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Unlock the Potential of Recycled Plastics in Eco-Efficient Concrete

Bret Mitchell

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Recycled Plastic Fibers Mixed Into Concrete Use Of Recycled Plastics In Eco Efficient Concrete (Woodhead Publishing In Civil And Structural Engineering)

Use of Recycled Plastics in Eco efficient Concrete (Woodhead Publishing in Civil and Structural Engineering)

Use of Recycled Plastics in Eco-efficient Concrete (Woodhead Publishing Series in Civil and Structural Engineering)

by Fernando Pacheco-Torgal

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	198989 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	469 pages

Transforming the Construction Industry Towards Sustainability

The construction industry is facing increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint. One promising solution is the use of recycled plastics in concrete, which can significantly enhance the sustainability of this ubiquitous building material.

The Problem: Plastic Waste and Concrete Production

Plastic pollution is a global crisis, with millions of tons of plastic waste ending up in landfills and oceans each year. Meanwhile, concrete production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions.

The Solution: Recycling Plastics for Eco-Efficient Concrete

The 'Use of Recycled Plastics in Eco-Efficient Concrete' book explores the potential of using recycled plastics to address both of these challenges. It provides comprehensive insights into:

Types of recycled plastics suitable for concrete applications
Methods for incorporating plastics into concrete mixes
Mechanical and durability properties of recycled plastic concrete
Environmental benefits of using recycled plastics in concrete
Case studies and best practices from around the world

Benefits of Using Recycled Plastics in Concrete

Incorporating recycled plastics into concrete offers numerous benefits, including:

Reduced environmental impact by diverting plastic waste from landfills and reducing CO2 emissions
Improved mechanical properties such as increased strength, ductility, and toughness
Enhanced durability against moisture penetration, freeze-thaw cycles, and chemical attack
Reduced weight, making concrete easier to handle and transport
Potential cost savings through the use of recycled materials

Applications of Eco-Efficient Concrete

Eco-efficient concrete made with recycled plastics can be used in a wide range of applications, including:

Structural elements such as beams, columns, and slabs
Non-structural elements such as pavements, curbs, and tiles
Precast products such as blocks, pipes, and culverts
Specialized applications such as lightweight concrete, self-compacting concrete, and fiber-reinforced concrete

The 'Use of Recycled Plastics in Eco-Efficient Concrete' book is an essential resource for engineers, architects, contractors, and researchers seeking to reduce the environmental impact of construction while enhancing the performance and durability of concrete structures. By embracing the use of recycled plastics, the construction industry can take a significant step towards sustainability and a more circular economy.