Plastic and ceramic modified interlock tiles

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the major exploiters of resources and thus causes environmental degradation. To conserve resources and lessen its impact on the environment, the building sector must therefore rely on innovative techniques. Since plastic is non-biodegradable, managing such wastes have become complicated and daunting. So, one of the best ways to discard them is to use them as resources in construction sector. Therefore, partial replacement of aggregates with plastic and waste ceramic materials in interlock tiles will prove to be both environmentally and economically beneficial. As a result, less plastic and ceramic waste will need to be disposed of in landfills. The primary objective is to produce waste plastic and ceramic modified interlock tiles that are eco-friendly and thus eradicate the problem of disposing them. High density polyethylene (HDPE) and other thermosetting plastics are used for the purpose. Furthermore, the major sources of ceramic wastes include old floor tiles and wash basins. Recycled plastic granules and powdered ceramic was used for the test. Also, no other chemical additives were used. Recycled plastic is incorporated into the concrete without affecting its properties. The experiment is based on a trial-and-error method by partial replacement of fine and coarse aggregate with plastic and ceramic in different proportions. Both modified and conventional paver block samples were prepared for same grade. Compressive Strength, Split Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength, and Water Absorption Tests were done. The experiment showed promising results. In fact, some samples exhibited better strength than conventional interlock tiles. The results so obtained shows that, for sample PFCC05, compressive strength increased by 31 percentage and flexural strength increased by 54 percentage. The new modified paving tiles can be used in any places like parking areas, roads and building compounds where conventional paving tiles were used.