Use of Recycled Plastic Waste from Electrical Cable Recycling Processes as Fillers in Concrete for Paving Block Production and the Associated Slip Risk

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Abstract
The use of plastic waste as a filler in concrete, particularly in paving block production, represents an approach aligned with circular economy principles. While previous studies have focused on mechanical properties, the effect of such materials on slip risk remains insufficiently investigated, especially for pedestrian applications. This study evaluates the influence of the volumetric content of recycled plastic waste from electrical cable insulation on slip resistance of concrete paving blocks. A series of specimens was prepared with 0–45% replacement of natural aggregate by granulated cable insulation (GCI). Slip resistance was measured using the British Pendulum Tester and expressed as Skid Resistance Value (SRV) after statistical processing. Two sliders were used, Mounted Shoe 55 and Mounted Shoe 96, corresponding to road and pedestrian conditions. The results show that increasing GCI content reduces mass by approximately 9.6 g per 1% GCI, reaching a reduction of about 20% at 50% GCI. For polished surfaces, SRV increased up to 77 (MS55) and 75 (MS96) at 40–45% GCI. For ground surfaces, optimal performance was observed at 10% GCI, while higher contents reduced SRV and caused mechanical degradation above 30–35% GCI. The results indicate that optimized GCI content can improve slip resistance while reducing material weight.

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