Comparative Study on the Engineering Properties of Pavement Blocks Produced from Plastic Wastes and Cement in Lagos, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

The use of plastic wastes materials in the production of plastic pavement blocks has both engineering and environmental implications. The use of plastic paver blocks is becoming more popular, finding application in paving approaches, parking area, compounds, open spaces, streets, minor and major roads. The way and manner plastic wastes generated are managed in developing countries is worrisome and disturbing, due to their non-biodegradable nature. The research is aimed at using plastic wastes as binding groundmass in place of cement in the production of pavement blocks. This will go a long way in solving part of our environmental and ecological problems resulting from indiscriminate dumping of plastic wastes. Plastic wastes (LDPE type) were melted at temperatures between 180°C - 250°C in a closed system and mixed in different proportions (70:30, 60:40 and 50:50) with granite-dust, sand and clay to produce sample paver blocks. The same mould was also used to produce cement paver blocks. These blocks were subjected to flexural, compressive-strength, water-absorption, oven and acid tests. The results of the tests revealed that plastic paver blocks are more tensile strength, better water absorption, more resistant to resistant to corrosion and good heat absorber compared to the blocks produced from cement. Plastic paver blocks also showed abysmally low water absorption than the cement blocks. Based on these findings, the study has established that plastic paver blocks are tougher, economical, long-lasting and sustainable alternative to cement blocks. It also aid in taking plastic wastes out of our streets thereby promoting a cleaner and healthier environment.