Properties of concrete incorporating plastic wastes and its applications: A comprehensive review

The impact of plastic waste (PW) on the environment is immense, and urgent action is needed to address this issue. However, there is a promising solution that can make a significant difference. By incorporating different forms of plastic waste in concrete, it is possible to reduce plastic waste accumulation and create a much-needed change in the construction industry. The use of plastic waste in concrete is a step towards a cleaner and more sustainable environment. While it may not compete with natural aggregate concrete in most aspects, it has exceptional thermal and sound insulation properties. This article reviewed the properties of concrete incorporating different forms of plastic waste. The mechanical, physical, durability, sound, and thermal properties have been discussed first, followed by their application to various structural members. It has been found that, in nearly all aspects, the concrete incorporating plastic waste is inferior to that of natural aggregate concrete, except in the thermal and sound insulation properties. Recent advancements in the use of machine learning models to predict the properties of concrete incorporating PW are discussed. Moreover, the study highlights the need for further research and development to promote the adoption of this type of concrete in the construction industry.