Abstract:
The urgency to develop sustainable building materials has never been more critical in the face of global environmental challenges such as resource depletion and waste management crises. This thesis presents an innovative approach to sustainable construction through the development of lightweight concrete blocks by incorporating artificial lightweight plastic waste aggregate. This research not only addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste accumulation but also explores the potential of recycled plastics to replace traditional aggregates in concrete block production.
The methodology employed involves a detailed experimental analysis where plastic waste is processed into aggregates and then used in varying proportions to replace natural coarse aggregates in concrete mix designs. The plastic aggregates were developed by cleaning, shredding, and melting plastic waste materials, followed by extrusion to form bricks, and then ultimately crushing to aggregate-sized particles. These aggregates were then introduced into concrete mixes at replacement ratios of 0%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% to evaluate their effect on the physical and mechanical properties of the concrete.
Extensive testing, adhering to ASTM standards, was conducted to assess the compressive strength, density, water absorption, and durability of the produced concrete blocks. The tests revealed that concrete blocks with up to 70% plastic aggregate replacement maintained acceptable levels of strength and durability, suggesting a viable pathway for substantial incorporation of plastic waste in non-load-bearing construction applications.
The research demonstrates that lightweight concrete blocks incorporating artificial lightweight plastic waste aggregate offer a promising solution to the dual challenges of waste management and sustainable material sourcing in the construction industry. This study not only advances the body of knowledge in the field of sustainable construction materials but also provides practical implications for waste management, recycling industries, and construction practices.
