Effects of Environmental Waste Plastic Bottle Cover (EWPBC) on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Concrete

Abstract

The rapid industrialization and urbanization in many countries of the world is leading to great infrastructural development which in turns result to problems like shortage of construction materials and increased productivity of wastes – which has caused environmental issues due to inadequate recycling and disposal facilities. Construction industry is in need of materials which can increase the strength of concrete structures with low cost and less environmental impact. This research is aimed at addressing such issues by investigating the effect of environmental waste plastic bottle cover (EWPBC) on the physical and mechanical properties of concrete. EWPBC samples was collected within the environs and used at different percentage (0%, 12.5%, 25%, 50% and 100%) replacement for coarse aggregate. Physical properties of the materials were investigated and found to be in accordance with relevant specifications. Mechanical properties such as compressive strength and flexural strength tests were also carried out in line with relavant codes of practice. The compressive strenght increases with days of curring and at 12.5% EWPBC, the strength is 4.7% higher than the conventional concrete. The flexural stress is also higher than that of the conventional beam sample at 12.5% EWPBC. The flexural strain is 0.00248-0.0036 and within the specified acceptable limit (0.002-0.0035) for concrete with grade less than or equal to C50/C60. This shows a promising properties at 12.5% EWPBC replacement and also a reduction in cost. It was concluded that EWPBC can be used as substitute for aggregates and also a means of reducing environmental wastes and cost of disposal of such waste.