Sustainable materials optimization for improved structural performance of concrete pavement

The demand for sustainable infrastructure has led to the utilization of alternative green materials for construction purposes. This study evaluates the inclusion of waste glass cullet, waste glass powder, waste plastic powder and quartz powder in concrete mix for the purpose of promoting sustainability in the construction industry. The percentage proportioning of these constituent materials as partial replacement for fine aggregate and cement was done by the Box Behnken Design of Response Surface Methodology. Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of the concrete. The study also investigates the optimal proportions of each of these materials for enhanced concrete performance. The experimental results showed that the inclusion of these waste materials led to about 4.19% increase in compressive and flexural strengths while the split tensile strength increased by over 35% and water absorption capacity of the concrete was reduced by over 70%. The optimal values for incorporating waste glass cullet, waste glass powder, waste plastic powder and quartz powder achieved were 46.83%, 3.26%, 18.10% and 3.75% respectively. The model prediction was validated through a laboratory experiment, and the results were in good agreement with the model. The use of these materials will reduce the amount of conventional materials in concrete, thereby enhancing performance and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.