CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction
As one of the best inventions in 20th century, plastic has brought tons of benefit in human
existence. Numerous plastic products are being consumed with the development of society.
However, huge amounts of plastic waste give much damage on the environment due to its property
of being less or non-biodegradability of plastic. It is necessary to develop a correct approach for
the waste disposal considering both the economy and environmental protection. The productive
use of waste material represents a means of lessening some of the problems of solid wastes. The
recycle of wastes is important from different POV. It helps to save and sustain natural resources
that are not being replaced, it decreases the pollution effect. Wastes and industrial by-products
should be considered as potentially important resources merely awaiting appropriate treatment and
application. Concrete plays a valuable role in the beneficial use of these materials in construction.
Although some of these materials can be beneficially incorporated in concrete, both as part of the
cementitious binder phase or as aggregates, it is important to realize that not all waste materials
are suitable for such use. The strength properties and modulus of elasticity of concrete containing
various types of plastic aggregate are always lower than those of a reference concrete containing
normal density natural aggregate only, and they further decrease with increasing plastic aggregate
content in concrete. Concrete containing plastic aggregate can stop or divert the propagation of
micro cracks and improve concrete toughness, which is of great practical significance. The use of
plastic waste as a natural aggregate substitute in concrete is a relatively recent concept. One of the
first significant reviews on the use of waste plastic in concrete focused on the advantages and
financial benefits of such use, besides their physical and mechanical properties. And more over
use of plastic as aggregate gives a solution to the problems encountered with the quarrying of
natural aggregate. The main objective of this investigation is to study strength properties after
partially replacing fine aggregate with plastics.

Background of the Study

In 20th century, one of the biggest efforts in recycling happened during wars when the
people has demanded by the governments to donate their unused metals, tires and even nylon.
However, the opinion of recycling plastic arrived only after the environmental revolutions of
1960s. People observed the impact of plastic waste on environment in that time and initiated to lay
groundwork for future recycling efforts. Plastic is one of the most popular materials of modern
human culture although its boundless use cause environmental risk of unusual scale. At the 1862
Great International Exhibition in London, Alexander Parkes was created the first man-made
plastic. It known as celluloid, material was called Parkesine derived from cellulose that once heated
could be molded and retained its shape when cooled.
The science for Environment Policy In-depth Report on the human health and ecological
impacts of plastic waste compiles and compare current research in this area. By using the Drivers
Pressures State Impact Response (DPSIR) framework, it highlights major issues and concerns,
also as outlining questions around current responses and possible strategies for the futures.
Including the global natures of plastic waste, it is crucial to be actual in the Drivers and Pressure
that carry influence. Waste disposal issues in a community increase the accessibility of that
community declines. Much of the waste humans produce is not ecological and need to be disposed
in ways which lessen its negative impact. Australias level of waste produced by leading cities is
not declined, even the improved public awareness of waste issues and superior level of general
recycling. The aspect of contributing Australias waste problem is the idea in which they think
about rubbish and our recognized patterns of construction and consumption which currently on
shaky ground. An effective attitude has come into view that waste does not really affect us only if
it can be hidden in a landfill or washed down the drain. Approving a more well-reflection in attitude
towards the waste to produce and with its essential. Not just a change in waste disposal processes
improve our environment in the form it looks. Also, it will help to bring back the biodiversity and
enhance the quality of our water, land and air.

Theoretical Framework

Recycling plastic waste To minimize environmental

for construction pollution
materials
To lessen the weight of concrete

Polyethylene
terephthalate (PET)
plastic waste

Conceptual Framework

PET plastic waste as Improve Tensile Strength

coarse aggregates and ductility of concrete
Statement of the Problem
Large amount of plastic is one of the most problem in many places in the world, people
dispose the waste wherever possible particularly in the river banks or in drainage. Most of people
trash the garbage in a way they want, due to lack of awareness of disposing the wastages which
can led to massive environment pollution worsening the health of mankind and other living beings.
In drinking, plastic bottles in the only way of safely transporting water.
Can we able to identify if pet plastic waste can be disposed by using it as construction
material?
Can we lessen the pollution by recycling of pet plastic waste in unorganized section?
How can we develop and enhance the technology for waste management by using pet
plastic as construction material?
How can we increase the flexural and compressive strength of the concrete by the use of
pet plastic as substitute for coarse aggregate?

