UK study shows waste plastic can replace sand in concrete

The study, conducted in partnership with India’s Goa Engineering College, was prompted by India’s booming construction sector and a sand shortage the country is enduring as a result. It's estimated more than 20 billion tons of concrete are produced globally each year, making it the world’s second most consumed substance after fresh water. Sand typically comprises 30 per cent of any concrete mixture. By replacing 10 per cent of that sand with finely ground plastic particles, the Bath team estimates that over 800 million tonnes of sand could be saved.

Published in the journal Construction and Building Materials, the research explored the impact of five finely graded plastics on the structural strength of concrete tubes and cylinders. It was found that sand-sized PET particles from recycled plastic bottles provided the best results, achieving a target compressive strength of 54 MPa, similar to that of structural concrete.