The growing concern over environmental degradation and the depletion of natural resources has prompted significant research into sustainable construction practices. This study explores the potential utilization of Electric Arc Furnace Slag (EAFS), an industrial by-product, and recycled plastic waste as partial substitutes for cement and coarse aggregate, respectively, in rigid pavement concrete. The primary objective is to enhance material efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve the mechanical performance of concrete used in highway infrastructure.

An experimental program was designed to evaluate the suitability of EAFS as a cementitious material and plastic waste as a coarse aggregate replacement. Various mix proportions were developed using M40 grade concrete, and comprehensive laboratory testing was conducted to determine the compressive, flexural, and split tensile strengths at curing intervals of 7, 14, and 28 days. Standard characterization tests were also performed on individual materials to assess their physical and chemical properties in accordance with relevant IS codes.

The results indicate that a 20% replacement of cement with EAFS resulted in an increase of 4.58 MPa in 7-day compressive strength compared to control samples. Similarly, the optimum replacement level for coarse aggregate with plastic waste was found to be 2.5% for early strength (7 and 14 days) and 5% for long-term (28-day) performance. The study also includes a comparative analysis with theoretical data from previous research, validating the observed trends and confirming the structural viability of the proposed waste-based concrete mixes.

This research demonstrates that the incorporation of recycled industrial and plastic wastes in rigid pavement concrete not only supports environmental sustainability but also provides satisfactory performance in terms of strength and durability, making it a viable option for modern highway construction.