Significance of the Study

The data of this study will react to the benefit of environment considering that reusing of
plastic may lessen the pollution which adversely affect lands, waterways and oceans. Recycling a
bulk amount of plastic is an effective way to save a large space of landfill. Hence, using it as
aggregates will be able to help environment better which plastic bottles is eco-friendly and has
advantage to use in this study. Improving waste management and develop a new technology.
Possible to get a light weight concrete and can increase the flexural strength.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

This study covers the use of pet plastic as substitute for coarse aggregate in concrete mix.
The study aims to increase or match the flexural and compressive strength of the concrete by using
pet plastic as coarse aggregate. Meanwhile, to make an impact to the environment we are only be
limited for plastics considered already as wastes.

Definition of Terms
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) - strong, stiff synthetic fiber and resin, and a member of the
polyester family of polymers. PET is spun into fibers for permanent-press fabrics, blow-molded
into disposable beverage bottles, and extruded into photographic film and magnetic recording tape.
PET is produced by the polymerization of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Ethylene glycol
is a colorless liquid obtained from ethylene, and terephthalic acid is a crystalline solid obtained
from xylene. When heated together under the influence of chemical catalysts, ethylene glycol and
terephthalic acid produce PET in the form of a molten, viscous mass that can be spun directly to
fibers or solidified for later processing as a plastic. In chemical terms, ethylene glycol is a diol, an
alcohol with a molecular structure that contains two hydroxyl (OH) groups, and terephthalic acid
is a dicarboxylic aromatic acid, an acid with a molecular structure that contains a large, six-sided
carbon (or aromatic) ring and two carboxyl (CO2H) groups. Under the influence of heat and
catalysts, the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups react to form ester (CO-O) groups, which serve as the
chemical links joining multiple PET units together into long-chain polymers. PET is the most
widely recycled plastic. PET bottles and containers are commonly melted down and spun into
fibers for fiberfill or carpets. When collected in a suitably pure state, PET can be recycled into its
original uses, and methods have been devised for breaking the polymer down into its chemical
precursors for resynthesizing into PET.

Portland cement - is the most common type of cement in general use around the world as a basic
ingredient of concrete, mortar, stucco, and non-specialty grout. It was developed from other types
of hydraulic lime in England in the mid-19th century, and usually originates from limestone. It is
a fine powder, produced by heating limestone and clay minerals in a kiln to form clinker, grinding
the clinker, and adding small amounts of other materials. Several types of Portland cement are
available. The most common, called ordinary Portland cement (OPC), is grey in colour, but white
Portland cement is also available. Its name is derived from its similarity to Portland stone which
was quarried on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England. It was named by Joseph Aspdin who
obtained a patent for it in 1824. However, his son William Aspdin is regarded as the inventor of
"modern" Portland cement due to his developments in the 1840s.
Natural Coarse Aggregate (NCA) - is a term for any particulate material. It includes gravel,
crushed stone, sand, slag, recycled concrete and geosynthetic aggregates. Aggregate may be
natural, manufactured or recycled.
Semi-crystalline polymers - have both crystalline and amorphous regions. Semi-crystallinity is a
desirable property for most plastics because they combine the strength of crystalline polymers with
the flexibility of amorphous. Semi-crystalline polymers can be tough with an ability to bend
without breaking. Polymers such as this are said to be semi-crystalline. The crystals are small and
connected to the amorphous regions by polymer chains so there may be no sharp well-defined
boundaries between the two types of regions.
 CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related studies
Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate as an Aggregate in Concrete Nabajyoti by Nabajyoti
Saikia & Jorge de Brito (2013)
This paper addresses the strength behavior of a concrete containing types of recycled
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) aggregate. Result are also observed to identify the PET-
aggregates effect on the relationship between the flexural, splitting tensile strength and
compressive strength. Also, to determine if the concrete made with PET aggregates are applicable
between their compressive strength and other strength characteristics given in European design
codes. The compressive strength development of concrete containing all types of PET-aggregate
behaves such in conventional concrete, yet the incorporation of any type of PET-aggregate
significantly lowers the compressive strength of the resulting concrete. The toughness behavior of
the resulting concrete improves by PET aggregate incorporation. The splitting tensile and flexural
strength characteristics are proportional to the loss in compressive strength of concrete containing
plastic aggregates.
They conclude that early compressive strength gain (0 to 7 days) relative to the strength
determined after 91 days of curing for most of the concretes containing PET-aggregates is higher
than that observed for conventional concrete. And the data shows the ratios between the tensile
and compressive strengths observed for all PET-aggregate containing specimens are higher than
that for conventional concrete, and the value increases with PET content. They also indicate that
adding large-flake PET-aggregate can have more effect on the improvement of the toughness
behavior of resulting concrete. This preliminary study has shown that the accepted and assumed
relationships between engineering properties and compressive strength used in European design
codes can be applied to concrete containing PET- aggregate.

