DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

EVALUATION OF STRENGTH &

DURABILITY OF PLASTIC SAND BRICKS

TEAM MEMBERS : PROJECT GUIDE :

19tucv025 Mohamed Arafath.K
19tucv032 Prem Kumar.S Mr. R.Ramesh M.E.,
19tucv038 Shuhail Akthar.A Assistant Professor,
Department of Civil Engineering
19tucv044 Tamizhiniyan.E
 CONTENT
Abstract

Objective

Methodology

Work Schedule

Experimental Work

Observation & Result

Reference
 PHASE – II
INTRODUCTION
 This work effectively converts waste plastic into useful building material like Plastic Bricks which
can effectively reduce the environmental pollution and further decrease the problem of waste
plastics in the society.

 Rather than the waste plastic going into the landfill or incineration it can be used as construction
materials at a much lower cost after undergoing certain specific processing.

 For phase-1 we had studied literature review and then we had studied its methodology and its
properties of casting of plastic bricks.

 During phase-2 we are planned to observe and to do various test that are used to identify the
strength and durability of plastic sand bricks.
 OBJECTIVE
 Reusing the waste plastics for construction building materials.
 To reduce the amount of waste plastic for land filling.
 To clean the environment.
 ABSTRACT

 The use of waste plastic bottles for the production of bricks is an optimal method to solve the

problem of storing waste materials and to optimize the cost for the production of building

materials.

 Plastic sand bricks could be a workable solution for combating issues related to solid waste.

 The strength durability and properties of plastic sand bricks are studied in different plastic sand

ratio by their weight, using plastic as a blinder.

 The water absorption test, compressive strength test, and hardness tests are to be performed.
METHODOLOGY

Study on mix proportion

Casting of bricks
Ssdde

Observation of brick casted

Results and Discussion

Conclusion
 WORK SCHEDULE

WORK SCHEDULE (PHASE- 2) TIMELINE

STUDY ON MIX PROPORTION 1 MONTH

CASTING OF BRICKS 15 DAYS

TESTING OF BRICKS 15 DAYS

RESULT & REPORT PREPARATION 15 DAYS

CEMENT M - SAND

PLASTIC
 CEMENT
 Cement is made by heating limestone (calcium carbonate) with small quantities of other materials
(such as clay). In this project Ordinary Portland cement of 53 grade conforming to IS456-2000 is
used.

 Tests were carried out on various physical properties of cement and the results are shown in test data
of materials,cement is acting as a binding material.
S.no Tests Obtained Result Standards
(IS :8112)
1 Initial setting time 32 mins 30 mins
2 Final setting time 580 mins 600 mins
3 Fineness 96% Not less than 90%
4 Specific gravity 3.14 3.10 - 3.15
5 Standard consistency 34% 30 – 35 %
 SAND
 M-sand is used as a fine aggregate. The properties of m-sand are determined by conducting tests as

per IS: 2386 (Part-1). The results is shown in test data of materials. The results obtained from sieve

analysis are furnished. The results indicate that the sand conforms to zone 11 of IS: 383-1970.

S.no Tests Results

1 Specific Gravity 2.62

2 Bulk Density 1690 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3

3 Fineness Modulus 2.92

 PLASTIC
 Plastics are commonly used substances which play an important role in almost every aspect of our
lives. The widespread generation of plastics waste needs proper endof-life management. The highest
amount of plastics is found in containers and packaging’s (i.e. bottles, packaging, cups etc.), but they
also are found in durables (e.g. tires, building materials, furniture, etc.) and disposable goods (e.g.
medical devices).
 WATER

