Engineering

Discrete mathematics

Topological space

Materials science

Extension topology

Brick

Aggregate (composite)

Civil engineering

Particle size

Chemical engineering

Construction engineering

Business

Waste management

Nanotechnology

Leachate

Sieve (category theory)

Road construction

Mathematics

Sieve analysis

General topology

Demolition waste

Abrasion (mechanical)

California bearing ratio

Environmental science

Particle-size distribution

Proctor compaction test

Composite material

Absorption of water

Compaction

Combinatorics

Demolition

Subbase

Polyethylene terephthalate

Construction and Building Materials

The rapid growth in plastic and demolition wastes generation by municipal and commercial industries is a significant challenge to developed and developing countries. The substitution of traditional construction materials with recycled materials is a sustainable solution which mitigates landfilling concerns and reduces the need for virgin quarry materials. In this research, an evaluation of the geotechnical and geo-environmental properties of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste and its blends, with two major constituents of construction and demolition (C&D) waste materials was undertaken. Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and crushed brick (CB) were blended with 3% and 5% of PET, and the geotechnical properties of six PET blends were evaluated in the laboratory. The experimental programme included particle size distribution, particle density, sieve analysis, flakiness index, Los Angeles abrasion, water absorption, modified Proctor compaction, hydraulic conductivity, and California bearing ratio (CBR) tests. In addition, the response of the PET blends under repeated dynamic loading conditions was investigated using repeated load triaxial (RLT) tests. CBR results of all six PET blends were higher than the minimum CBR requirements for usage as a subbase material. The RLT testing results indicated that PET blends with RCA and CB performed satisfactorily at 98% maximum dry density and at their optimum moisture contents under modified Proctor compaction effort. Furthermore, a geo-environmental evaluation of the PET blends was undertaken which consisted of determination of organic matter content, pH value, total/leachate concentration of the recycled materials for a range of contaminant constituents and the results were compared with requirements specified by environmental authorities. Control samples, 3% and 5% PET blends with RCA and CB satisfied the CBR requirements. Similarly, control samples, 3% and 5% PET blends with RCA were found to be satisfactory for RLT requirements for subbase applications.

Utilizing recycled PET blends with demolition wastes as construction materials