Evaluating the Structural Integrity and Performance of Polyethylene Terephthalate and Low-Density Polyethylene-Based Interlocking Bricks for Sustainable Construction

Authors

  • Abubakar Abdullahi Garbati Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Russia https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5760-012X
  • Muhammed Awwal Imran Department of Building, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8451-8575
  • Caleb Chisom Chike Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1483-9181
  • Emmanuel Nwaka Nwaka Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4159-1166
  • Ugochukwu Chibuzo Akomah Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7606-6674
  • Ihechimere Jael Ogueri Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5648-1097
  • Samuel Oluwasijibomi Olaremi Department of Project Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9618-917X
  • Akinsanmi S. Ige Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Arizona, USA
  • Amaku Chukwuebuka Marcellinus Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1360-4923
  • Christopher Olayinka Osasona Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0114-8196
  • Uzoma Eucharia Ibeanu Department of Membrane Materials and Process Engineering, University of Chemistry and Technology, Czech Republic https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6837-8205

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewAAES42024198

Keywords:

polymeric interlocking bricks, compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption, PET plastic waste

Abstract

The increasing accumulation of plastic waste poses significant environmental challenges, contributing to pollution and resource depletion. The construction industry, traditionally reliant on non-renewable materials, faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. This study addresses the urgent need for innovative solutions that utilize recycled plastics in construction, thereby mitigating waste and enhancing material sustainability. This study aims to address the problem of plastic waste management by evaluating the production of interlocking bricks from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic. The objectives include assessing the mechanical properties, structural integrity, and durability of these polymeric bricks as sustainable alternatives to traditional building materials. Given the high rates of plastic waste generation and the reliance on natural raw materials for brick production, this research seeks to explore innovative solutions that utilize recycled materials effectively. A systematic methodology was employed to design the mixtures, focusing on varying the sand-to-polymeric waste ratios. Compressive and flexural strength tests were conducted to assess the bricks' ability to withstand vertical loads and bending forces, respectively. Water absorption and density tests were performed to determine durability and suitability for external use. Results indicated that the 70:30 PET to sand mix ratio provided the best performance, with an average compressive strength of 7.86 MPa and flexural strength of 21.94 MPa. The findings suggest that using PET plastic waste in interlocking brick production can enhance material properties while contributing to environmental sustainability.

 

Received: 28 August 2024 | Revised: 5 November 2024 | Accepted: 18 November 2024

 

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work.

 

Data Availability Statement

Data available on request from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

 

Author Contribution Statement

Garbati Abubakar Abdullahi: Conceptualization, Writing - original draft; Muhammed Awwal Imran: Conceptualization, Writing - review & editing; Caleb Chisom Chike: Methodology, Investigation; Emmanuel Nwaka Nwaka: Formal analysis, Investigation, Writing - review & editing, Visualization; Ugochukwu Chibuzo Akoma: Software, Investigation; Ogueri Ihechimere Jael: Validation, Investigation, Resources; Samuel Oluwasijibomi Olaremi: Writing - review & editing, Visualization, Project administration; Akinsanmi S. Ige: Validation, Supervision; Amaku Chukwuebuka Marcellinus: Investigation, Resources, Project administration; Osasona Christopher Olayinka: Methodology, Project administration; Uzoma Eucharia Ibeanu: Software, Formal analysis, Supervision.


Author Biography

  • Akinsanmi S. Ige , Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Arizona, USA

    Department of materials Science and Engineering

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Published

2024-11-27

Issue

Section

Research Articles

How to Cite

Garbati, A. A., Imran , M. A., Chike, C. C., Nwaka, E. N., Akomah, U. C. ., Ogueri , I. J., Olaremi, S. O., Ige , A. S., Chukwuebuka Marcellinus, A., Osasona, C. O., & Ibeanu, U. E. . (2024). Evaluating the Structural Integrity and Performance of Polyethylene Terephthalate and Low-Density Polyethylene-Based Interlocking Bricks for Sustainable Construction. Archives of Advanced Engineering Science, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.47852/bonviewAAES42024198