 Water is used to mixing and curing of plastic bricks, shall be clean and free from oils, acids, alkalies,

salts and organic materials or other substances they may be deleterious to concrete or steel. Portable

water is used for mixing of plastic bricks. Suspended solid matter in the water shall not exceed more

than 200mg/l. The pH value of the water should not be less than 6.
 CASTING OF PLASTIC BRICKS
 Process of Casting Plastic Sand Brick :
1. First, we need to collect the plastic waste and separate it from other wastes.
2. Second, we should dry the plastic waste if it is wet and has a content of moisture.
3. Then, we should crush the plastic waste in small particles by crushing machine.
4. Then, the small particles crush into fine size particles.
5. The ratio of cement and plastic which we use is 1:3 .
6. The sand which we use in manufacturing of bricks is sieved for a size less than 4.75mm using sieve
analysis.
7. Then, we add the cement and sand mix into waste plastics.
8. Then, we can mix it properly and make a mix.
9. Then, we poured the mix into the moulds which is in the shape of bricks size 19 cm x 9 cm x 9 cm.
10. Then keep the mould for dry and demould it on a next day.
11. Then after demoulding the brick the weight of the brick is 2.5Kg is the result.
 CASTING OF PLASTIC BRICKS
Fixing the Proportion of Sand and Plastic:
For the fabrication of plastic sand bricks, plastic and sand are mixed in different proportions and bricks
containing different amount of plastic and sand are made. Plastic and m-sand are mixed in different
ratios 1:2, 1:3, 1:4.
The reason behind taking different proportions of plastic and sand is to find the optimum proportion
which gives the desired results. The bricks made of these ratios will further be investigated for various
desired properties and tests.

Preparation of Brick Mould:

The moulds used are wooden moulds and are made in the carpentry shop. All the sides and surfaces of
the mould should be even for the brick to have better surface & finish. Both fixed and movable moulds
can be used for the purpose. Wooden mould will be cost effective and serve the purpose whereas if
better surface finish is needed then cast-iron moulds can be used. Mould size would be (190*90*90)
mm.
CASTING
CURING
 EXPERIMENTAL WORK
MIX DESIGN:

 In order to find the plastic sand bricks that they possess high compressive strength with various
mix proportions are made and they are tested using compressive testing machine [CTM].

 The mix proportions were used in the ratio of (1:2, 1:3, and 1:5). These are the ratio which
represents the plastic, M-sand respectively.
a) Ratio (1:2)

Size of brick = 19 X 9 X 9 cm
= 0.19 X 0.09 X 0.09 m
Volume of brick = 0.00153 m3

Sum of proportion = 1+2 = 3

Amount of plastic = (0.00153/2) x 1 = (5.1 x 10-4) x 1390 …… (1390 PET density)
Amount of plastic = 0.7089 kg of plastic.

Amount of sand =0.00153 \ 2 x 2

= (1.02 x 10-3) x 1620 …. (1620 Sand density)
Amount of sand =1.65kg of sand.
a) Ratio (1:3)

Size of brick = 19 X 9 X 9 cm
= 0.19 X 0.09 X 0.09 m
Volume of brick = 0.00153 m3

Sum of proportion = 1+3 = 4

Amount of plastic = (0.00153/2) x 1 = (3.825 x 10-4) x 1390 …… (1390 PET density)
Amount of plastic = 0.530 kg of plastic.

Amount of sand =0.00153 \ 2 x 2

= (1.14 x 10-3) x 1620 …. (1620 Sand density)
Amount of sand =1.85kg of sand.
 RESULTS
TESTS ON BRICKS :

1. Compressive Strength test

2. Water Absorption test

3. Efflorescence test

4. Soundness test

5. Shape and size test

6. Hardness test

7. Color test

8. Impact test

9. SEM test
1. Compressive Strength test (BS 5628: Part 1: 1992)

In this test, the cubical brick specimen is placed in the compression strength testing machine. After
placing it we will apply the load on the brick without any shock. The load will be increased at a rate
of 140kg/cm2 min continuously till the specimen’s resistance to increasing load breaks down and it
cannot withstand any greater load further. Recording the maximum load applied to the brick
specimen and the appearance and type of failure is also noted along with any unusual features.

