Abstract:

General Background: The growing accumulation of PET plastic waste and the depletion of natural aggregates present environmental and material sustainability challenges in concrete construction. Specific Background: Utilizing PET waste combined with sand as artificial coarse aggregate offers a potential alternative, yet its physical suitability must be verified prior to concrete mix application. Knowledge Gap: Many studies directly assess concrete performance without prior validation of the aggregate’s fundamental physical properties against standards. Aims: This study evaluates the physical feasibility of PET–sand artificial aggregates through standardized laboratory testing. Results: Impact value, Los Angeles abrasion, specific gravity (bulk, SSD, apparent), and water absorption values satisfy relevant SNI, ASTM, and BS requirements for coarse aggregates. Novelty: The research emphasizes pre-mix feasibility assessment of molded PET–sand aggregates, providing a systematic material screening stage often omitted in prior works. Implications: The findings indicate that PET–sand artificial aggregates can be considered a viable substitute for natural coarse aggregates, supporting waste reduction and resource conservation while informing subsequent concrete mix design and structural applications.

Highlights

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  PET–sand aggregates meet standard physical requirements for coarse aggregates.

  
  


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  Pre-mix material feasibility is validated prior to concrete performance testing.

  
  


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  Supports sustainable material substitution in structural concrete.

  
  

Keywords: PET Plastic Waste, Artificial Aggregate, Concrete Materials, Physical Properties, Sustainability