STRENGTH PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE MADE WITH MOLTEN POLYETHYLENE AS A TOTAL REPLACEMENT FOR CEMENT

Abstract

This research work investigated the strength property of concrete produced with molten polyethylene as total replacement for cement. Eighteen (18) concrete cubes of 150mm were cast for compression strength test i.e., three cubes were cast using cement as the binder and the other fifteen cubes were cast using polyethylene as total replacement for cement. The concrete cubes of cement concrete were cured for 28 days, and all the cubes were crushed. From the results obtained, the mass of the concrete produced with cement had an average value of 7.88kg while those made of polyethylene ranges from 7.92kg to 7.64kg and it was observed that the mass of the concrete cube reduces with increase in the polyethylene content. It was observed that the 28days compressive strength of the concrete made with cement have an average value of 20.07N/mm², while those made from polyethylene ranges 16.09N/mm² to 19.36N/mm². A clear comparison of the compressive strength of concrete made with cement and that of made from polyethylene shows that the concrete made of cement have a higher compressive strength than those made from polyethylene. However, a clear observation on the results shows that the compressive strength of concrete made from polyethylene has an optimum value of 19.36N/mm² at 125% polyethylene content. Hence, it was concluded that polyethylene can be used for concrete production and is recommended for precast works and lightweight works.

 

Keyword: Cement, Compressive strength, Concrete, Mass, Polyethylene