Mechanical performance and optimization of high-volume fly ash concrete containing plastic wastes and graphene nanoplatelets using response surface methodology

Effect of plastic waste (PW) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) on properties of high-volume fly ash (HVFA) concrete was investigated. Response surface methodology has been used for designing experiment, modelling, and optimization. The variables were PW, HVFA, and GNP, and the responses were strengths and water ab-sorption. PW and HVFA reduce the strengths and absorption while GNP enhances them. The proposed models developed were significant with high level of correlation. Optimized mix was achieved by substituting 15.3% of coarse aggregate using PW, 6.07% of cement using HVFA, and adding GNP at 0.22%, and was experimentally validated with error less than 5%.

Automated summary

The study found that plastic waste and graphene nanoplatelets have a significant impact on the properties of high-volume fly ash concrete, with plastic waste and fly ash reducing the strength and water absorption of the concrete, while graphene nanoplatelets enhance them.