Investigating the possibility of using demolished sand wastes reinforced with polypropylene fiber sacks to manufacture interlocking blocks

Abstract

Due to increased growth of the construction industry, there has been increase in poor waste management and high costs involved in construction. This research study investigates the effect of addition of pure polypropylene fibres to mortar in order to diminish some poor performances particularly in case of ductility and tensile strength. The effect of the addition of polypropylene fibres on the mechanical properties of normal strength mortar is studied. The polypropylene fibres were added at concentration of 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5% by volume. This research was focused on determining the physical properties of demolished sand wastes and mechanical properties of polypropylene fibre sacks used, physical, mechanical and chemical properties of cubes or blocks made out of the above mentioned materials such the workability, compressive strength, water absorption, efflorescence and durability and also the cost reduction on using such wastes in construction. From the study, it showed that both wastes have greater physical and mechanical properties. With the use of polypropylene fibre, the workability of the mortar reduced by about 19-24%.the research also showed that the compressive strength increased by about 36-45% generally at all ages with addition of 0.5% fibre and decrease with addition of 1.5% and 2.5% fibre for all lengths. The study also showed an increment in water absorption with addition of polypropylene fibre at the age of 7, 14 and 28 days and finally showed that there are low costs incurred in fibre wastes in construction compared with using normal construction materials.