Authors :
M. E. Gukas; M. Pam; Jonathan D. Chong; J. A. Adeosun
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 7 - July
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3TmGbDi
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/ycy2ymhb
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8268916
Abstract :
Plastic has become a material that has gained
acceptance for application in so many aspects of human
activities and it is therefore widely used around the world.
Its desirability for use is due to its versatility,
compactness, light weight, ease of production and
molding to fit an incredible wide range of needs. Part of
the appeal of plastic comes from the fact that it can be
reused. Common use of plastic materials include food and
drugs packaging, production of bottles and all kinds of
containers, household and work place items, electronics;
the list is endless. In spite of the huge benefits of using
plastic, it also generates huge amount of waste that is toxic
to plants, animals and humans if not properly disposed.
Plastic disposal is difficult due to its long decomposition
period which may take up to 500 years and this has led to
a huge environmental pollution crisis. This research
presents results of experimental work on Plastic Waste
Sand Blocks (PWSB) made from shredded Polyethylene
Terephthalates (PET), High Density Polyethylene
(HDPE) and sand. This is an attempt to further proffer
solutions to plastic waste disposal. The research also tries
to address concerns of accepting new sustainable
strategies and technologies, therefore the test specimens
were prepared using fabricated moulds to conform to
conventional geometry for block moulds. A 1:3 and 1:4
plastic to sand mix ratio and batching by weight was
adopted.Results obtained shows that the compressive
strength of PWSB at 1:3 was 8.58N/mm2 and 9.01N/mm
for 450×225×225 and 450×150×225 geometries
respectively. For 1:4 mix, 9.20 and 12N/mm2 was
recorded, with best results exceeding four times that of
normal block (3.5N/mm2). It was also observed that the
maximum density of PWSB at 1945.90Kg/m3 was less
than that of the control sample at 2110.95Kg/m3.
The water absorption of PWSB was found to be very
minimal. It was therefore recommended that PWSB due
to its high strength in conventional geometry can be used
for construction purposes. It can also be used at
foundation levels without DPC due to its negligible water
absorption.
Plastic has become a material that has gained
acceptance for application in so many aspects of human
activities and it is therefore widely used around the world.
Its desirability for use is due to its versatility,
compactness, light weight, ease of production and
molding to fit an incredible wide range of needs. Part of
the appeal of plastic comes from the fact that it can be
reused. Common use of plastic materials include food and
drugs packaging, production of bottles and all kinds of
containers, household and work place items, electronics;
the list is endless. In spite of the huge benefits of using
plastic, it also generates huge amount of waste that is toxic
to plants, animals and humans if not properly disposed.
Plastic disposal is difficult due to its long decomposition
period which may take up to 500 years and this has led to
a huge environmental pollution crisis. This research
presents results of experimental work on Plastic Waste
Sand Blocks (PWSB) made from shredded Polyethylene
Terephthalates (PET), High Density Polyethylene
(HDPE) and sand. This is an attempt to further proffer
solutions to plastic waste disposal. The research also tries
to address concerns of accepting new sustainable
strategies and technologies, therefore the test specimens
were prepared using fabricated moulds to conform to
conventional geometry for block moulds. A 1:3 and 1:4
plastic to sand mix ratio and batching by weight was
adopted.Results obtained shows that the compressive
strength of PWSB at 1:3 was 8.58N/mm2 and 9.01N/mm
for 450×225×225 and 450×150×225 geometries
respectively. For 1:4 mix, 9.20 and 12N/mm2 was
recorded, with best results exceeding four times that of
normal block (3.5N/mm2). It was also observed that the
maximum density of PWSB at 1945.90Kg/m3 was less
than that of the control sample at 2110.95Kg/m3.
The water absorption of PWSB was found to be very
minimal. It was therefore recommended that PWSB due
to its high strength in conventional geometry can be used
for construction purposes. It can also be used at
foundation levels without DPC due to its negligible water
absorption.
