Experimental Analysis of HDPE Plastic Waste as a Partial Substitute for Coarse Aggregate in Concrete Performance

Shiva Prasad SharmaMaster of Science in Construction Management, United Technical College Bharatpur ward no-11, Chitwan Affiliated to Pokhara University, Nepal

Vol 10 No 7 (2026): Volume 10, Issue 7, July 2026 | Pages: 119-136

International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology

OPEN ACCESS | Research Article | Published Date: 31-07-2026

doi Logo doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2026.107014

Abstract

Hard plastic waste recycling and reuse is a good strategy that would minimize waste management issues and encourage the construction industry to use lightweight concrete. This paper examines the use of hard plastic waste and especially HDPE as a partial substitute of the natural coarse aggregate in M25 concrete. Plastic coarse aggregate (PCA) was added in the replacement proportions of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 percent and the concrete was tested with respect to workability and mechanical property, such as compressive, split tensile and flexural strength following the IS 10262:2019 guidelines. These findings show that concrete containing 10%PCA substitute is structurally performing at an acceptable level with slight changes in the strength, but beyond 10% replacement levels, compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength are lost significantly. Reductions of 3.21 and 6.42 percent at 5 and 10 percent PCA respectively were realized, which enhances the manufacture of lightweight concrete. Despite a reduction in workability as the content of PCA increased, all mixes were still appropriate to general building. The paper singles out the prospect of plastic infused concrete as a eco-friendly construction product and a solution to the problem of plastic waste in Khairahani, Chitwan. 

Keywords

M25 Mix design, Hard HDPE Waste Plastic, PCA, Workability, Admixtures.


Citation of this Article

Shiva Prasad Sharma. (2026). Experimental Analysis of HDPE Plastic Waste as a Partial Substitute for Coarse Aggregate in Concrete Performance. International Research Journal of Innovations in Engineering and Technology - IRJIET, 10(7), 119-136. Article DOI https://doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2026.107014

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