COMPRESIVE STRENGTH= MAXIMUM LOAD APPLIED SPECIMEN AREA

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH = F/A

F - Maximum load applied (KN)

A – Specimen Area (mm2)

Results of compressive strength test :

Table: Compressive strength for 1:2 plastic to sand ratio, Plastic Sand Brick

Plastic Sand Brick Maximum Load (KN) Compressive Strength

(1:2 Ratio) (kg/cm2)

Sample - 1 490 190.87

Sample - 2 500 193.56

Sample - 3 450 160.99

Results of compressive strength test :

Table: Compressive strength for 1:3 plastic to sand ratio, Plastic Sand Brick

Plastic Sand Brick Maximum Load (KN) Compressive Strength

(1:3 Ratio) (kg/cm2)

Sample - 1 350 135.71

Sample - 2 320 124.07

Sample - 3 335 129.89

Results of compressive strength test :

Table: Compressive strength for 1:4 plastic to sand ratio, Plastic Sand Brick

Plastic Sand Brick Maximum Load (KN) Compressive Strength

(1:4 Ratio) (kg/cm2)

Sample - 1 165 63.97

Sample - 1 150 58.16

Sample - 1 155 60.10

Compressive Strength test (BS 5628: Part 1: 1992)
Compressive Strength test (BS 5628: Part 1: 1992)
2. Water Absorption Test (IS 1077-1970):
In this test at first the bricks are weighed in total dry conditions. Then they will be allowed to be
dipped in fresh water for about 24 hours in a container. The bricks are taken out of the water after 24
hours and are wiped with a cloth. The wet brick is weighed using a weighing machine. For the
calculation of water absorption, the difference between wet brick and dry brick is done. The
difference is the amount of water absorbed by the brick. After that the percentage of water absorption
is calculated using the data. Water absorption of bricks tells about the bonding of bricks with mortar.
Although other factors such as grooves and design on bricks also improve the bonding. For sand
bricks which have less water absorptivity leaner mortar layer is used for bonding bricks and mortar.
Greater quality bricks absorb less amount of water. For a good quality brick, the water absorption
should be less than 20% of its own weight.

Water absorption = {[Weight of wet brick–Weight of dry brick]/Weight of dry brick} x 100
Results of Water Absorption test :

Table: For 1:2 ratios plastic to sand bricks, the water absorption is given below

Plastic Sand Brick W1(kg) W2(kg) Water Absorption

(1:2 Ratio) (in %)

Sample - 1 3.053 3.082 0.949

Sample - 2 2.958 2.997 1.318

Sample - 3 3.014 3.051 1.227

Results of Water Absorption test :

Table: For 1:3 ratios plastic to sand bricks, the water absorption is given below

Plastic Sand Brick W1(kg) W2(kg) Water Absorption

(1:3 Ratio) (in %)

Sample - 1 2.532 2.601 2.723

Sample - 2 2.498 2.564 2.642

Sample - 3 2.594 2.678 3.238

Results of Water Absorption test :

Table: For 1:4 ratios plastic to sand bricks, the water absorption is given below

Plastic Sand Brick W1(kg) W2(kg) Water Absorption

(1:4 Ratio) (in %)

Sample - 1 2.411 2.516 4.351

Sample - 2 2.397 2.492 3.963

Sample - 3 2.456 2.568 4.560

Water Absorption Test (IS 1077-1970):
3. Efflorescence Test :
A shallow flat bottom dish containing sufficient distilled water to completely saturate the specimens.
The dish shall be made of glass, porcelain or glazed stoneware and of size 180 mm x 180 mm x 40
mm depth for square shaped and 200 mm dia x 40 mm depth for cylindrical shaped.

Procedure:

Place the end of the bricks in the dish, the depth of immersion in water being 25 mm. Place the whole
arrangement in a warm (for example, 20 to 30°C) well ventilated room until all the water in the dish
is absorbed by the specimens and the surplus water evaporates. Cover the dish containing the brick
with suitable glass cylinder so that excessive evaporation from the dish may not occur. When the
water has been absorbed and bricks appear to be dry, place a similar quantity of water in the dish and
allow it to evaporate as before. Examine the bricks for efflorescence after the second evaporation and
report the results.
Table : Alkali presence in the bricks as appeared on the surface
4. Soundness Test :
The soundness test on bricks is performed to determine the ability of bricks to resist the effects of
freezing and thawing cycles. The test is performed according to Indian Standard Code IS – 3495
(Part 2) - 1992. The following are the steps to perform the test:

