Work

Recycled Electric and Electronic Waste in Concrete: A Review of Mechanical Performance and Sustainability Potential with a Case Study in Romania

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines the use of electronic waste (e-waste) as an alternative material in concrete for sustainability and natural resource conservation. Various e-wastes, such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP), Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), polyethylene (PE), electronic cable waste (ECW), Waste Electrical Cable Rubber (WECR), copper fiber (Cu Fib.), aluminum Fibers (Al fib.), steel fibers, basalt fibers, glass fibers, aramid−carbon fibers, Kevlar fibers, jute fibers, and optical fibers, were tested for influence on compressive, flexural, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and water absorption. Outcomes show that fine particle waste at low levels (0.2–1.5%) can improve mechanical performance, while higher levels of replacement or coarse particles generally reduce performance. Mechanical and physical properties are highly sensitive to material type, particle size, and dose. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and predictive modeling are recommended as validation for sustainability benefits.

Source: CivilEng

DOI: 10.3390/civileng7010002

Authors: Cristian Georgeoi, Ioan Petran, Camelia Maria Negrutiu, Pavel Ioan Sosa

Institution: Technical University of Cluj-Napoca

Language: English

Topic: Recycled Aggregate Concrete Performance

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,448