Study on the effects of sulphuric acid attack on Normal Concrete Replaced with fine Plastic Wastes

This study investigated the performance of normal-concrete with fine waste plastic particles replacement against sulphuric acid attack by determining the workability, reduction of compressive strengths of cured specimens, and water absorption of waste plastic-concrete when exposed to sulphuric acid (H2SO4). Waste plastic was incorporated as a partial replacement for fine aggregate at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. A total of one hundred and twenty cubes were cast, and they were cured in water for up to 56 days. The first 60 cubes underwent a compressive strength test at 7, 14, 28, and 56 days, whereas the remaining 60 cubes were cured in water for 28 days and later exposed to a 5% solution of sulphuric acid, and then tested for compressive strength at 7, 14, 28, and 56 days. Compressive strength test, water absorption test and Slump test were performed according to BS EN 12350-2 (2009), BS 1881-122 (2011), and BS EN 12350-2 (2009) respectively. According to the test result, the workability (slump) of waste plastic–concrete increases with an increase in waste plastic replacing fine aggregate in the mix. The compressive strength of waste plastic concrete shows an increase in strength with an increase in curing days even at and the incorporation of a higher percentage of waste plastic. The percentage increase of waste plastic in the mix yields more resistance to sulphuric acid. The research has shown a reduction in the weight of concrete with an increase in the percentage of waste plastic and an exposure period, while an increase in water absorption was observed. To increase concrete’s resistance against sulphuric acid attack, it is concluded that an optimum replacement of fine aggregate with waste plastic in concrete production should be limited to 5% replacement