Concrete Construction and Poured Concrete Foundation Materials

HDPE, polycarbonate, and styrene plastics for constructing concrete structures, including formwork, moisture barriers, expansion joint fillers, insulating walls, and pipe embedment. (NAICS 238110, SIC 1771)

There are several ways in which plastics can be incorporated into concrete applications. Plastic formwork from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polycarbonate can create reusable molds for casting concrete. These plastic molds are lightweight, durable, and easy to handle, which can help to reduce construction time and labor costs. HDPE is also used for moisture barriers and joint fillers in concrete structures. Expanded polystyrene foam can be used as insulation in concrete walls and floors. The foam panels are placed between the concrete and the exterior or interior finish, providing thermal insulation and reducing energy costs.

Properties

Strong and durable
Impact resistant
Lightweight
Easy to handle
Good insulating properties

Applications

Reinforcement
Formwork
Insulation
Casting molds

Industries

Residential building construction
Commercial and institutional building construction
Civil engineering
Highway, street, and bridge construction (see Bridge, Tunnel, and Elevated Highway Construction)

Concrete Construction Materials Overview

What plastics are used in concrete construction?

Using rigid plastics in concrete construction can improve concrete structures' performance, durability, and sustainability. By providing lightweight, durable, and easy-to-handle materials for formwork, insulation, and other applications, rigid plastics can help to reduce construction time, labor costs, and environmental impact.

Plastics for concrete construction applications fall under NAICS code #238110 and SIC code #1771.

Concrete Construction Materials Resources & PDFs

Customers Also Asked:

How does polystyrene plastic aid in concrete construction?

Rigid foam insulation, such as expanded polystyrene, can be used as insulation in concrete walls and floors. The foam panels are placed between the concrete and the exterior or interior finish, providing thermal insulation and reducing energy costs.

How does HDPE plastic aid in concrete construction?

HDPE sheets can be used as formwork to create molds for concrete structures and can be reused multiple times, making it a cost-effective and sustainable option. HDPE sheets can be placed between layers of concrete or on top of the subgrade before the concrete is poured to create moisture barriers. HDPE strips can be used as expansion joint filler in concrete structures. These flexible strips can be easily compressed and inserted into joints between concrete slabs or structures to allow for movement and prevent cracking.

How does HDPE aid with pipe embedment in concrete structures?

HDPE pipes can be embedded in concrete structures to provide drainage or convey fluids. HDPE pipes are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and withstand high pressures and temperatures.

Can plastic be used in concrete?

Plastic fibers, such as polypropylene or nylon, can be added to concrete to improve its tensile strength, impact resistance, and durability. The fibers help to distribute stresses within the concrete and prevent cracking.

Does cement react with plastic?

Cement does not react with plastic in general, as they are chemically inert to each other. However, the type of plastic and its properties can affect the performance of concrete when used together. Concrete also sticks very well to plastic. It is important to select the appropriate plastic material and use it in the right way to ensure compatibility with the concrete and to achieve the desired performance of the structure.

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Acrylonitrile, CAS 107-13-1, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Styrene, CAS 100-42-5, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Bisphenol A, CAS 80-05-7, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: The products on this page can expose you to chemicals including Polyvinyl Chloride, CAS 9002-86-2, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.