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This experimental research investigates the mechanical properties of municipal plastic waste-based particulate composites reinforced with coal ash (CA), the by-product of thermal power plants, for sustainable railway sleepers. Six series of sustainable composites filled with inorganic mineral fillers, including CA, were prepared by a twin-screw extruder and a compression molding machine. The effect of mix design variables—such as filler type, contents and the particle size of the filler—on mechanical properties—including tensile, compression and flexural properties—and morphology were characterized. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the morphology of the composites, which revealed the uniform dispersion of fillers in the polymer matrix. The study results conclude that the recycled plastic-based composite with the addition of CA up to 60% is suitable for railway sleeper applications. This experimental study may provide new insight into the railway applications of the developed composites under service loading conditions including traffic loading and earthquake.

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To mitigate environmental challenges, such as urban flooding, noise pollution, and the urban heat island effect, pervious concrete has been developed. This research was intended to develop pervious concrete made from ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) to further decrease the environmental impact of the construction sector by reducing the content of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The primary objective of the mix proportion was to maximize water permeability while meeting the required compressive strength. Two levels (60 and 100%) of OPC replacement by GGBFS were evaluated and compared to OPC-only concrete, and two target porosities (10 and 15%) were achieved by modifying the binder-to-aggregate ratio. CaO and CaCl2 were utilized as an activator and an accelerator, respectively, for the GGBFS only binder. Characteristics of the pervious concrete were determined with the compressive strength, porosity and water permeability test. Meanwhile, the effects of the rheological properties of binders on the water permeability and compressive strength of pervious concretes was evaluated. According to the results, the permeability of pervious concretes always exhibited a positive correlation with porosity, regardless of binder type. Although, the pervious concrete made with CaO-activated GGBFS has a lower compressive strength than the other two cases (60% GGBFS and only OPC), it still meets the minimum strength requirement. Based on the rheology studies of binder, it was found that, the adhesion force of the binder and the compressive strength of the pervious concrete decreases, as evaluated by rheology studies on binders. The CT scan revealed that when the adhesive force of the binder was weaker, the local porosity was higher (i.e., pore volume was larger) at the bottom of the specimen, which might be due to the limited consolidation and compaction of the binder between aggregate particles at the bottom due to its higher plastic viscosity.

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