse natural aggregate by volume in proportions of 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. All concrete mixes were cured by precarbonation followed by water curing to improve early-age concrete performance in addition to conventional water curing alone. Mechanical and durability indexing tests (oxygen permeability, water sorptivity and chloride conductivity) results indicate a reduced compressive strength and durability index with increased waste ABS aggregate replacements. Even so, mixes made using substitutions ≤75% waste ABS aggregate achieved structural strength and satisfactory durability performance at 28-days. Prediction models for reinforced concrete exposed to an inland environment suggest a cover depth of 60 mm and 30 mm for concrete made using 100% waste ABS subjected to water curing alone and precarbonation, respectively. In contrast, prediction models for mixes exposed to coastal regions require a cover depth of 80 mm when made using 25% waste ABS cured using water alone, while 100% waste ABS may be used when subjected to precarbonation curing. Statistical data indicate a strong correlation between the nature of the interfacial transition zone and the observed strength and durability performance.