1. Select a sample of bricks from the batch to be tested. The sample size should be at least 5 bricks.

2. Immerse the bricks in water for a period of 24 hours.

3. Take the bricks out of the water and allow them to dry for 24 hours.

4. Repeat steps 2 to 5 for three cycles.

5. Inspect the bricks for any visible signs of deterioration, such as cracking, flaking, or spalling.
Soundness test of bricks shows the nature of bricks against sudden impact. In this test, 2 bricks are
chosen randomly and struck with one another. Then sound produced should be clear bell ringing
sound and brick should not break. Then it is said to be good brick.
5. Shape and size Test :
The shape and size test on bricks is performed according to Indian Standard Code IS 3495 (Part 1) -
1992. The test is performed on a sample of bricks taken from a batch of bricks. The following are the
steps to perform the test:
1. Select a sample of bricks from the batch to be tested. The sample size should be at
least 20 bricks.
2. Measure the length, width, and height of each brick in the sample using a precision
measuringinstrument, such as a micrometer or vernier caliper.
3. Calculate the length-to-width ratio for each brick by dividing the length of the brick by the
width of the brick.
4. Check the dimensions of each brick against the standard size and shape specified in IS 3495 (Part
1)specified in IS 3495,1992. The size of the brick should not deviate more than 3mm from the
specified length, width and height for first class brick and 8mm for second class brick.
5. Check the shape and size of each brick. The bricks should be rectangular in shape, with straight
edges and sharp corners. The length-to-width ratio should not deviate more than 15% from
the standard ratio.
6. Check the bricks for defects, such as cracks, chips, or other imperfections.
The dimensions of bricks when tested in accordance with & shall be within the following
limits per 20 bricks:
For modular sire
Length 3 720 to 3 880 mm ( 3800 ± 80 mm)
Width 1 760 to 1 840 mm (1 800 ± 40 mm )
Height 1 760 to 1 840 mm ( 1800 ± 40 mm )
(For 90 mm high bricks)
760 to 840 mm ( 800 ± 40 mm )
(For 40 mm high bricks)
6. Hardness Test :
A good brick should resist scratches against sharp things. So, for this test a sharp tool or finger nail is
used to make scratch on brick. If there is no scratch impression on brick then it is said
to be hard brick.
7. Color Test :
The color test on bricks is performed to check the uniformity of color in the bricks. In construction, it
is important to have uniform color bricks in a wall or building as it gives an aesthetic appeal to the
building. The color test is done by taking a sample of bricks from the batch and visually comparing it
to the standard color of the bricks. The color should be consistent throughout the entire batch to be
considered acceptable.
Thus, color test can also be used to identify the mineral content of the brick and infer the strength,
water absorption and other properties of the brick.
8. Impact Test:
The impact test, on bricks is performed to determine the toughness and durability of the bricks. The
test is performed according to indian Standard Code IS 3495 (Part 2) - 1992. The following are the
steps to perform the test.

1. Select a sample of bricks from the batch to be tested. The sample size should be at least 5 bricks.

2. Place the brick on a solid surface, such as a concrete slab.

3. Suspend a standard cylindrical weight, usually 15 kg or 25 kg, from a height of 1 meter

above the brick.

4. Release the weight and allow it to fall freely onto the brick.

5. Record the number of drops required to break the brick or the number of drops
until cracks appear.
9.SEM tests:
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), type of electron microscope, designed for directly studying
the surfaces of solid objects, that utilizes a beam of focused electrons of relatively low energy as an
electron probe that is scanned in a regular manner over the specimen.
SEM is an important tool for polymer analysis, since it is extensively used to study fracture and
failure mechanics, particles size and shape, filler orientation and dispersion in polymer
matrices. As a result, polymer research and manufacturing laboratories are usually equipped with
SEMs.
• Step 1: Primary fixation with aldehydes.
• Step 2: Secondary fixation with osmium tetroxide.
• Step 3: Dehydration series with solvent (ethanol or acetone).
• Step 4: Drying.
• Step 5: Mounting on a stub.
• Step 6: Sputter coating with conductve material.
SEM tests:
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K.V.G College of Engineering, Sullia.DK. 2011-2012.
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