International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056 Volume: 13 Issue: 05 | May 2026
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p-ISSN: 2395-0072
MICROSTRUCTURAL AND MECHANICAL INSIGHTS OF CONCRETE INCORPORATING SHREDDED PLASTIC AND CRUMB RUBBER Girish Kumar[1]; Dishmita Das[2]; Zaid Musarrat[3]; Priyanka Singh[4] Department of Civil Engineering, Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------------ABSTRACT- The quick rise in plastic waste and old car tires has generated major environmental difficulties because they can't break down and are thrown away in the wrong way. This research investigates the microstructural and mechanical characteristics of concrete that integrates crumb rubber and shredded plastic as partial replacements for fine aggregates. We mixed M30-grade concrete with different amounts of replacements and tested them for both fresh and hardened quality. We used slump and compaction factor tests to see how easy it was to work with concrete, and we used rebound hammer and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests after 28 days of curing to see how strong it was when it was firm. The tests indicated that moderate amounts of replacement made the workability better, but higher amounts of replacement made the compressive strength poorer because the cement matrix and waste elements didn't connect as well. Concrete with a low replacement rate, on the other hand, was robust enough for usage that didn't involve building. The study reveals that employing shredded plastic and crumb rubber can improve the environment, save natural resources, and support building approaches that are helpful for sustainable future. So, using trash to make concrete is a green way to build infrastructure that will last.
1 INTRODUCTION The construction industry is essential for socio-economic development, providing infrastructure such as buildings, roads, and utilities. With rapid urbanization, the demand for construction materials—especially concrete—has increased significantly. Concrete, composed of cement, water, and aggregates, relies heavily on fine aggregates like natural sand, which improve strength and workability. However, excessive sand extraction has caused environmental issues such as riverbank erosion and ecological imbalance, creating a need for sustainable alternatives. At the same time, non-biodegradable wastes like plastic and rubber are accumulating rapidly, posing serious environmental and health risks due to improper disposal methods like burning and dumping. A sustainable solution is the use of these waste materials in concrete. Crumb rubber from waste tyres and shredded plastic from recycled waste can partially replace fine aggregates. Rubber improves flexibility and impact resistance, while plastic reduces density and enhances durability. However, strength may decrease due to weak bonding. This study evaluates their effects on concrete properties, aiming to promote sustainable construction and efficient waste management. 1.1
Background and Environmental Concerns
Conventional concrete production is associated with several environmental and resource-related challenges affecting sustainability. The continuous use of natural resources, high energy demand, and waste accumulation require a shift from traditional practices. The major concerns are as follows: Natural Resource Depletion: Concrete requires large quantities of sand and gravel, extracted from rivers and quarries. Excessive mining disturbs ecosystems, lowers groundwater levels, and causes erosion, while quarrying leads to deforestation and land degradation. Carbon Emissions: Cement production releases significant CO₂ during clinkerformation, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Energy Consumption: Processes like extraction, crushing, transportation, and mixing consume high energy, increasing the carbon footprint.
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