Recent Efforts on the Compressive and Tensile Strength Behavior of Thermoplastic-Based Recycled Aggregate Concrete toward Sustainability in Construction Materials

Abstract

Concrete production often relies on natural aggregates, which can lead to resource depletion and environmental harm. In addition, improper disposal of thermoplastic waste exacerbates ecological problems. Although significant attention has recently been given to recycling various waste materials into concrete, studies specifically addressing thermoplastic recycled aggregates are still trending. This underscores the need to comprehensively review existing literature, identify research trends, and recognize gaps in understanding the mechanical performance of thermoplastic-based recycled aggregate concrete. Accordingly, this review summarizes recent investigations focused on the mechanical properties of thermoplastic-based recycled aggregate concrete, emphasizing aspects such as compressive strength, tensile behavior, modulus of elasticity, and durability characteristics. The primary aim is to consolidate scattered research findings, identify key parameters influencing mechanical behavior, and propose future research directions. Understanding the influence of recycled thermoplastic aggregates on concrete performance significantly supports sustainable construction practices by reducing dependency on virgin aggregates and mitigating environmental impacts associated with waste disposal. In addition, assessing mechanical performance contributes to confidence in the practical application, encouraging the broader adoption of thermoplastic-based recycled aggregate concrete in construction projects. Through this critical synthesis, the review guides researchers and industry practitioners toward informed decisions on the feasibility and reliability of integrating thermoplastic waste into concrete, thereby promoting sustainable infrastructure development. © © 2025 The Authors. Published by Tech Science Press. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.