A Study on Use of Plastic Waste Aggregate as Partial Replacement of Natural Coarse

Aggregate in Cement Concrete Mix by Brajesh Mishra and Ravi Shanker Mishra (2015)
In this study, the use of plastic articles is increasing frequently due to rapid population
growth and their consistent obligation. This can generate a large quantity of garbage everyday
which not good in health and pollutes the environment. Nowadays, solid waste management is a
challenge in our country. This topic covers the use of recycled plastics as partial replacement of
natural coarse aggregate in cement concrete mix. Full replacement of natural coarse aggregate
using recycle plastic aggregate is not realistic or advisable so partial replacement in various
percentages were integrated.
Calculated percentages of recycled plastic aggregates were from 0 40% with an increment
of 10. They observed that higher compressive strength was achieved with replacement of 20%
natural coarse aggregates using recycled plastic aggregate in concrete mixture. They proved that
plastic wastes can be disposed by using it as constructional materials which can be used as a coarse
aggregate replacement in cement concrete. The compressive strength of modified concrete with
recycled plastic coarse aggregates (RPCA) was compared with conventional concrete. It was
observed that the compressive strength in comparison to conventional concrete was achieved up
to 79.54%, 85.69%, 76.49% and 63.22% for mix of waste plastic of 10%, 20%,30% and 40%
respectively. Based on their study it shows that recycled plastic coarse aggregate up to 30% as a
replacement of natural coarse aggregate can be used in light weight concrete structure successfully.
However, higher percentage more than 30% is not acceptable as the compressive strength is
considerably reduced.

Recycling of Polyethylene Waste to Produce Plastic Cement by Jassim (2017)

In this research, high density polyethylene waste is mixed with Portland cement to inspect
the possibility to produce plastic cement. He studying the effect of replacing sand by fine
polyethylene waste with different percentage on the properties of product. Disposal of plastic
waste in environment is considered to be a huge problem due to its very low biodegradability and
presence in large quantities. Therefore, finding alternative methods of disposing waste by using
friendly methods are becoming a major research issue.
The experiments were done by using the waste of polyethylene packages include bottle and
food crates in the range of 10% to 80% by volume as a short reinforcement structure. The results
show that there is a possibility to produce plastic cement from polyethylene waste and Portland
cement by using 60% and 40%, respectively. However, their density was decreased and ductility
increased. Also, the workability improved, which lead to produce lightweight materials. He
concluded that the best compressive strength for product was found in the mixture has 25%, 30%,
and 35% polyethylene. Their yield points are 971, 915, and 945 N for immerged 7 days,
respectively. And 2352 N for mixed of 25% and 1271 N 30% after immerged 28 days. The stress-
strain behavior is plastic behavior which has several stages of deformation. It works as semi
crystalline polymer, flexible concrete and not brittle as Sand-Portland cement concrete. Therefore,
their stress strain diagram exhibited both elastic and plastic deformation before fracture.
Furthermore, the products with 25% to 30% waste polyethylene have good workability to make
holes without any problem. However, when the percentage of waste decrease or increase, the
workability will be weak and power was generated during the cutting operation.

Experimental Study On Plastic Waste As A Coarse Aggregate For Structural Concrete by

Subramani and Pugal (2015)
In their study, it discusses about the massive quantity of plastic. Use of plastic is increasing
day by day, even if steps were taken to reduce its consumption. This creates a big garbage every
day which is much risky. A healthy and sustainable reuse of plastics offers a host of advantages.
They discussed the suitability of recycled plastics as coarse aggregate in concrete and its
advantages. The initial questions arising of the bond strength and the heat of hydration regarding
plastic aggregate were solved. Tests were conducted to determine the properties of plastic
aggregate such as density, specific gravity and aggregate crushing value.
As 100% replacement of natural coarse aggregate (NCA) with plastic coarse aggregate
(PCA) is not feasible, partial replacement at various percentage were examined. The percentage
substitution that gave higher compressive strength was used for determining the other properties
such as modulus of elasticity, split tensile strength and flexural strength. Higher compressive
strength was found with 20% NCA replaced concrete. They proved that plastic waste can be
disposed by using them as construction materials. The compressive strength and split tensile
strength of concrete containing plastic aggregate is retained more or less in comparison with
controlled concrete specimens. Although, strength certainly decreased when the plastic content
was more than 20%. Also, they concluded that 20% of plastic waste aggregate can be incorporated
as coarse aggregate replacement in concrete without any long term detrimental effects and with
acceptable strength development properties.

