The Impact of Low-Density Polyethylene (water sachets) on the Mechanical Property of Cement Mortar

The Impact of Low-Density Polyethylene (water sachets) on the Mechanical Property of Cement Mortar. 

ABSTRACT  

Many building collapsed cases have been reported throughout the West African regions. It is recorded that during some of these subsidences, many lives are lost and the vast majority end up in hospitals and clinics with huge loss in investments also. This poses a major challenge to the health and wellbeing of the human race. Overwhelming facts of poor workmanship, engineering fault and poor maintenance have been highlighted as major factors.

On the other hand, most research has shown that a huge accumulation of these problems is due to the fact that there is a bias in the mechanical properties of the type of concrete material used. Some focus on high strength, not toughness; others on high toughness not strength. In other instances, people produce low quality to minimize cost and maximize profit which result in these catastrophes.

This current research explores incorporating low density polyethylene (LDPE) waste into cement mortar to improve its fracture toughness with balanced compressive strength. Furthermore, this will minimize some common environmental problems in the contemporary world associated with the disposal of these LDPE waste and alleviate issues posted due to its non-biodegradable nature.

Different volume fractions (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40%) of the powdered LDPE were used to mix with the cement while the density, compressive strength, flexural strength, and the fracture toughness were observed under different testing conditions. All specimens were tested after curing of 7, 14, and 28 days. The results show that there is 6.12% increase in the fracture toughness at 5%, 6.88% increase at 10%, and 24% increase at 20%. 

TABLE OF CONTENT

Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. i
Acknowledgement ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… iii
List of Figures…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… vii
List of Tables…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… viii

Chapter One ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..1
1.1 Background and Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………..1
1.2 Problem Statement and Scope of Research……………………………………………………………………………..2
1.3 Scope of work …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3
1.4 References………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4

Chapter Two………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7
2.0 Literature Review………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7
2.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..7
2.2.1 Properties of low density polyethylene………………………………………………………………………………..7
2.2.2 Applications of LDPE in Construction ………………………………………………………………………………..9
2.2.3 Impact of LDPE on Mechanical Properties of Concrete……………………………………………………….10
2.2.4 Some Fracture Mechanics and Toughening Approach of Concrete ……………………………………….11
2.2.5 References……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..13

Chapter 3…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..16
3.0 Materials and Experimental Method…………………………………………………………………………………….16
3.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………16
3.2.1 Production of Cement Mortar …………………………………………………………………………………………..16
3.2.2 Materials for the Powder Production …………………………………………………………………………………16
3.2.3 Materials/equipment used for the production of cement mortar…………………………………………….17
3.2.4 Standard Laboratory Equipment used to make the Mortar ……………………………………………………18
3.2.5 Standard laboratory equipment for testing samples……………………………………………………………..19
3.2.6 Properties of Dangote 3X Cement …………………………………………………………………………………….20
3.2.7 Powder, sand, Water ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….21
3.2.8 Production of Powder from Water Sachet ………………………………………………………………………….22
3.3 Experimental Procedures ……………………………………………………………………………………………………23
3.3.1 Volume fraction mix of sand with polymer and cement……………………………………………………23
3.3.2 Sample testing…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….24

Chapter Four …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..27
4.0 Results and Discussions……………………………………………………………………………………………………..27
4.1.2 Impact of Polymer and Curing on Compressive Strength …………………………………………………….29
4.1.3 Flexural Strength and Fracture Toughness …………………………………………………………………………31

Chapter Five………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………35
5.0 Summary and Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………………………..37
5.1 Recommendation ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………37

INTRODUCTION  

Building collapses have posted major challenges and threats to the health and wellbeing of the human race. Over time, major damages have been reported resulting in expansive loss of huge investments in housing, properties. Many people lose their lives during the incidence. In most cases, people have sleepless nights and state of unrest. The world is, however, relatively unstable as a result of the geometrical order of population growth, urban development in coastal areas, poor planning and housing developments in high risk areas of cities.

Furthermore, engineers throughout the West Africa have shown that building collapses occurs to a diversity of factors. Some attribute these factors to the employment of incompetent artisans and weak work supervision of workmen at building sites. Others also believe that the cause is due to endemic poor work ethics and non-enforcement of existing laws. Research done by Oluwunmi et al showed that cases of building collapse are not restricted by climatology or level of urbanization as they cut across cultural and ethnical barriers.

For instance, as part of the cases aside climatic condition, Folagbade and Chinwokwo enumerated forty-two (42) cases of building collapse as occurring in Nigeria between 1980 and 1999, while Makinde listed fifty-four (54) cases occurring between January 2000 and June 2007 alone. Additionally, other main causes and major challenges have being attributed to non-compliance with specifications standards use of sub-standard building materials and equipment. 

REFERENCES

Oloyede S.A. (2010). Tackling Causes of Frequent Building Collapse in Nigeria Journal of
Sustainable Development 3, 3.

Folagbade, S. O. (2001).Case Studies of Building Collapse in Nigeria. Proceedings of a
Workshop on Building Collapse, Causes, Prevention and Remedies, The Nigerian Institute of
Building, Ondo State 23-24

Badejo, E. (2009). Engineers, Others Urge Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Curb Building
Collapse, The Guardian Newspaper, 15-17.

Oluwunmi, A.O. December 2010. Building Failure and Collapse in Nigeria: the Influence of
the Informal Sector Journal of Sustainable Development 3, 4.

Chinwokwu, G. (2000). The Role of Professionals in Averting Building Collapse,
Proceedings of a Seminar on Building Collapse in Nigeria. The Nigerian Institute of Building,
Lagos, 12-28.

Makinde, F. A. (2007). Minimizing the Collapse of Building in Nigeria. Seminar Paper,
Faculty of Environmental Studies, Osun State College of Technology, 20-21.

Manish C. August 2014.Effect of Waste Low Density Polyethylene on Mechanical Properties
of Concrete Journal of Academia and Industrial Research (JAIR) 3, 3.

StudentsandScholarship Team.