Recycled plastics in structural engineering

In this master thesis, a green sustainable material made of recycled plastics and bioplastics has been created and analyzed to determine applications in structural engineering. Recycled PMMA and bioplastic PLA were combined into a miscible blend, enhancing each of its components’ properties. Proving to be rigid enough to be utilized in structural engineering, the newly created polymer was integrated in a modelization of roof beams for a carport. Also, guadua bamboo’s stems were interlocked into the polymer matrix to explore potential enhanced mechanical properties. Two sections were retained and appeared to be a very good substitute to timber. However, reinforcement with bamboos did not show substantial improvement. This thesis embraces the global worldwide circular economy strategy.