Effects of waste PET as coarse aggregate on the fresh and harden properties of concrete
by Jahidul Islam, Salamah Meherier and Rakinul Islam (2016)
This study investigates the effect of plastic as an alternative coarse aggregate on various
fresh and harden properties of concrete. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) a thermoplastic polymer
is considered as an alternative aggregate and replaced with natural coarse aggregate, such as brick
chips. The PET aggregate is obtained by shredding, melting and crushing the collected waste PET
bottles.
The primary focus of the work is to examine the compressive strength and unit weight of
PET aggregate concrete (PAC) along with their workability in comparison with the natural
aggregate concrete (NAC). With the increase in PET replacement ratio and w/c ratio lower unit
weights and compressive strengths are observed for PAC compare to NAC. Compressive strength
for 20% PET replaced PAC at 0.42 w/c ratio is 30.3 MPa which is only 9% less than the NAC.
However, PAC has significantly high workability as 1.8 cm slump value is observed for 20% PET
replaced PAC at 0.42 w/c ratio. Therefore, PET replaced concrete with low w/c ratio and high
workability can be used for structural concrete member. PAC offered much better workability than
the regular concrete aggregate while using same w/c ratio. This provides the opportunity to work
with low w/c ratio and get the desired concrete strength. High strength concrete is obtainable with
the PCA, especially for concrete with low w/c ratio and small amount of PCA replacement.
Compressive strength of 30.3 Mpa was accomplished with 20% PCA replaced concrete at w/c
ratio of 0.42. Consolidating low w/c ratio in concrete mix design is not big argument since PAC
has a high workability. Hence PAC can be adopted for structural concrete with determination.
Foreign Literature
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is thermoplastic in nature. It is also known as
polyester, which often causes confusion because polyester resins are thermosetting materials.
Depending on its thickness, PET can be semi-rigid to rigid. PET makes an enough gas and fair
moisture barrier as well as a good barrier to alcohol and solvents. Also, it is very lightweight,
strong and impact resistant. PET is a transparent polymer with a good mechanical properties and
good dimensional stability under variable load. Also, it is used for production of fibers for a very
wide range of applications in textile industry. PET apply to a thermoplastic with excellent physical
properties. It constitutes is around 18% of the total polymers produced worldwide and over 60%
of its production is used for synthetic fibers and bottles that consume almost 30% of global PET
demand. Source of PET waste can be classified into: Bottles and Foils, they are small problems
with material recycling, related problems with impurities, different types of additives used during
production and molecular weight of PET which are affecting on repeatability of retrieved products.
Recycled polyethylene terephthalate can be used to make many new products such as fiber for
polyester carpet; fabric for T-shirts, athletic shoes, luggage and new PET containers for both food
and non-food products.
The most generally used construction material in worldwide is concrete. However, it is
fragile in tensile strength, heavy weights, low ductility and low energy absorption. In these points,
civil engineers have convinced to make use of conventional reinforcement to enhance the tensile
strength and ductility of concrete. The addition of fibers to concrete would act as crack inhibitors
and substantially improve the tensile strength, cracking resistance, impact strength, tear and wear,
fatigue resistance and ductility of the modified concrete.
PET wastes in concretes is sometimes necessary for the creation of construction building
materials with a number of characteristics. Nowadays, the role of light weight aggregate has
become very important. The reduction in unit weight of concrete is one of the prime goal of
concern for earthquake resistant structures. However, the cost of artificial lightweight aggregate
production is high due to requirement of high temperature or thermal treatment.
 CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Method
This research will be using the ACI Mix Design Standard for normal concrete in estimating
the design mix such as volume of water, weight of cement, sand & gravel and the ASTM standards
for the physical and mechanical testing of fine and coarse aggregates. The main study is to utilized
recycled concrete as a coarse aggregate for the manufacture of concrete. It is necessary to know if
the replacement of plastic aggregate in concrete is acceptable.
The experimental method will be used in this study to examine and classify the effect of
plastic waste when substitute as natural coarse aggregates in concrete at different percentage. In
this research, there will be a set of trials which will be handled. Another trial will be conducted
until the objectives of this research were obtained. Every trial will have equal mix design as
estimated based on the ACI standards. The change in compressive strength, flexural strength and
in weight of concrete will be determine in this research.
This research attributed the change in workability, consistency and compressive strength
to the effect of the plastic-cement ratio in the concrete mixture in different percentage.
The figure below shows the flowchart done to arrange and explain all the main activities
which will be carried out all throughout the research.

Decide Topic and Research Laboratory Research

Objective Preparing and selecting
research information
Data collection
Literature Review

Collecting of Plastic Waste Materials Analysis and Evaluation

Selecting type of cement, fine Testing of specimens
and coarse aggregates Data analysis

Prepare a Report on Research

Mix Proportions (ACI Design Standard)
Water Cement Ratio
Percentage of Plastic Coarse Research Presentation
Aggregate