INVESTIGATION OF MECHANICAL AND MICROSTRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF INTERLOCKING CONCRETE BLOCK USING RECYCLED PLASTIC WASTE BLENDED WITH CEMENT
Abstract
Increase in various construction activities using cement has led to increase in cement
production which has been associated with significant emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) Nitrogen
dioxide (NO2), Carbon dioxide (CO2) and environmental pollution all of which have adverse effects
on human health. However, HDPE-blended cement concrete will help in reducing the associated
effect of cement the human and environment. This study therefore examined the effect of partial
replacement of cement with the HDPE on mechanical and microstructure properties of the
interlocking concrete blocks (ICB).
HDPE was sourced from Effysy water factory and stone dust was obtained from a quarry site
in Ogbomosho. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was purchased from a retail shop in Ogbomosho.
The HDPE were shredded into particle sizes shredding machine. The coefficients of uniformity and
curvature of stone dust and HDPE were examined through particle size distribution analysis.
Specific gravity of stone dust and HDPE were determined.
Concrete mix ratio of 1:2:4 was adopted with a water cement ratio of 0.5/0.6. HDPE was
replaced at 1,2,3,4 and 5% by weight of OPC. The control sample samples have no inclusion of
HDPE. The workability (Slump and Compacting factor) was determined from fresh concrete. The
compressive strength and splitting tensile strength were examined after 7,14,21 and 28 days of
curing. Microstructural evaluation was conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Coefficient of uniformity of stone dust and HDPE were 7.67 and 1.92, respectively while
coefficients of curvature were 2.01 and 1.21, respectively. Specific gravity value of stone dust and
HDPE were 2.15 and 0.95g/cm3, respectively. The slump test and compacting factor decreased
from 70 mm to 30 mm and 0.95 to 0.76 mm respectively. The Compressive strength of HDPE
blended concrete varied from 2.32 to 6.00N/mm2 as the HDPE content varied from 1 to 5%,
respectively. Splitting tensile strength ranged from 2.32 to 6N/mm2, respectively.
The addition of HDPE improved the workability and strength characteristics of the HDPE
concrete. The addition of HDPE in the dosage of 2wt% is recommended.
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