Low-density polyethylene and corncob ash as partial replacement of cement and sand in concrete paver blocks

Abstract

As of 2021, the Philippines ranked first in releasing most plastic into the ocean with 73,039 tons of plastic. Waste from farm sectors is considered in this study like corn waste. The use of polyethylene and corncob ash as an additional aggregate for paver blocks is not very common in the Philippines. This study aims to compare the compressive strength of the commercially produced paver blocks in the Philippines with blocks that are partially replaced with 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% volume replacement of cement by corncob ash and 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% volume replacement of sand by polyethylene. Furthermore, the cost of each partially replaced blocks compared to the commercially produced blocks is also analyzed. The LDPE used were collected and undergone grinding before it was sieved while CCA was collected and sieved. After collecting the materials needed, the process of making sample cement mixtures was performed and then tested for compressive strength, water absorption, cost analysis. According to the experimental result, the compressive strength of the experimented mixtures is on par with standard strength of cement mixture. Their utilization in the paver blocks reduces overall cost, mitigates on the technical and environmental nuisance. Polyethylene and corncob ash are suitable materials for use as a partial replacement for cement and sand, accordingly, as it satisfied the requirement.