DESIGN AND ASSESSMENT OF WASTE PLASTIC-SAND MAKING SYSTEM

The use of plastic has grown extensively in recent years all over the world. It is inexpensive and easily available and can be moulded into shapes. However, plastic is nonbiodegradable; it causes pollution and create difficulties in managing. Thus, this study was undertaken to investigate the potential use of plastic and demonstrate usefulness of plastic sand bricks as alternative structural elements, replacing standard clay brick. The physical and mechanical properties of plastic sand bricks were studied in different plastic sand weight ratios of 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5, using plastic as a binder. Tests such as compressive strength test, water absorption test, efflorescence test, thermal resistance test and split tensile strength test were done. The water absorption of these bricks are very less 1% - 4.5%. Based on the experimental study of plastic sand brick, it is worth noting that the proportions of plastic and sand, as well as the uniformity of mixture, impact the compressive and tensile strength of plastic sand brick. In addition, it was observed that further reducing the quantity of plastic results in decreasing the compressive and split tensile strength of brick but the thermal resistance of bricks increases with a decrease in the amount of plastic. The bricks in any all ratios showed negligible water absorption and efflorescence. This study has proffered solution in reducing the plastic waste disposal problem, is it utilizes the waste and converts them into a useful construction material.