DISSERTATION

A PAPERCRETE AS A SUSTAINABLE BUILDING

MATERIAL

By

ANKUR BHASKAR
2000880810012

Guided by

Ar. SWATI AGRAWAL

APEEJAY SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURRE & PLANNING

[Link]

2024-2025
 APEEJAY SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING GREATER NOIDA

CANDIDATE’S DECLARATION

I Ankur Bhaskar hereby declare that the work which is being presented in the Dissertation entitled " A
PAPERCRETE AS A SUSTAINABLE BUILDING MATERIAL “is an outcome of my own research and free from
plagiarism. It is my original work except where explicitly stated otherwise in the text and has not been
previously formed the basis for the award of any degree, diploma or certificate of this or any other
university. I have duly acknowledged all the sources used by me in the preparation of this Dissertation.

(Name & Signature of Candidate)

ANKUR BHASKAR

Date:23-05-2024
Place: Greater Noida
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I wish to express my sincere and humble gratitude to my guide – AR SWATI AGRAWAL, faculty at
AIT-SAP GREATER NOIDA, this work would not have been possible without his support and guidance.
I thank my companions from [AIT-SAP] who provided insight and expertise that greatly assisted the
research. I also thank our director Professor Vivek Sabharwal for providing me the opportunity to do this
dissertation and helping me in the process. Each of the members of my Dissertation Committee has
provided me extensive personal and professional guidance and taught me a great deal about both
scientific research and life in general. I am grateful to all of those with whom I have had the pleasure to
work during this and other related projects. Nobody has been more important to me in the pursuit of
this project than the members of my family. I would like to thank my parents; whose love and guidance
are with me in whatever I pursue. They are the ultimate role models.

ANKUR BHASKAR
 Abstract

These days CO2 emission from construction sites because of cement use is a global issue. In order to
address environmental effects associated with cement manufacturing and constantly depleting natural
resources, there is a need to develop alternative binders to make concrete industry sustainable. On the
other hand, more waste paper ends up in landfills or dump sites than those recycled due to which all
countries are facing a serious challenge in disposing of waste. If current trends continue, with waste
production projected to grow by 5% each year, landfills would be at full capacity by 2020. Based on the
review of large quantity of related national and international references, the state-of-art of the research
and development on papercrete is presented in this paper. Papercrete is a new composite material using
waste paper as a partial replacement of Portland cement. By using waste paper, papercrete is not only
reducing the amount of cement used but also making environment- friendly building materials. The
mixture proportion, the durability, the basic physical and chemical properties and the structural
performance of papercrete are mainly investigated.
Table of Contents
Abstract ................................................................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER -1 ...........................................................................................................................................................8
1.1 Operational Definition:- ................................................................................................................................8
1.1.1Paperpulp . ....................................................................................................................................................8
1.1.2Steel Fiber......................................................................................................................................................8
1.1.3Density test.. ..................................................................................................................................................8
1.1.4Compressive test. ...........................................................................................................................................8
1.2 Introduction: ....................................................................................................................................................8
1.3 Research Questions: ........................................................................................................................................9
1.4 Aim: .................................................................................................................................................................9
1.5 Objective: ........................................................................................................................................................9
1.6 Need and Scope of the study: ........................................................................................................................10
1.7Limitation: ......................................................................................................................................................10
CHAPTER 2 .......................................................................................................................................................11
2.1 LITERATURE STUDY .............................................................................................................................................. 11
2.1.1 Introduction about Papercrete:- .................................................................................................................... 11
2.1.2 MATERIAL & PROPERTIES :-................................................................................................................11
2.1.3 Cement:- .....................................................................................................................................................11
2.1.4 Fly ash:- ......................................................................................................................................................12
2.1.5 CLASS F FLYASH: ...................................................................................................................................12
2.1.6CLASS C FLYASH: ...................................................................................................................................12
2.2 Sand:- ............................................................................................................................................................12
2.2.1 TESTS ON SAND ......................................................................................................................................13
2.2.2 Paper:- ........................................................................................................................................................13
2.2.3Preparation of papercrete:- ..........................................................................................................................14
2.3 Origin of papercrete concept:- .......................................................................................................................14
2.4 The influence of waste paper used in concrete ..............................................................................................15
2.4.1 General properties :- ...................................................................................................................................15
2.4.2 Workability:- ..............................................................................................................................................15
2.4.3 The mechanical properties influence ..........................................................................................................16
2.2.4 The durability:- ...........................................................................................................................................16
CHAPTER 3 ........................................................................................................................................................18
3.1 METHODOLOGY:- ......................................................................................................................................18
3.1.1 PAPERCRETE MIX RATIOS ...................................................................................................................18
3.2 PLACING ......................................................................................................................................................19
3.3 COMPACTING.............................................................................................................................................19
3.4 CURING ........................................................................................................................................................19
3.4.1Wet curing: ..................................................................................................................................................20
3.5 TEST RESULTS ...........................................................................................................................................20
3.5.1 WEIGHT ....................................................................................................................................................20
3.5.2 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH ...................................................................................................................20
3.6 WATER ABSORPTION: ..............................................................................................................................21
3.7 Fire resistance: ...............................................................................................................................................21
CHAPTER 4 ........................................................................................................................................................22
4.1 CASE STUDY:- 01 .......................................................................................................................................22
4.1.1 CARRIAGE HOUSE :- ..............................................................................................................................22
[Link] FIRST FLOOR PLAN:- ..........................................................................................................................22
[Link] SECOND FLOOR PLAN:- .....................................................................................................................23
[Link] CROSS SECTION:- ................................................................................................................................23
4.2 CASE STUDY:- 02 .......................................................................................................................................24
4.2.1 THE MOODY HOME :- ............................................................................................................................24
4.3 CASE STUDY:- 03 .......................................................................................................................................25
[Link].EARTH BAG DOME ..............................................................................................................................25
[Link] GENERAL DESIGN :-............................................................................................................................26
4.3.2 CONSTRUCTION MATHOD ...................................................................................................................27
Chapter-5 .............................................................................................................................................................28
5.1 Matrix of Case Study .....................................................................................................................................28
CHAPTER-6 Analysis of Sustainable Papercrete Brick ......................................................................................28
6.1 Environmental Impact ...................................................................................................................................29
6.1.1Waste Paper Utilization ...............................................................................................................................29
6.1.2 Reduced Carbon Footprint ..........................................................................................................................29
6.1.3 Energy Consumption ..................................................................................................................................29
6.2 Thermal and Acoustic Insulation ...................................................................................................................29
6.2.1 Thermal Insulation......................................................................................................................................29
6.2.2Acoustic Insulation ......................................................................................................................................29
6.3 Structural Performance ..................................................................................................................................29
6.3.1 Strength and Load-Bearing Capacity ..........................................................................................................29
6.3.2 Durability and Moisture Resistance ............................................................................................................29
6.3.3 Structural stability.......................................................................................................................................29
6.4 Economic Viability ........................................................................................................................................29
6.4.1Cost of Materials: ........................................................................................................................................29
6.4.2 Manufacturing Costs: .................................................................................................................................30
6.5 Health and Safety ..........................................................................................................................................30
6.5.1Non-Toxicity ...............................................................................................................................................30
6.5.2Fire Resistance: ...........................................................................................................................................30
6.6 Social and Community Benefits ....................................................................................................................30
6.6.1 Local Production ........................................................................................................................................30
6.6.2 Affordable Housing ....................................................................................................................................30
6.7 Seismic Performance .....................................................................................................................................30
6.7.1Ductility .......................................................................................................................................................30
6.7.2 Structural Integrity......................................................................................................................................30
6.7.3Reinforcement Needs: .................................................................................................................................30
6.7.4Cracking and Spalling: ................................................................................................................................30
Chapter-7 CONCLUSION ............................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER -1
Keyword:- Paper pulp , Steel Fiber , Compressive Test , Density Test

1.1 Operational Definition:-

1.1.1Paperpulp
Paper pulp is a material made from fibers extracted from wood, recycled paper, or other plant sources. It's
the primary raw material used in the production of paper and paper products. The process of making paper
pulp involves breaking down these fibers into a slurry, which is then further processed and formed into
sheets to make various types of paper.

1.1.2Steel Fiber- Steel fibers are commonly used in construction applications such as industrial floors, tunnel
linings, and precast concrete products. They come in various shapes and sizes depending on the specific requirements
of the project.

1.1.3Density test-The density of papercrete bricks can vary depending on factors such as the ratio of paper to
cement, the density of the paper fibers, and the compaction during manufacturing..

1.1.4Compressive test-The compressive strength of papercrete bricks can vary depending on factors such as the
ratio of paper to cement, curing conditions, and manufacturing process. Typical compressive strengths for papercrete
bricks range from 0.5 MPa to 5 MPa, but actual values may vary based on the specific mix and testing conditions.

1.2 Introduction:

Papercrete is a recently explored construction material that consists of re-pulped paper fibre with cement or clay. It
is an experimental material that replaces a certain proportion of cement with paper in the normal concrete mix.
It is perceived as an environment friendly material due to the vital recycled content. By doing so, the total weight,
cost
and the carbon emissions during production are reduced. Its use remains limited, because of the lack of official data
about
its structural properties, mechanical properties and durability. In order to establish papercrete as a standard material,
further experimentation .

Figure.1. The contribution of indirect GHG emissions

Cement as an essential component of concrete is specially produced and consumed in large quantities for civil
construction. In addition, as a crucial source of greenhouse gas (GHG), about 40%-50% of GHG is attributed to the
civil construction sector in the worldwide scope For example, the USA's building sector is responsible for 40% of
total CO2 emission
There are a lot of advantages of cement-based materials, such as easy assembly and shaping, relatively low cost,
appropriate mechanical properties and durability; thus concrete is the most widely used material in the civil
construction field, globally the annual per capita production of the concrete is around 1 ton . However, due to the
high energy consumption and depletion of natural resources in production, transport and installation, based on the
life cycle assessment (LCA) method, traditional concrete is not an eco-friendly product. More than 5% of human-
made carbon dioxide emissions are attributed to global concrete production. Fig. 1 and Fig. reported material
manufacture process and transport are responsible for a majority of GHG emissions in the building sector, where the
proportion of GHG emissions from concrete and steel is approximately 70%.
The cement production globally is increasing by 2.5% yearly and reaches up to 2.3 giga-tons (Gt) in 2005 and is
estimated to 3.5Gt by 2020. The cement production procedures and use are high energy and materials intensive
industry, with discharging more than 5% of total human-made CO2 and massive by-products, such as SO2 and NOx,
to the environment. The process of cement production generates around 0.9 tons of carbon dioxide per ton According
to the case study based on LCA, production of 1 ton ordinary Portland cement consumes 1.5-1.6 tons of ingredients,
over 3000 MJ of fossil fuel energy and more than 120 kWh of electricity. Consequently, sustainable

Figure.2 The contribution of GHG emission generated by initial building materials.

1.3 Research Questions:

1. What is the long-term durability of papercrete structures compared to traditional building materials?
2. How does the structural stability of papercrete buildings withstand seismic activity compared to conventional
construction materials?
3. What are the best practices for mixing and curing papercrete to ensure optimal strength and performance?

1.4 Aim:
To study and determine the compressive strength of different Papercrete mixes.

1.5 Objective:
1. To study the properties of Papercrete to determine its potential as a sustainable building material .
2. To evaluate the pros and cons of Papercrete for use in construction .
3. To determine the areas of further research and future scope of Papercrete
4. To do comparative analysis of Concrete, wood & Papercrete.
1.7 Need and Scope of the study:

The scope of the project is to improve the properties of papercrete brick by utilizing the waste materials like fly ash
and lime. Also a further investigation to study the compressive strength, absorption test and weight test of
papercrete brick manufactured using fly ash and lime and mix proportions for concrete, wood & papercrete.

1.8 Limitation:
Study will be based on primary & secondary sources of information and visual survey, which may have limitations
regarding to accuracy. Study would be related to the available research papers and case study. ([Link]
SURESH BABU, 2019)
CHAPTER 2

1.1 LITERATURE STUDY

2.1.1 Introduction about Papercrete:-

In an era characterized by increasing environmental problems and the urgent need for sustainability. The necessity
of low cost housing has pushed people to look for alternative `construction materials. “Papercrete” is a relatively new
material basically made of waste paper, cement, and water. Papercrete is a slightly misleading name. It seems to
imply a mix of paper and concrete ,hence papercrete. But more accurately, only the Portland cement part of concrete
is used in the mix – along with other admixtures. Although some sand and other additives to improve its behaviour.

2.1.2 MATERIAL & PROPERTIES :-

The materials given below are used in preparing the Papercrete bricks. The efficient use of any material for
construction depends on its properties. The properties have to be studied in-depth for assessing the structural and
durable characteristics. The physical and chemical properties of each of the ingredients invariably affected the
Papercrete bricks. It influences the behaviour of structure which is made of Papercrete brick. Hence, the physical and
chemical properties of ingredients used in Papercrete bricks have been studied in this chapter.
The various materials include:
 Cement
 Fly ash
 Sand
 Paper
 Water

2.1.3 Cement:-
The Portland cement was invented by Joseph Aspirin in 1824, which is fine gray powder. Among the various kinds,
cement it is the most commonly used as binding material. It is a mixture of chalk or limestone together with clay.
Cement is a binder, a substance used in construction that sets, hardens and adheres to other materials, binding them
together. Cement is seldom used solely, but is used to bind sand and gravel (aggregate) together. Cement is used with
fine aggregate to produce mortar for masonry, or with sand and gravel aggregates to produce concrete. In India, we
are manufactured the three grades of OPC, namely 33grade, 43 grade and 53 grade. As per the standard testing
procedure, the compressive strength of cement will be obtained after 28days. Cement is the important building
material in today’s construction world, 53 grade Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) conforming to IS: 8112-1989.
Table 3.2 and 3.3 gives the physical and chemical properties of cement used. ([Link] SURESH BABU,
2019)

TESTS ON CEMENT:
a) Consistency of cement
b) Initial and Final setting time of cement
c) Fineness of cement

Physical Physical Cement S .No Compound Chemical

properties of Properties composition
cement Table
3.1.3: chemical
properties of
cement S. No
1 Colour Grey 1 Cao 57.84
2 Density 1440kg/m3 2 Sio2 20.33
3 Specific 3.15 3 Fe2 o3 4.68
gravity
4 Type OPC grade 53 4 Al2 o3 3.40
5 Specific 343m2/kg 5 Mgo 1.51
surface area
6 Compressive 53MPa 6 Mno 0.10
strength
7 Consistency 30%
8 Initial setting time 30 min
Final setting time 10 hours
9 Fineness

2.1.4 Fly ash:-

Fly ash, is also known as fuel-ash, is one of the residues generated in combustion, and comprises the fine particles
that rise with the flue gases . In an industrial context, fly ash usually refers to ash produced during combustion of
coal. Fly ash is generally captured by electrostatic precipitators or other particle filtration equipment before the flue
gases reach the chimneys of coal-fired power plants and together with bottom ash removed from the bottom of the
furnace is in this case jointly known as coal ash. Depending upon the source and process of the coal being burned,
the components of fly ash vary considerably, but all fly ash includes substantial amounts of silicon dioxide (SiO2)
and calcium oxide (CaO), both being endemic ingredients in many coal-bearing rock strata. Fly ash often replaces
by mass of Portland cement, but can be used in higher dosages in certain applications. In some cases, fly ash can add
to the concrete's final strength and increase its chemical resistance and durability. Cement production requires huge
amounts of energy and Partial replacement of cement with fly ash is economical. In the case of mass concreting and
large scale works, it is proved to be most economical. It is practically revealed that up to 40 to 50% cement replaced
and the designed strengths are achieved.

2.1.5 CLASS F FLYASH:

The burning of harder, older anthracite and bituminous coal typically produces Class F fly ash. This fly ash is pozzolanic in
nature, and contains less than 7% lime (CaO). Possessing pozzolanic properties, the glassy silica and alumina of Class F fly ash
requires a cementing agent, such as Portland cement, quicklime, or hydrated lime mixed with water to react and produce
cementitious compounds. Alternatively, adding a chemical activator such as sodium silicate (water glass) to a Class F ash can
form a geo-polymer.

2.1.6CLASS C FLYASH:

Fly ash produced from the burning of younger lignite or sub-bituminous coal, in addition to having pozzolanic properties, also
has some self-cementing properties. In the presence of water, Class C fly ash hardens and gets stronger over time. It generally
contains more than 20% lime (CaO). Unlike Class F, self-cementing Class C fly ash does not require an activator. Alkali and
sulphate (SO4) contents are generally higher in Class C fly ash.
The chief difference between these classes is the amount of calcium, silica, alumina, and iron content in the ash. The chemical
properties of the fly ash are largely influenced by the chemical content of the coal burned (i.e., anthracite, bituminous, and
lignite).
Table 3.2.3: Physical Flyash S .No Chemical Chemical
physical Properties properties composition
properties of
flyash Table
3.2.4: chemical
composition of
flyash S. No
1. Specific surface 355m2/kg 1 Sio2 59.94
area
2 Specific gravity 2.28 2 Al2 o3 22.87
3 Colour Whitish grey 3 Fe2 o3 4.67
4 Bulk density 0.994 g/cm3 4 Cao 3.08
5 Moisture 3.14 % 5 Mgo 1.55
6. Average 6.92 6 Na2 o3 0.63
particle size
7 K2 o 2.19
8 Loss of ignition 3.34

2.2Sand:-
Fine aggregate is similar to building mortars in its composition and certain properties. Sand particle consists of small
grains of silica (SiO2). It is formed by the decomposition of sand stones due to various effects of weather. According
to the natural resources from which the sand is obtained. The absence of coarse aggregate (crushed stone or gravel)
substantially facilitates the preparation, transport, and placing of the concrete, particularly when concrete pumps are
used. A disadvantage of fine-aggregate concrete is the increased consumption of binder compared to other types of
concrete and the associated greater shrinkage and creep. The quantity of binder in the concrete can be reduced by
pulverizing some of the sand, by the use of plasticizers, or by autoclaving of products. The sand which was locally
available is used. It is termed as Pit sand, River sand and Sea sand. According to the size of grains, the sand is
classified as fine, coarse and gravel. The properties were studied as per BIS standard. (Bhupendra Singh Rajput, 3-
02-2023)

2.2.1 TESTS ON SAND

A) Bulking of sand
B) Specific gravity

Table 3.3.2: Physical Sand S .No Chemical Chemical

Physical properties properties composition
properties of
sand Table
3.3.3: chemical
properties of
sand S .No
1 Particle shape Irregular 1 Al2O3 1.52
2 Appearance Brownish 2 SiO2 80.78
yellow
3 Specific 2.48 3 CaO 3.21
gravity
4 Bulk 1.45 4 Na2O 1.37
density(g/cc)
5 Fineness 3.14 5 Mgo 0.77
modulus
6 K2O 1.23
7 Fe2O3 1.75

2.2.2 Paper:-
Paper is a natural polymer which consists of wood cellulose, which is the most abundant organic compound in the
planet. Cellulose is made of units of monomer glucose (polysaccharide).The links in the cellulose chain are a type of
sugar as ß-D-glucose. Despite containing several hydroxyl groups, cellulose is water insoluble. The reason is the
stiffness of the chains and hydrogen bonding between two OH groups on adjacent chains. The chains pack regularly
in places to form hard, stable crystalline regions that give the bundled chains even more stability and strength. This
hydrogen bonding is the basis of Papercrete strength. By applying a force on the paper the hydrogen bond between
the water and the cellulose molecule is broken. Coating cellulose fibres with Portland cement creates a cement matrix,
which encases the fibres for extra strength to the mix. The links in the cellulose chain are a type of sugar: ß-D-glucose
and the cellulose chain bristles with polar -OH groups.

Figure.3
2.2.3Preparation of papercrete:-
As the collected waste papers cannot be used directly, so first waste papers can be immersed in hot water at 70ºC to
make waste paper into slurry form known as pulp, then grinded into a paste form and then drying should be done.
In this procedure there are three phases.
i) Soaking of Paper ii) Grinding of Paper iii) Drying of Paper

I) SOAKING OF PAPER:
Firstly the collected paper is shredded into small pieces of different sizes and immersed in the desired amount of
hot water at 70ºC for 24hrs - 48hrs to make it into slurry known as pulp
.

Figure.4 Figure.5
(II) GRINDING OF PAPER:
After the paper is soaked in hot water for 24 – 48hrs, the paper was grinded manually or by mechanical equipment.
The soaked paper is made into fine paste, because the raw paper cannot be used due to lack of bonding nature in it.
While grinding ensures that the lumps should be completely converted into paste.

Figure.6 Figure.7
(III) DRYING OF PAPER:
The grinded paper is completely in the form of paste, thus it has more water content present in it, which has the
difficulty in the water cement ratio calculations. The water present in the paper is removed by squeezing process
i.e., by manually or using any hydraulic machines. After that these paper can be dried under the sunlight for
removal of moisture.

Figure.8 Figure.9
2.3 Origin of papercrete concept:-
Papercrete was first patented in 1928 by Eric Patterson and Mike McCain, who 'invented'
it independently as 'adobe' and 'fibrous cement' respectively. The pair have both contributed to the debate on
potential applications and best practice for its production.
While there is a perception that the material is environmentally-friendly given its use of paper that would otherwise
end up in landfill, the use of cement means it's not quite as 'green' as would be ideal.
As a building material it's enjoyed new-found popularity since the 1980s, particularly among DIY builders, with a
burgeoning community online sharing applications and innovations
Ahmadi et al (2001)
This reported is the results of an investigation on the utilization of paper waste sludge obtained from a paper
manufacturing industry, as a replacement to the mineral filler material in various mortar mixes. The physical and
chemical properties of the waste material were studied. The test results revealed that as the content of the waste
increased the water to cement ratio for the mix also increased, since the waste has a high degree of water absorption.
Therefore, an additional amount of water was required for cement hydration. The results obtained showed that as the
amount of the waste increased, the basic strengths, such as compressive strength, decreased. A maximum of 5%
content of the waste as a replacement to the fine sand in concrete mix can be used successfully as construction
materials, such as in concrete masonry construction with a compressive strength of 8 MPa, splitting strength of 1.3
MPa, and water absorption of 11.9% with a density of 20 kN/m3.

Fuller (2006)
In 2006, he conducted a research to determine whether or not Papercrete brick has suitable mechanical and physical
properties to be used as construction material for homes. The parameters that he studied are the Young’s modulus
(E), thermal conductivity (K), thermal resistance (R), bond characteristics, and creep behavior. The stress versus
strain graphs suggest that Papercrete is a ductile material that can sustain large deformations. Cement plays an
important role in the compressive strength and behavior. Specimens with higher proportion of cement exhibit larger
Young’s modulus.

2.4 The influence of waste paper used in concrete

2.4.1 General properties :-

Waste paper pulp have relatively lower density compared with other composition, and by using waste paper pulp,
the density of concrete obtains a distinct reduction. A lot of literature reports unit weight of papercrete decreases with
increasing the amount of waste paper pulp]. Agnominal et apropos a new building material called wood-Crete,
consisting of sawdust, waste paper, and lime. The density of wood-Crete reduces by around 33% when the addition
of waste paper increases from 10% to 75%. (Bhupendra Singh Rajput, 3-02-2023)

2.4.2 Workability:-

Due to the properties of the paper pulp, such as high-water absorption and hydrophobicity of cellulose,
workability of papercrete, such as shrinkage ratio, waster absorption of papercrete, slump value, have great
differences with conventional concrete. illustrates the negative effect of pulp fibre on the workability of
fresh concrete, results indicate there is a significant reduction of slump and slump flow with 0.28 and 0.5
water-cement ratio.
Due to the hygroscopicity of cellulose fibre, papercrete has higher water absorption, and the increase of paper
content leads to the increase of water absorption. Selvaraj et al. report that water absorption reaches up to
50% when adding 35% waste paper in concrete. Ananda Raju et al . make water absorption of papercrete brick
reduce through introducing GGBS.

Figure .10 Slump test on mortar (paper fibre was used as 1% addition)
2.4.3 The mechanical properties influence

a) Modulus of elasticity:-
Elastic modulus, as a significant parameter, determines the deflection of materials with a load. All existing studies
showed that the elastic modulus of papercrete had a remarkable reduction when waste paper content increases. The
main reason, which leads to the decrease of elastic modulus, was the relatively low elastic modulus of paper fibre.
Generally, cellulose fibre, as a basic constituent of paper, was the elastic modulus fibre with 10GPa.
b) Compressive strength:-
Almost all studies demonstrate compressive strength had a remarkable reduction due to adding paper content, and
compressive strength decreases continuously with the increase of paper content. There were different results obtained
by Kumar et al. In this experiment, the compressive strength increases monotonously until the cement/paper ratio is
3, and then the compressive strength curve drops down rapidly. Especially, the experimental results from Ananda
Raju et al. show the influence of GGBS on papercrete brick when cement/paper/quarry dust ratio was [Link] with
increasing of GGBS content, the compressive strength of papercrete increases from 6.35Mpa to 9.2 MPa at 28 days.
c) Flexural strength:-
The search relating to flexural strength is limited. Selvaraj et al. designed the papercrete with cement : sand : coarse
aggregate ratio of 1:1.5:2 and waste paper pulp was added as the extra component by the mass fraction of cement.
Experimental results indicate that the variation of flexural strength was not monotonous. Flexural strength decreased
to 4.36MPa with 2.5% paper content and then increased up to 10.84MPa with 35% paper content, compared with
6.81MPa of concrete in the control group. The enhancement of flexural strength was likely to be attributed to paper
fibre, which had a similar principle to fibre-reinforced concrete.
d) Splitting tensile strength:-
The experiment conducted by Yun et al. used the waste paper pulp as a substitute for cement with a replacement ratio
ranging from 5% to 15%, which indicated that the splitting strength decreased when the replacement ratio increased.
However, a slightly different result was achieved in the experiment of Selvaraj et al. Compared with control group
concrete with 2.89MPa at 28 days, the splitting tensile strength had a slight increase when addition paper mass was
less than 2.5% and then continuously decreases to 0.79MPa with 35% addition paper. In Selvaraj’s experiment,
coarse aggregate, which had a positive influence on the strength of concrete, was used in papercrete. Moreover, the
minimum addition mass of waste paper pulp for Yun’s experiment, exceeded the range where splitting tensile strength
increases in the experiment of Selvaraj. The paper content in the experiment of Yun was used as the replacement of
cement, but for Selvaraj’s mix design, the waste paper pulp was introduced as an addition. (Bhupendra Singh Rajput,
3-02-2023)

2.2.4 The durability:-

The introduction of waste paper pulp affects the durability of concrete, mainly due to the increase of the water
absorption of waste paper. shows the influence of waste Kraft pulp with different treatment on the water absorptions,
reported by Booya.

Figure. 11 Variation in water absorption

S/NO Literature(Research Author’s Year Journal/ Key Notes/
paper/book/ source finding/conclusion/ Inference
Article/journal -etc. Content/Intent of
Titel documentary/key
point
01 International research journal M. 09-09-2020 [Link] Paper pulp , comparison In this paper
of modernization (ETC() Balakrishnan (google) Test , water finding the
V.S Ajith fibrous concrete
Kumar bricks did not
burn with an
open flame.
02 An experimental Study on V. April- 2019 [Link]. Papercrete Brick, Sun If it has to be
Papercrete brick Chandrakanth Drying, Compressive used for
Strength, external walls,
the surface of
the walls must
be waterproof.
And protective
the weather.
03 Properties of papercrete Iqbal n. 24-12-2017 ARPN Journal of papercrete, compressive Concern that
gorges Engineering. properties of
strength, papercrete brick
and its
mechanism.
04 Innovative brick V . Soundara International Papercrete, fly ash, Weight, How to achieve
manufacturing using Rajan, Journal of Compressive waste pulp to
papercrete Contemporary strength. produce the
papercrete,
fibrous cement,
with low cost.
05 An Experimental Study on Arjun Dileep , 06-07-2021 IJERT Papercrete, Fly Ash, Lime, ii) Eco friendly
Papercrete Bricks Manufactured Atheesh Lal Compressive Strength, iii) Thermal
using Paper Pulp, Water Absorption insulation iv)
Less weight v)
Less water
absorption
06 STUDY AND BEHAVIOR OF G.V.S. SIVA Issue A Paper Reviewed Papercrete brick, I am observed
SOME PROPERTIES OF PRASAD 03/2015 International compression test, that the fibrous
PAPERCRETE BRICK WITH Journal Efflorescence test concrete bricks
MODULAR BRICK did not burn
with an open
flame. They
smoldered like
charcoal..
07 Structural Evaluation of Isaac I. July/2014 [Link] Green-construction, low- In this paper
Lightweight Concrete Produced Akinwunmi cost housing, recycling, researcher find
Using * Paper pulp sustainability, out properties of
Waste Newspaper and Office , Olasunkanmi waste paper Papercrete
Paper M. should not be
Olatunbosun, used for
external walls
and near-ground
walls because of
its high water
absorption
capacity.
8 A Review on Papercrete as a Prof .N. M. 5/MAY/2021 [Link]. Paper Crete, Sustainable In this
Building Material Patil, Asst. construction, Building papercrete
Prof., blocks, Environmental bricks are good
Department of friendly, Recycled material. for sustainable
Civil Eng, of building tech
(i)Affordable
price
9 Preparation of Waste Paper R. M. Salem 3/MAY/2016 wastepaper, papercrete, Its researched
Fibrous Cement and Studying of A. E. Al-Salam fibrous cement, porosity, mix proportion.
Some Physical Properties water absorption, bulk How it was
density used cement
and waste pulp
to produce the
papercrete,
10 Effect of Partial Replacement of Bhupendra FEB/2023 International Journal Paper Pulp, Papercrete, How slump
Cement by Paper Pulp in Singh Rajput, of Research PPC, Water Absorption, value was
Concrete - A Literature Review Dr. J. N. Vyas Publication and Compressive, Splitting gradually
Reviews Tensile and Flexural decreasing
Strength, Durability when the
cement was
partially
2 CHAPTER 3

3.1 METHODOLOGY:-
Projects are about doing things. To do something requires a procedure, a methodology, a process and so
on. The methodology/procedure one uses is always extremely important to actually accomplishing the goals
of any project. The key is to find/use processes that are designed for the type of project you are doing and
are compatible with the people who are doing the doing.

Cement

1)Initial and
Final Setting
Time
2)Standard
Consistency
3) Specific Gravity
4) Fineness test
5) Soundness test

Report Preparation

3.1.1 PAPERCRETE MIX RATIOS

Volume of brick mould: 19 X 9 X 9cm = 1.539 X 10-3m3
Density of cement = 1440 kg/m3
Density of paper = 800 kg/m3
Density of sand = 1600 kg/m3
Density of fly ash = 1440 kg/m3
TRAIL - I
Paper: cement = 1: 3
For 3 bricks
Quantity of paper = 14∗1.539∗10−3∗800∗1.54∗3=1.422 𝑘𝑔
Quantity of cement =34∗1.539∗10−3∗1440∗1.54∗3=7.678 𝑘𝑔
No of samples =3
Water content for one brick = 600ml
Water content for three bricks = 600x3 = 1800 ml
TRAIL - II
Paper: cement: sand = 1: 1: 5
For 3 bricks
Quantity of paper =17∗1.539∗10−3∗800∗1.54∗3=0.81 𝑘𝑔
Quantity of cement =17∗1440∗1.539∗10−3∗1.54∗3=1.461 𝑘𝑔
Quantity of sand = 57∗1.539∗10−3∗1.54∗3∗1600=8.1 𝑘𝑔
No of samples =3
Water content for one brick = 600ml
Water content for three bricks = 600x3 = 1800 ml
3.2 PLACING
After preparing the mix, the molds of size 190 x 90 x 90 mm, are to be filled with this mix immediately,
the mix is placed in the molds by three layers and compaction should be done uniformly by using tamping
rod. Level the top surface of the mold. Leave the mold for 24hrs to setting.

Figure. 12 Placing by compacting

3.3 COMPACTING
In the process of placing mortar mix, air is entrapped. The entrapped air reduces the strength of brick up to
30%. Hence it is necessary to remove this entrapped air. This is achieved by compacting the paste, after
placing it in its final position. Compaction can be carried out either by hand or with the help of vibrators.
(A) HAND COMPACTION
In this method, mortar mix is compacted by ramming, tamping, spading or by slicing with tools. In intricate
portions, a pointed steel rod is used for poking the mix.
(B) COMPACTION BY VIBRATORS
Mortar mix can be compacted by using high frequency vibrators. Vibration reduces the friction between
the particles and set the motion of particles. As a result, entrapped air is removed and the mortar mix is
compacted. The use of vibrators reduces the compaction time. When vibrators are used for compaction,
water cement ratio can be less, which also helps in improving the strength of concrete. Vibration should be
stopped as soon as cement paste is seen on the surface of concrete. Over vibration is not good for the brick.
The following types of vibrators are commonly used for vibratory compaction:
(a) Needle or immersion vibrators
(b) Surface vibrators
(c) Form or shutter vibrators
(d) Vibrating tables.

3.4 CURING
Curing is the process in which the concrete is protected from loss of moisture and kept within a
reasonable temperature range. The result of this process is increased strength and decreased permeability.
Curing is done for 7, 14 and 28 days.
Good Curing gives strength and dimensional stability to Bricks. Bricks are cured either by air curing or
high-pressure steam curing procedure.
1. Dry curing
2. Wet curing
3.4.1 Dry curing:
Dry curing is done by leaving the specimen or brick for respected time in the open dry air or sunlight. In
this process no water is applied on the specimen in any form i.e., sprinkling, spraying. Dry curing is
done for more than 28 days for best results.
3.4.2 Wet curing:
Wet curing is done by applying the water to the specimens through spraying or by sprinkling, this process
is followed periodically daily two times up to 28 days.

3.5 TEST RESULTS

After casting the bricks, they were analyzed for using as a brick. Various tests were carried out to check
the properties of the bricks. The following tests were carried out to check the strength of the brick. In this
chapter, the results obtained for various tests are reported in the form of tables and graphs for various
combinations. (PARSAD, 3-2015)
3.5.1 WEIGHT

Figure. 13 weight of different proportions of PCB

Mix no Material Proportion weight (kg) 28 days

1. Paper : cement 1:3 1.162
2. Paper : cement : sand [Link] 2.359
3. Paper : cement : sand : fly ash 1: 0.7 : 5 : 0.3 2.086
4. Paper : cement : fly ash 1: 0.5 : 0.5 1.763

The maximum weight is less than 2.4 Kg only. In this above proportions, these Papercrete bricks are having
weight 2/3 rd of the conventional brick weight only. So this bricks are light weight and it will also
reduce total cost of construction due to the reduction in dead load.

3.5.2 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

Figure.14 Before compressive testing Figure .15 After compressive testing

 Mix no Material Proportion Compressive strength
(N/mm2) ( Dry
curing )
7 14 28
days days days
1. Paper : cement 1:3 0.17 0.87 1.25
2. Paper : cement : sand [Link] 0.35 1.28 2.13
3. Paper : cement : sand : fly 1: 0.7 : 5 : 0.23 1.05 1.75
ash 0.3
4. Paper : cement : fly ash 1: 0.5 : 0.5 0.0 0.58 1.02
Compressive strength of Papercrete bricks

3.6 WATER ABSORPTION:

Water absorption of Papercrete bricks
Mix no Material proportion Water absorption (%) 28 days
1. Paper : cement 1:3 14.45
2. Paper : cement : sand [Link] 18.60
3. Paper : cement : sand : fly ash 1: 0.7 : 5 : 0.3 17.35
4. Paper : cement : fly ash 1: 0.5 : 0.5 16.27

Water absorption value of bricks largely influences the bond between brick and mortar. If water absorption
in bricks is more and bricks are not soaked before the masonry work, the water from freshly laid mortar is
likely to be absorbed by bricks. This results into poor mortar strength as the sufficient quantity of water will
not be available for hydration process.
From the above results, we observed that the water absorption of Papercrete bricks is less than 20%. Hence
these bricks have maximum water absorption based on room temperature, compared to conventional bricks.
Because of maximum water absorption, these bricks are only suitable for inner partition walls. Plastering
is necessary for these brick walls.

3.7 Fire resistance:

From the test, it was observed that the Papercrete bricks did not burn with an open flame. They smoldered
like charcoal. But these brick would be reduced to ashes after burning several hours. If the interior plaster
and exterior stucco is provided on the Papercrete bricks, the bricks won’t burn. The only weak point is
inside the block, near electrical outlets, switches and other places where wires gives through walls, into
boxes etc. Properly wired places never cause fire. If we apply the plaster without any hole or leakage on
the bricks, it won’t burn or smolder inside. Because there will be lack of oxygen for burning.
From the fire resistance test of Papercrete bricks, we have noticed that these bricks have good thermal
insulation properties. The fibers present in the paper have great heat insulating properties when bonded
with cement. Fly ash adds fire resistance to the brick. Hence, Papercrete bricks have good fire resistance
compared to conventional bricks. (PARSAD, 3-2015)

Figure.16 Result of fire resistance on brick

CHAPTER 4

4.1 CASE STUDY:- 01

4.1.1 CARRIAGE HOUSE :-

ARCHITECT:- KELLY HART

LOCATION:- SWAN ST. SILVER CITY

CATEGARY:- RESIDENCIAL BUILDING

GROSS BUILT UP AREA:- 900 SQFT

MATERIAL :- PAPER PULP & BAMBOO

Figure.17
This Carriage House was initially designed to create garage and shop space, as well as office and storage
space for the designer's personal use. There is potentially about 900 sqft . of usable floor area on two stories.
It is a hybrid design, utilizing earthbags plastered with papercrete, a steel prefabricated Quonset-style vault,
concrete floor, and wood-framed end walls. Since the steel vault is completely covered with insulating
earthbags, the building is very well insulated, and comfortable year-round. This concept could be converted
to residential use, with the addition of kitchen and bathroom functions, and the steel interior finish could
be covered with scored sheetrock, tongue & grooved wood, or even cloth. This is rather inexpensive way
to create substantial shelter. This design is based on a fairly small (16' X 34') steel building, but these
structures are available in a wide range of widths ( up to sizes fit for aircraft hangers), and the lengths can
be indefinite, since it is just a matter of adding more arched sections to lengthen the building.

[Link] FIRST FLOOR PLAN:-

Figure.18
The first floor houses the garage, shop, and some storage functions. There is a separate entry door, as well
as the garage door entry. Initially, the design was modified to be able to garage a small RV (with greater
height), but the plans as provided would only accommodate standard sized automobiles, pick ups or vans.
If the building is oriented with the glass end wall facing south, significant solar gain can be attained (in this
case it might be advantageous to provide a solar shade over the window to shade it during the summer. The
staircase to the second floor is rather narrow (about 2 feet) because it must fit between the two-foot intervals
of the joist/ties.
[Link] SECOND FLOOR PLAN:-

Figure.19

In the middle of the second building is a 6-foot, 7-

inch head that tapers to the side. A complete "techno" style is created by leaving metal vaults providing v
entilation on the northern window, but this, as mentioned above, can be replaced by a solid wall with a do
or separating the work area and a large storage area. The steps leading to the storage area can be seen in t
he pictures as the raised leg area will fit the height of the first floor caravan, but this is not the case in the
plans presented.

[Link] CROSS SECTION:-

Figure.20
This section shows the hybrid nature of the design. A metal shell was built over the ground stone to increa
se the height, which then continued into the building. Twin columns on the body wall provide thermal air
to the inside and insulation to the outside. There is an insulating concrete pad on the store/parking floor. S
econd floor beams and tie beams are important elements of the design because they are resistant to defor
mation of the vault due to any weight..
CASE STUDY:- 02

4.2.1 THE MOODY HOME :-

ARCHITECT:- BARRY

LOCATION:- NEAR THE LAKE OF HAVASU

CATEGARY:- RESIDENCIAL BUILDING

MATERIAL :- CLAY, BOREX & CEMENT

Figure.21
The weight of the composite stone slab is approximately 80 pounds. Paper (the paper was packaged and
we put it in the trunk as a rubber band - our local newspaper provided us with all the paper we needed), ha
lf a 60lb bag from Portland, and about 100lbs of Portland paper. The trailer mixer holds 120 gallons of wa
ter. As you know, some mixtures are wet. .

The mud inside is different from the mud outside: We use soil from the site, which has a clay content of a
pproximately 12%. The basic mixture is mixed with 30 shovels of sifted soil, 2 gallons of cooked roux, 2.
5 gallons of cellulose, 1 glass of borax, and 1 liter of water and then added to the cement mixer until it rea
ches the desired consistency. We added about 2.5 gallons of grass straw for the adobe on the outside. This
makes adobe so good that we have resorted to dank wallpapers. There are some cracks on the interior wal
ls, but we call them "design elements" because they're interesting. Mortar adds strength and insulation to t
he wall, and we love the look of it. and about 15 inches.) made of silicate cement). We install about 2 feet
of curved rebar, then build and pour the first two layers. We did not use any internal reinforcement in oth
er processes. The rafters are 4 x 10 inches, 20 feet long and 2 feet high on center. They are connected at a
n L angle and screwed to the wires and beams. I wrapped the joists in OSB, released the tar paper, then att
ached a set of 2x3 blocks to the joists through the drilled holes, then secured them to the joists with lag sc
rews through the blocks. There are two holes in the south wall, because the opening is larger and the wall
is higher. The south wall is 10 inches and the north wall is 9 inches, so we have a good south to north slop
e to run off the flat roof. a few heavy rains

Figure.22 Figure23
CASE STUDY :- 03
[Link] BAG DOME

ARCHITECT:- KELLY HART & ROSANA HART

LOCATION:- SWAN ST. SILVER CITY

CATEGARY:- RESIDENCIAL BUILDING

MATERIAL :- PAPER PULP , BAMBOO , WOOD & STEEL Figure.24

This is the world's first dome bag test. Its inner diameter is 14 feet and its dome is approximately 16 feet h
igh. At first we tried to fill the sacks with good sand, but when we finished part of the work, the dome col
lapsed because the sand could not hold its shape. We then fill the bags with crushed volcanic rock (slag) t
o provide better insulation and hold its shape better. The arch over the door is made of wood and is then d
ismantled. We kept the dome covered with tarpaulin most of the time until we could cover the exterior wit
h rock slab. We do this to prevent sunlight from reaching the bag as UV rays will damage the bag.

Figure.25
This is the same dome above, with the ceiling beams in place and the arch still supporting the entrance arc
h. The beams are placed on the bag and block with only what is necessary to keep them straight. Then pla
ce the bags between and on top of the joists to lock them in place. As I continued to build, the building th
ere made the structure stronger. Two strands of four-
point barbed wire were placed in each layer of the bag; This helped hold the bags in place and prevented a
ny outward bulging of the dome due to pressure. More. We also put a piece of twine in each bag and tied t
he end around our bag. This ensures great integrity and good grip for all final plaster products. Its major a
xis is about 30 feet and its minor axis is about 20 feet. Since we are building in good sand, there is no free
zing problem, so there is no foundation other than a 6 to 8 inch pad of broken stone (slag). You can see a
slag heap in the background and a large wheel in the foreground that will be used to support the circular
window opening. Because of its oval shape, this dome needs a stick frame to support the second floor. Aft
er this experience
I will not instruct the creation of something that is not round, because otherwise the forces will not be ade
quately balanced. You can see the large arched shape of the one and a half meter wide door. building pass
ive solar design, so we needed large openings to let in the sunlight. After several failures and much
experimenting, we devised a double bag technique to create such a large arch. Double, side by side, bags
are used for columns at every doorway in the house.
This is a rock mixer used to mix most rocks. The mixer was designed by Mike McCain and it's a great ma
chine. It consists of a rear end car, a metal tank, a lawn mower and a few other parts. To make the materia
l, fill it with water to a height of 6 inches from the top, add sand if necessary, add almost any dry paper, a
nd throw in a bag of Portland cement. The resulting thick slurry is all paste. Strain the excess water and th
en use it for home use. Combination of three to four tires with concrete slabs.

