Experimental Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Laterite Bricks Produced with Plastic Waste as Binder

Abstract

Three key issues bordering developing nations such as housing deficit, waste management and depletion of environmental resources are rampant in Nigeria. Perhaps utilising plastic wastes as alternative materials, specifically in brick production, can be a viable approach to solving these issues. This paper seeks to apply plastic waste as a binder to completely replace cement with the view of producing Stabilised Earth Bricks. Laterite soil was combined with melted plastic to produce brick specimens. The specimens were cured in open air and tested for Densification (Df), Compressive Strength (Cs) and Flexural Strength (Fs). An average compressive strength of 8.20N/mm² at 3 days was recorded for the Laterite Plastic Bricks (LPBs). LPBs have been discovered to be light in weight yet possessing compressive strength comparable to standard requirements of Compressed Stabilised Earth Bricks. This indicates that LPBs can be considered as appropriate building materials.