Use of plastic as the binding agent and sand as aggregate to produce a new type of sustainable concrete

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- Author:
- Tayebani, Bahareh
- Graduate Program:
- Architectural Engineering
- Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- July 09, 2024
- Committee Members:
- Bryan Vogt, Outside Field Member
Ali Memari, Co-Chair & Dissertation Advisor
Aly Said, Co-Chair & Dissertation Advisor
Aleksandra Radli¿ska, Outside Unit Member
James Freihaut, Program Head/Chair - Keywords:
- Plastic
Aggregate
Chemical additives
Fiber reinforcement
Plasticrete
Structural properties
LCA - Abstract:
- Concrete is the most widely utilized construction material globally, second only to water in terms of total consumption. Despite its widespread use, the production of conventional concrete, particularly its key component cement, is associated with significant environmental challenges, including high energy consumption and substantial CO2 emissions. This dissertation investigates an innovative approach to mitigating these environmental impacts by developing a new type of sustainable concrete, referred to as "plasticrete," which utilizes waste plastic as a binding agent and sand as aggregate. This research explores the feasibility of incorporating various types of waste plastics, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP) to replace traditional cement in concrete mixtures. The primary objectives of this study are to determine the optimal plastic type, plastic-to-sand ratio, and aggregate size, evaluate the structural properties of plasticrete, and assess its environmental benefits compared to conventional concrete. In addition, the study examined the effect of chemical additives, such as Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB), and the incorporation of reinforcing fibers, like carbon and glass fibers, on the structural performance of plasticrete. The findings revealed that plasticrete exhibits promising mechanical properties, with certain mixtures achieving mechanical strengths comparable to conventional concrete. The optimal mixture proportions and heating techniques, such as heating the plastic-sand mixture to 250°C for a specific duration, were identified to ensure complete melting and homogeneous distribution of the plastic binder. From an environmental perspective, the use of waste plastics in concrete production addresses two critical issues: the disposal of plastic waste and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from cement manufacturing. The lifecycle assessment (LCA) conducted in this study demonstrated that plasticrete has a lower environmental footprint compared to traditional concrete, primarily due to the elimination of cement and the utilization of recycled materials. This innovative material offers a sustainable alternative that can potentially transform the construction industry by reducing its reliance on natural resources and minimizing its environmental impact. This dissertation provides a comprehensive evaluation of plasticrete as a viable and sustainable construction material. The successful incorporation of waste plastics into concrete not only offers a practical solution for plastic waste management but also contributes to the development of eco-friendly building practices. Future research should focus on further optimizing the mixture design, exploring the long-term durability of plasticrete, and scaling up the production process for industrial applications. The findings of this study pave the way for the widespread adoption of sustainable construction materials that align with global efforts to promote environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.
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