FEATI UNIVERSITY-CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT THESIS AND RESEARCH 2007

ABSTRACT

Title : “UTILIZATION OF THERMOPLASTIC AS A
SUBSTITUTE TO FINE AGGREGATE TO CONCRETE CEMENT
FOR ROW HOUSE WALL PANEL”

Researchers : ROCHELLE M. ERFE, MICHAEL VINCENT V. VALITE and
JESUS B. TONGA

Adviser : Dr. Tomas U. Ganiron Jr

School : FEATI University

Date : March 2007

Degree : Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

The main purpose of this research is to analyze the effectiveness of thermoplastic
when added to concrete cement. Also to address the needs of the ecological sector in terms of recycling the waste plastic that harms not only the soil structure and the environment as per say but as well as the human who without their knowledge damage their health because of the degradation of this product.
The plastic was grounded into pieces for concrete mixture, where it substitutes the 5% of the fine aggregate, which is the sand. It then undergoes to strength test that investigate whether it can pass or at least equal the standard specification of concrete mix for wall panel. The experimentation went through moisture content test, specific gravity test, slump test, sieve analysis, compressive test and flexural test.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
The experimental procedure done on the experiment was found to be adequate in terms of testing the material, thermoplastic, since all the experiment done is applicable for the concrete mixture test.
Thermoplastic as a substitute to fine aggregate to concrete mixture has shown unusual characteristic upon accumulation of water in the mixture for the material had floated on the surface of the water, nevertheless, upon the completion of mixing the material has suitably bonded to the mixture. In the analysis of its grain particle, in comparison to sand, which is one of the major components of concrete mixture, thermoplastic, imply significant lightness in terms of its mass evaluation.
Overall, the effect of the thermoplastic on the properties of the specimen was acceptable. The thermoplastic material substituting the 5% of sand, the fine aggregate of mixture managed to attain the required strength in accordance with ASTM standard C62
– 97 specification of wall panel, which is 2500 psi (17.24 MPa). On its 28th day the specimen with the thermoplastic fine aggregate attain at least 19 MPa average for both of the tested specimen, which exceeded that of the design specification.


CONCLUSION
The thermoplastic material copes up with the ASTM standard specs with no adverse effects on the properties needed by a concrete mixture for wall panels (CHB’s, bricks and mortars). It can be concluded that the positives are significant enough to justify the use of thermoplastic (Waste Plastic material) in concrete mixture. Although much to the expectation in flexural strength which failed on the 28th days curing, the research is still looking on the strength of compressive strength which is the more important characteristic of the concrete.
In conclusion, there’s a little discussion to be tackled for the use of thermoplastic waste in concrete mixture. An important consideration on this incorporation of thermoplastic waste in concrete is the development of this research in order to give the material a higher quality in order to be use in other concrete application such as beams, columns, slabs and road pavements.
Of course it is economically feasible compared to fine aggregate since the research focuses only on material that are considered waste and not the so – called ‘virgin’ plastic that can be very expensive if altered to the sand. The scrap value of the plastic would even add employment to those people living in slump areas where most waste plastic is being heaved.
In terms of heat and temperature of the thermoplastic, it is concluded that with an increase in the stretching temperature up to a definite limit (170°C) the tensile strength of PETP and other fibers from crystalline polymers increases. However, at higher temperatures (230°C) the strength diminishes. This is evidently due to a reduction in the density of the intercrystallite regions of the fibrils, in which there is greater probability of polymer failure originating. Such behavior of fiber made from PETP at elevated stretching temperatures is evidently associated both with the polymer structure and with its low molecular weight.

RECOMMENDATION
The researchers recommend that a support from government for grounding of waste plastic as alternative for fine aggregate would be develop to further enhance the technology. If the said institution can employ this kind of help, then the task for pulverizing the plastic would be much easier. They also recommend the developer to further investigate the research for upgrading the material. To further develop the technology would probably be the first step to establish this material as a construction material option in building houses using concrete.
In terms of factors affecting the quality of thermoplastic additive includes grain distribution during sieve analysis, application of standard testing, and proper mixing and proportioning of concrete mixture. Following the standard is not intended to chastise the producer but to promote good quality and thus giving the technology a chance to be noticed by the construction industry. It is also recommended to try different proportioning of thermoplastic from 2 %, 5%, 7 %, 10% up to their desired ratio. This would give more data to compare thus finding which percentage will give the better quality results. Avoidance of excessive water during mixing is also recommended and to adhere the estimated percent of mixture during the laboratory test is advised. The temperature during mixing of concrete should also be considered since the substitute is plastic. Plastic in its property can be affected by heat. For product costing the product is being suggested to those people with applicable knowledge regarding the matter since the researcher had no idea with respect to this.