Exploring Plastic Waste Integration in Brick Production for Sustainable Construction
Aayush Lokhande 1, Mrs. Poonam Bagora 2
1 UG – Civil Engineering Department
Indore Institute of Science and Technology, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
2 Faculty – Civil Engineering Department
Indore Institute of Science and Technology, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
[email protected]
[email protected]
ABSTRACT
The construction industry is actively seeking innovative methods to reduce its environmental
impact and optimize resource usage. This study is focused on exploring the use of plastic
waste as a partial replacement for traditional materials in brick production, specifically
targeting a reduction in the reliance on fly ash and clay. By incorporating varying quantities
of plastic waste into brick formulations, alongside fly ash and clay, the research aims to
evaluate the feasibility and performance of these eco-friendly bricks. The investigation will
assess critical parameters such as compressive strength, water absorption, and longevity of
the newly formulated bricks, comparing them to conventional bricks. Additionally, the study
will examine the environmental benefits of using plastic waste in brick production, such as
reducing the need for non-renewable resources and repurposing waste material. Building on
previous research, this study highlights the potential for plastic waste bricks to contribute to
sustainability efforts. Earlier findings suggest that integrating High-Density Polyethylene
(HDPE) waste into bricks can achieve satisfactory compressive strength and dimensional
stability, although there have been concerns about reduced fire resistance. This research will
expand on these preliminary findings by exploring various formulations and conditions to
better understand the viability of plastic waste bricks for construction applications. The goal
is to determine whether these bricks can provide a sustainable alternative to traditional
materials, effectively reducing plastic waste and supporting greener building practices. The
outcomes of this study could have significant implications for both environmental
sustainability and waste management strategies, offering a promising solution for integrating
recycled materials into construction while minimizing the impact on non-renewable
resources.
Keywords - Sustainable construction, Environmental impact, Eco-friendly bricks, HDPE,
Green building