The use of waste plastics in concrete pavement block is a partial solution to the environmental and ecological challenges associated with the use of plastics. The aim of this research is to reduce environmental pollution by using waste PET bottles to produce pavement blocks. In this study, Voltic bottles were first used to replace cement in the production of pavement blocks.
The polymeric material was first shredded and melted in an aluminum container at a temperature range of 250 ºC - 260 ºC and the quarry dust and sand were added in their respective ratios. In another set of studies, the waste Voltic bottles were used as a partial replacement for quarry dust in the manufacturing of pavement blocks. The cleaned waste plastics bottles were first cut into flakes and then incorporated into the concrete mixture. Test conducted involved the effect of sulphuric acid on the weight of pavement, its water absorption and compressive strength.
In the first studies, when PET bottles were used to replace cement, the results obtained had the compressive strength almost the same as that of the control sample which contain no plastic. The percentage water absorbed was less and it also had good resistance for acid. In the second studies when PET was used to replace quarry dust partially, the compressive strength was a little bit lower than the control. Its water absorption was less and it also had good resistance to acid. From the above findings, PET pavement blocks have a good strength and can therefore be used for any construction work.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
1.2 Problem Statement
1.3 Main objective
1.4 Specific objectives
1.5 Scope of the study
1.6 Justification
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Concrete
2.2 Concrete pavement blocks
2:2:1 Properties of concrete pavement block
2:2:2 Specification requirements of a good concrete pavement block
2:3 Polymers
2:4 Polymer modified concrete
2:4:1 Polymer impregnated concrete
2:4:2 Polymer cement concrete
2:4:3 Polymer concrete
2:5 Interactions between polymer and cement
2:6 Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
2:6:1 Properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
2:6:2 Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in concrete work
2:7 Solid waste management in Ghana
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Materials
3.1.1 Cement
3.1.2 Fine Aggregates
3.1.3 Quarry dust
3.1.4 Polymeric Material
3.1.5 Water
3.1.6 Sulphuric Acid,H2SO4
3.2 Equipment
3.3 Preparation of Samples
3.3.1 Mix Proportion
3.3.2 Mixing, Casting, Curing for complete replacement of cement with PET
3.3.3 Mixing, Casting, Curing for partial replacement of quarry dust with PET
3.4 Test conducted
3.4.1 Compressive strength, ASTM C39 (2014)
3:4:2 Water absorption test, ASTM (936)
3:4:3 Effects of H2SO4 on the weight of dry pavement blocks
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Results
4:2 Discussions
4:2:1 Compressive strength ASTM C39 (2014)
4:2:2 Water absorption test
4:2:3 Effect of sulphuric acid on the weight of pavements
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Conclusion
5.2 Recommendations
Objectives and Topics
This research aims to evaluate the viability of repurposing waste PET plastic bottles as a component in the manufacturing of concrete pavement blocks to mitigate environmental pollution in Ghana. The study investigates the material properties and durability of these modified blocks under various experimental conditions.
- Environmental impact of waste plastic and current management challenges in Ghana
- Methods for integrating recycled PET as a binder or aggregate replacement in concrete
- Comparative analysis of compressive strength in traditional vs. polymer-modified pavements
- Assessment of water absorption and durability in acidic environments
- Cost and structural potential of using recycled materials in local construction
Excerpt from the book
1.1 Background to the Study
Economic growth and changing consumption patterns are resulting in the rapid increasein theuse of plastics in the world. The consumption of plastic materials has increased from 5 million tons in the 1950s to 100 million tons in the 2000s (Wusu-Sekyere Ebenezer, 2013).
In Ghana, about 10 to 15% of our municipal solid wastes produced consist of plastics. The amount of plastic waste is ever increasing due to increase in human population, developmental activities, and changes in lifestyle and socio-economic conditions (Frederick, 2015). Plastic wasteis a significant portion of the total municipal solid waste.Therefore there should be the need for proper waste management system.
Solid waste management is one of the major environmental concerns in Ghana. Landfills are becoming scarce and the cost in building landfill sites are increasing.The only ones we have here is the dumping sites which is been managed by the MMDAs and some sanitation agencies.
During transportation of wastes from homes and industries by these sanitation agencies to the dumping sites some fallout from the trucks into gutters. Moreover plastics arebeing littered andmisused all over the country and nowcausing threat to the nation. Some of these problems associated with plastic waste in Ghana include:
1. Plastics block drains and gutters and causes floods.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: This chapter introduces the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste in Ghana and defines the objectives for exploring PET bottles in pavement construction.
CHAPTER TWO: Provides a comprehensive overview of concrete, polymer-modified concrete technology, the chemical properties of PET, and existing waste management issues.
CHAPTER THREE: Details the experimental procedures, including material preparation, mixture proportions, and specific lab tests for compressive strength, water absorption, and acid resistance.
CHAPTER FOUR: Presents and discusses the experimental results, comparing control specimens with those containing PET replacements, and analyzing the impact of these additions on pavement durability.
CHAPTER FIVE: Concludes that waste PET is suitable for pavement production and offers recommendations for future research on thermal and UV stability.
Keywords
Water absorption, waste Voltic bottles, Acid test, Compressive strength, PET, Plastic waste, Construction, Concrete pavement, Recycling, Polymer modified concrete, Sustainability, Waste management, Structural integrity, Durability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on evaluating the suitability of using waste Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles in the production of concrete pavement blocks.
What are the central themes of this study?
The key themes include environmental waste management, polymer-modified concrete technology, material strength, and durability under environmental stress.
What is the main objective of the thesis?
The main objective is to determine if waste PET bottles can effectively serve as a binder or partial aggregate replacement in the development of construction pavement blocks.
Which scientific methods are applied in the study?
The study uses experimental laboratory testing including compressive strength tests (ASTM C39), water absorption tests (ASTM 936), and chemical resistance tests using sulphuric acid.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body covers the theoretical background of polymers and concrete, the step-by-step methodology for sample preparation and testing, and a detailed analysis of the performance results.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include water absorption, compressive strength, acid resistance, recycled PET, and polymer-modified concrete.
How does the addition of PET affect water absorption in the blocks?
The study finds that blocks with PET content generally exhibit different water absorption characteristics compared to control samples, often showing improved resistance due to the hydrophobic nature of the plastic.
Did the use of PET replace cement or aggregate?
The study explored two approaches: using shredded PET as a direct replacement for cement and as a partial replacement for quarry dust.
What were the final recommendations of the author?
The author recommends further investigation into the thermal properties and UV exposure stability of the blocks and suggests the use of mechanical mixers to ensure greater uniformity in future composite mixtures.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Ike Skie Bee Tuffour (Autor:in), 2016, Development of pavement blocks using waste PET bottles, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/324198
