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Production Process of Eco-Friendly Building Material Units: An Application of the Circular Economy Concept
1 , 1 , 1 , * 2
1  Laboratory of Materials, Department of Architecture Design, NFC Institute of Engineering and Technology, Multan 66000, Pakistan
2  Hasselt University and NFC-IET
Academic Editor: Wen-Jer Chang

Abstract:

The environmental impact of resource utilization has been identified as one of the most significant challenges facing society in the past few decades. With the increase in global population, the utilization of plastic material has a direct impact on waste production and the environment. However, the utilization of waste materials as construction materials has a significant positive impact in the construction industry. This study explores the use of melted plastic waste and sand in the production of sustainable masonry bricks. The product was developed in the form of small blocks connected in layers. Moulds were prepared in the form of brick block patterns, and these blocks could be interlocked to develop structural units. The produced bricks were tested for various bonding and compressive strength parameters. The results revealed that the manufacturing of sustainable masonry bricks using plastic waste and sand resulted in a good-quality block unit. It had a bond shear strength of 2.59 MPa and a compressive strength of 11.23 MPa, and was compatible with existing brick masonry units. This study demonstrated a practical strategy to convert plastic waste into eco-friendly building material units.

Keywords: Sustainability; Eco-friendly; Production Processes; Plastic Mix; building

 
 
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