Assessment of economic feasibility of LDPE-sand composite block for construction

Abstract

Construction industry is looking for materials and methods that can be used to enhance the sustainability aspects. One approach is the use of industrial/agricultural waste products in construction. Plastic bricks are emerging as a new trend in construction due to its lightweight, durability and high strength properties. The current paper explores the economic viability of LDPE-sand composite blocks as a construction material. The composite was manufactured from waste plastic and is meant to replace traditional bricks that are generated in an unsustainable manner. In the study, a G+9 building model was chosen, and an analysis was performed using standard bricks available on the market. The results are compared with the similar model with LDPE-sand composite bricks. It has been noticed that the low weight of LDPE-sand brick leads to an economic gain by decreasing the overall infrastructure material requirements in terms of concrete and steel, resulting in a 12% cost reduction. As a result, the waste plastic will have extra value and it will encourage the society to recycle waste plastic for use in the building sector.