Application of recycled high-density polyethylene for construction of non-structural wattle and daub walls

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The evolution of construction techniques has spanned millennia, integrating locally sourced materials with innovative technological advancements. The use of earth in construction demonstrates remarkable versatility, exhibiting plasticity when wet and robust solidity upon drying. The environmental sustainability and abundant availability of earth further reinforce its role in architectural practices. This research explores the integration of recycled thermoplastic technology with traditional earthen construction methods, focusing on non-structural walls combining thermoplastic frameworks and mixed earth techniques. The study places particular emphasis on recycled High-Density Polyethylene (r-HDPE), a material that has garnered acclaim for its role in sustainable development through the reuse of secondary raw materials and its high moldability. The primary function of r-HDPE in this context is as a supplemental framework supporting earthen materials. Utilizing recycling and production methods from Precious Plastic, the research emphasizes the prototyping of r-HDPE structures with diverse configurations, digitally designed to create components ranging from beams to intricate truss networks. The earthen mortar comprises fine and coarse sand, wheat straw, and lime, adhering to traditional mixed earth construction practices. While the materials share structural limitations with conventional mixed earth methods, the potential addition of composites to thermoplastics could improve strength but hinder mechanical recyclability, favoring chemical recycling as an alternative. This study prioritizes recyclability with minimal environmental impact, limiting its scope to mechanical recycling without composite additives. The objective of this study is to achieve a balance between innovative applications of recycled thermoplastics and long-term environmental stewardship, thereby enhancing the synergy between sustainability and construction practices.