Open Access

REVIEW

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

Mahmoud Alhashash¹, Abdullah Alariyan², Ameen Mokhles Youns³, Favzi Ghreivati⁴, Ahed Habib^5,*, Maan Habib⁶

1 Department of Civil Engineering, Cyprus International University, Nicosia, 99628, North Cyprus via Mersin 10, Türkiye
2 Department of Civil Engineering, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, 99628, Cyprus
3 Department of Architecture, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, 99628, Cyprus
4 Departement of Civil Engineering, İstanbul Kültür Üniversitesi, Istanbul, 34156, Türkiye
5 Research Institute of Sciences and Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
6 Faculty of Civil Engineering, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria

* Corresponding Author: Ahed Habib. Email:

(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Sustainable and Durable Construction Materials)

Structural Durability & Health Monitoring 2026, 20(1), . https://doi.org/10.32604/sdhm.2025.070194

Received 10 July 2025; Accepted 11 September 2025; Issue published 08 January 2026

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.

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