Influence of recycled high-density polyethylene and pulverized glass on mechanical properties of concrete paving block

Abstract

The potential use of waste materials for making new products or as an additive to concrete is intensively investigated to enhance eco-sustainability in the construction industry. High- density polyethylene plastic is a strong and well-known form of thermoplastic with an excellent capacity to withstand high temperatures. Glass is mainly composed of silica, used to make cement. This study aimed to produce a concrete paving block partially replacing recycled high-density polyethylene and pulverized glass. The initial phase partially replaces fine aggregates with high-density polyethylene of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. The final phase happened after getting the optimum replacement level from the initial phase. The pulverized glass partially replaced the cement of the concrete paving block with replacement levels: 5%, 10%, and 15%. Concrete paving blocks of size 200 X 100 X 60 mm containing shredded high-density polyethylene and pulverized glass were cast and tested for 28 days in the initial phase and 28 days in the final phase. Tests were conducted in our chosen glass to determine its chemical composition and to aggregates to determine its physical properties. The result shows that the 15% replacement rate of fine aggregates with HDPE plastic showed the highest strength in the initial phase and was carried out in the final phase, together with the partial replacement of glass. Concrete paving block with 15% HDPE plastic and 5% glass gives the best result with increased compressive and flexural strength.