ASSESSING THE SUITABILITY OF GEOLOGICAL MATERIALS ENHANCED WITH PLASTIC ADDITIVES FOR LONG-LASTING PAVEMENT BLOCKS

ASSESSING THE SUITABILITY OF GEOLOGICAL MATERIALS ENHANCED WITH PLASTIC ADDITIVES FOR LONG-LASTING PAVEMENT BLOCKS: A CASE STUDY IN OFFA, NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA.

Abstract:

The increasing generation of plastic waste presents a significant challenge for environmentalists due to its non-biodegradable nature. This research project proposes a solution by utilizing waste plastic materials as a binding groundmass in the production of pavement blocks, aiming to create blocks that surpass the durability and resistance of traditional cement-derived pavement blocks. These traditional blocks suffer from disadvantages such as high water absorption rates and limited resistance to acidic conditions. By incorporating plastic wastes, specifically PET and LDPE types, melted at temperatures between 180˚C-250˚C, and mixed with granite dust, sand, and clay in varying proportions, sample plastic paver blocks were produced and compared against cement paver blocks using the same mold.

The performance of the sample blocks was evaluated through four tests: Flexural test, acid test, compressive strength test, and water absorption test. The results from these tests were used to assess the plastic paver blocks’ durability, corrosion resistance, and overall viability when compared to conventional cement paver blocks. Additionally, an oven test was conducted to determine the temperature threshold at which the plastic blocks would fail.

The research findings revealed that the plastic paver blocks exhibited higher strength and durability compared to their cement counterparts. They also demonstrated significantly lower water absorption rates and superior corrosion resistance. However, the blocks did exhibit failure when subjected to temperatures between 180˚C-220˚C in the oven test.

Based on these outcomes, it is concluded that plastic paver blocks present a more sustainable, cost-effective, and failure-resistant alternative to both cement paver blocks and asphalt paved roads. These plastic-based blocks show promise in addressing environmental and ecological challenges associated with plastic waste, offering a potential solution to managing this growing environmental issue.

ASSESSING THE SUITABILITY OF GEOLOGICAL MATERIALS ENHANCED WITH PLASTIC ADDITIVES FOR LONG-LASTING PAVEMENT BLOCKS: A CASE STUDY IN OFFA, NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA. GET MORE ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS