Utilization Of Polyethilene Terephthalate (PET) Plastic Waste As A Rough Aggregate Substitution In SCC Concrete

by ADMIN 112 views

Utilization of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plastic Waste as a Rough Aggregate Substitution in SCC Concrete

Introduction

The world is facing a severe environmental crisis due to the increasing volume of plastic waste. Indonesia, being one of the countries with a significant plastic waste problem, is in dire need of innovative solutions to manage this issue. One potential solution is to utilize plastic waste in the construction industry, where it can be used to create more sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure. In this context, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste can be used as a constituent material in Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC). This study aims to explore the potential of using PET waste as a rough aggregate substitution in SCC concrete.

Background

Plastic waste is a significant environmental problem in Indonesia, with the volume of waste continuing to increase every year. The government and the community are working together to find solutions to manage this issue. One alternative is to use plastic waste in the construction industry, where it can be used to create more sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure. PET plastic waste is a type of plastic that is widely used in packaging materials, such as water bottles and food containers. It is a non-biodegradable material that can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Methodology

In this study, PET plastic waste was used as a rough aggregate substitution in SCC concrete. The percentage of PET substitution varied from 0% to 20% based on weight. The tests carried out included testing of fresh concrete, such as slump flows, L shape boxes, and V-Funnel, as well as hard concrete testing, including compressive strength and divisive strength using cylindrical specimens with a diameter of 15 cm and height of 30 cm.

Results

The results of the study showed that the slump flow value and the L shape box decreased along with the increase in the percentage of PET substitution. This indicates that the more PET added, the more difficult the concrete to flow well. Conversely, the V-Funnel value increased with the increasing percentage of PET substitution. This increase in value indicates that although concrete flow becomes more difficult, the ability to flow through narrow gaps can still be maintained.

The compressive strength of concrete with various percentages of PET showed a decrease in strength with the increase in PET substitution. The compressive strength values were 23.53 MPA (0%), 21.79 MPA (5%), 21.19 MPA (10%), 20.19 MPA (15%), and 16.87 MPA (20%). The divisive strength values also showed a similar decline trend, with values of 2.63 MPa (0%), 2.07 MPa (5%), 1.83 MPa (10%), 1.56 MPa (15%), and 1.44 MPA (20%).

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that the use of PET waste as a rough aggregate substitution in SCC concrete has a variety of effects on the physical and mechanical properties of concrete. Although there is a decline in strength, the use of this PET waste can be the first step in managing better plastic waste and creating more sustainable construction materials. This effort not only helps reduce the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment but also reduces the use of non-renewable natural resources in concrete production.

Conclusion

The use of PET waste as a rough aggregate substitution in SCC concrete has both positive and negative effects on the physical and mechanical properties of concrete. While there is a decline in strength, the use of this PET waste can be a step towards managing better plastic waste and creating more sustainable construction materials. Further research is needed to find optimal proportions and appropriate handling of PET waste in construction applications.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations can be made:

  • Further research is needed to find optimal proportions and appropriate handling of PET waste in construction applications.
  • The use of PET waste as a rough aggregate substitution in SCC concrete should be continued and developed further.
  • The government and the community should work together to find solutions to manage plastic waste in Indonesia.
  • The construction industry should adopt sustainable and eco-friendly practices to reduce the use of non-renewable natural resources and minimize waste.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

  • Investigating the effects of PET waste on the durability of SCC concrete.
  • Developing new technologies to process and recycle PET waste for use in construction applications.
  • Conducting further studies on the mechanical properties of SCC concrete with PET waste substitution.
  • Exploring the potential of using PET waste in other construction materials, such as asphalt and mortar.

Limitations of the Study

The limitations of this study include:

  • The study was conducted on a small scale, and further research is needed to confirm the results.
  • The study only investigated the effects of PET waste on the physical and mechanical properties of SCC concrete.
  • The study did not investigate the economic and social impacts of using PET waste in construction applications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of PET waste as a rough aggregate substitution in SCC concrete has both positive and negative effects on the physical and mechanical properties of concrete. While there is a decline in strength, the use of this PET waste can be a step towards managing better plastic waste and creating more sustainable construction materials. Further research is needed to find optimal proportions and appropriate handling of PET waste in construction applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Utilizing Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plastic Waste as a Rough Aggregate Substitution in SCC Concrete

Q: What is the main purpose of this study?

A: The main purpose of this study is to explore the potential of using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste as a rough aggregate substitution in Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) and to investigate its effects on the physical and mechanical properties of concrete.

Q: What are the benefits of using PET waste in construction applications?

A: The use of PET waste in construction applications can help reduce the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, reduce the use of non-renewable natural resources in concrete production, and create more sustainable construction materials.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include the small scale of the study, the investigation of only the physical and mechanical properties of SCC concrete, and the lack of investigation of the economic and social impacts of using PET waste in construction applications.

Q: What are the potential applications of PET waste in construction?

A: PET waste can be used as a rough aggregate substitution in SCC concrete, as well as in other construction materials such as asphalt and mortar.

Q: How can PET waste be processed and recycled for use in construction applications?

A: PET waste can be processed and recycled through various methods, including mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and thermal recycling.

Q: What are the potential environmental benefits of using PET waste in construction applications?

A: The use of PET waste in construction applications can help reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and conserve natural resources.

Q: What are the potential economic benefits of using PET waste in construction applications?

A: The use of PET waste in construction applications can help reduce the cost of raw materials, reduce waste disposal costs, and create new job opportunities in the recycling industry.

Q: What are the potential social benefits of using PET waste in construction applications?

A: The use of PET waste in construction applications can help raise awareness about the importance of waste reduction and recycling, promote sustainable development, and improve the quality of life for communities.

Q: What are the potential challenges of using PET waste in construction applications?

A: The potential challenges of using PET waste in construction applications include the lack of standardization in the recycling process, the potential for contamination, and the need for further research and development.

Q: What are the potential future directions for research on PET waste in construction applications?

A: The potential future directions for research on PET waste in construction applications include investigating the effects of PET waste on the durability of SCC concrete, developing new technologies to process and recycle PET waste, and exploring the potential of using PET waste in other construction materials.

Q: What are the potential implications of this study for the construction industry?

A: The potential implications of this study for the construction industry include the need to adopt sustainable and eco-friendly practices, the need to reduce waste and increase recycling, and the need to develop new technologies and materials to support sustainable development.

Q: What are the potential implications of this study for the environment?

A: The potential implications of this study for the environment include the reduction of plastic waste in landfills, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and the conservation of natural resources.

Q: What are the potential implications of this study for society?

A: The potential implications of this study for society include the promotion of sustainable development, the improvement of the quality of life for communities, and the creation of new job opportunities in the recycling industry.