VALIDATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF HDPE-CONCRETE AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION

Manuel Gutiérrez; Erubey Soriano; Alejandro Sánchez; Julio Calderón; Leonel García; Carlos Salazar

doi:10.5937/jaes0-61618

Manuel Gutiérrez Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Faculty of Engineering Mexicali, Department of Civil Engineering, Mexicali, Mexico https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8371-7354
Erubey Soriano Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Faculty of Engineering Mexicali, Department of Civil Engineering, Mexicali, Mexico https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5394-4628
Alejandro Sánchez Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Faculty of Engineering Mexicali, Department of Civil Engineering, Mexicali, Mexico https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1313-3200
Julio Calderón Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Faculty of Engineering Mexicali, Department of Civil Engineering, Mexicali, Mexico https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2841-0127
Leonel García Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Faculty of Engineering Mexicali, Department of Civil Engineering, Mexicali, Mexico https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4504-1573
Carlos Salazar Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Faculty of Engineering Mexicali, Department of Civil Engineering, Mexicali, Mexico https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5237-5539

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5937/jaes0-61618

Keywords: HDPE-concrete, concrete strength, sustainable concrete

Abstract

Concrete is the most widely used material in global construction, which generates high demand for natural resources and a significant carbon footprint. In response to these challenges, incorporating plastic waste, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), has been proposed as a sustainable alternative to reduce dependence on natural aggregates and mitigate plastic pollution. This study evaluates the mechanical performance of concrete with partial replacements of HDPE at 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 30% in sand to produce HDPE-concrete, which is compared against a control mix with 0% replacement. Optimal replacement percentages have been identified in the literature, and 64 specimens were prepared and tested to determine the concrete's behavior, including its strength and flexural performance, to validate the advantages and disadvantages of each replacement in the search for the optimal configuration of sustainable concrete. Results showed that 5% and 7.5% replacement levels achieved optimal compressive (409 kg/cm²) and flexural (49 kg/cm²) strengths, respectively. Although these mixes exhibit slower strength gain reaching peak values at 28 days, lower replacement rates showed superior 7-day strength. Conversely, higher replacement levels increased recycling volume, reduced unit weight and slump, and raised air content without compromising the paste-aggregate bond. The findings suggest that HDPE-concrete is a promising solution for the construction industry, as it not only promotes the circular economy of plastic waste but also offers adequate mechanical performance, making it a viable and eco-friendly alternative for building material production.

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