Experimental investigation on recycling of waste pharmaceutical blister powder as partial replacement of fine aggregate in concrete

Abstract

A novel and sustainable solution to recycle the pharmaceutical blister (PB), a medical waste, by replacing them with fine aggregates in the concrete has been presented here. Recycling of waste PB is often difficult and can demand high energy consumption. In this study, the waste PB were grinded and used as replacement of fine aggregate (sand) at substitution levels of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% by weight of sand per cubic meter of concrete. The compressive, flexural, and tensile strength as well as the water absorption of concrete mixes was investigated. Although results report a loss of compressive, flexural, and tensile strength compared to standard mix, the target design strength is achieved in all the mixes. The water absorption criterion is also met as per the codal provisions. Thus, the outcomes of the study encourage the proposed method of recycling the waste PB in concrete.