Evaluation of structural lightweight concrete produced utilizing crushed medical solid waste materials

In the reported study, lightweight concrete mixtures were prepared by utilizing different dosages of crushed medical solid waste as a partial replacement of normal coarse aggregate. An additive was used to ensure a good bond between plastic waste particles and other concrete ingredients. A slump test was conducted on each mixture to measure the workability. Specimens were prepared to evaluate their density, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, modulus of rupture, and modulus of elasticity. The properties of the developed concrete mixtures were compared with those of the reference concrete mixture prepared without any waste material. The unit weight, workability, and mechanical properties of the developed concrete decreased significantly with the increasing quantity of medical solid waste. However, because of the reduced unit weight of the developed concrete, a mixture with 50 to 75 % plastic materials can be used as a structural lightweight concrete.