Figure.26
On the left is the bedroom dome, 16 feet in diameter, and on the right is part of the main dome. They have
connections to the building. The rear (north) pocket wall is part of a sphere that is held in place by the raf
ters of the south roof/wall. Add brackets to the roof area to help control the shape. The remainder of the d
omes' roof is covered with a metal roof and supports eight photovoltaic panel arrays. (That's why we need
a flat surface.) Solar water heating panels will be placed underneath. under this roof

Figure.27
4.3.1 GENERAL DESIGN :-
A small circle and a large oval dome are connected by a special section in the north, and a flat roof and w
all in the south. This requires minimal use of wood, stone and metal for construction.
4.3.2 CONSTRUCTION MATHOD

There is no concrete foundation; the house rests on a pad of scoria laid directly over the natural sand.
Several layers of polypropylene bags are filled with sand (layer) and slag (top layer) and assembled into a
dome shape (brick-like). Each layer has two four-
point barbed wires. Each section of the house has a traditional timber-
framed loft. Some domes have columns on the second floor that help support the shape of the dome. The f
inal layer is lime plaster (lime, silica sand and white Portland cement) or stone paper of Gaza. Sometimes
the last layer of stone paper is also painted with latex paint diluted with water. All walls and roof remain b
reathable (except for the metal roof foundation under the solar panel). The floor is made of adobe, slate, c
eramics, plasterboard and cast wood.

Figure.28 Figure.29
A view of our shower stall made with There will be more rockwork around a solar hot
tub in
natural local stone, tile and wood. The green house area which serve a more
thermal mass
This was a little tricky because of all the that will be heated by sun.
odd angles in the space, but it works
3 Chapter-5
5.1 Matrix of Case Study
Parameters Case Study- 01 Case Case Study- 03 Inferences.
Study- 02
Design Rooms, kitchen and Room kitchen Paper pulp It considering these functional
bathroom functions (both 4 side ,bamboo aspects during the design
office. garage and walls lintel and Steel, wood & process, architects and builders
shop space, beam. Portland can harness the unique
properties of papercrete to
create buildings that are not
only environmentally friendly
and aesthetically pleasing but
also functional,
Material Paper Clay, Borax, Paper pulp, Bamboo , The ratio of paper pulp to
pulp, steel Cement and Wood & Steel cement affects the strength and
vault Chopped straw. density of the papercrete.
&wood. Adjusting these proportions can
tailor the
It’s a describe the area used
Built-up area 900 SQFT 180 SQFT 14 Feet Dia and 16 in construction as high rise
Feet height or widely.
Type of Residence/office/ Residence/offic Residence Designing an office and
building Garage. e residence using papercrete
could be an innovative and
eco-friendly approach.
Papercrete, a mixture of
paper pulp, cement, and
sometimes other additives
like sand or clay

Shape of Semi-circle Rectangular A small circular dome the shape and form of a
building constructed with building and a large ellipticalpapercrete building will depend
steel vault dome connected on factors such as its intended
together. use, structural requirements,
aesthetic preferences, and the
creativity of the designer. With
careful planning and innovative
thinking, papercrete can be used
to create a wide variety of
architectural expressions.
Sustainable this roof is a bay of Papercrete is generally
- - windows that extends considered an eco-friendly
outward to create a building material due to its use
greenhouse space of recycled paper and lower
carbon footprint compared to
traditional concrete. Designing
with papercrete involves
considering its environmental
impact throughout its lifecycle,.
CHAPTER-6 Analysis of Sustainable Papercrete Brick

Papercrete bricks, made from a mixture of recycled paper, cement, and sometimes other additives, offer a
sustainable alternative to traditional building materials. Here’s a detailed analysis of their sustainability
from various perspectives:

6.1 Environmental Impact

6.1.1Waste Paper Utilization: Papercrete bricks incorporate a significant amount of recycled paper,
diverting waste from landfills and reducing the demand for virgin paper. This helps in lowering
deforestation rates and conserving natural resources.

6.1.2 Reduced Carbon Footprint: By using less cement compared to traditional bricks, papercrete bricks
help in reducing the carbon emissions associated with cement production, which is one of the largest
industrial sources of greenhouse gases.

6.1.3 Energy Consumption: The production process of papercrete bricks typically requires less energy
than firing clay bricks or producing concrete blocks, resulting in lower overall energy consumption and
reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

6.2 Thermal and Acoustic Insulation

6.2.1 Thermal Insulation: Papercrete bricks have good thermal insulating properties, which can help in
maintaining stable indoor temperatures and reducing the need for heating and cooling. This contributes to
lower energy consumption in buildings.

6.2.2Acoustic Insulation: The fibrous nature of the paper within the bricks provides effective sound
absorption, improving the acoustic performance of buildings and enhancing living comfort.

6.3 Structural Performance

6.3.1 Strength and Load-Bearing Capacity: Papercrete bricks are generally not as strong as traditional
clay bricks or concrete blocks. They are best suited for non-load-bearing walls or as infill material in
frame structures. However, with proper formulation and reinforcement, their strength can be improved for
wider applications.

6.3.2 Durability and Moisture Resistance: One of the primary concerns with papercrete bricks is their
susceptibility to moisture. Exposure to water can weaken the material and lead to degradation over time.
Adequate sealing, waterproofing, and protective coatings are essential to enhance their durability and
performance in various weather conditions.

6.3.3 Structural stability

The structural stability of papercrete buildings in seismic activity is an important consideration, given the
unique properties of papercrete compared to conventional construction materials like concrete, steel, or
wood. Here's an overview of how papercrete performs in seismic conditions compared to more traditional
materials.
6.4 Economic Viability

6.4.1Cost of Materials: The raw materials for papercrete bricks—mainly waste paper and cement—are
relatively inexpensive. This makes papercrete a cost-effective building material, especially in areas where
waste paper is abundant and cement is costly.
6.4.2 Manufacturing Costs: The production of papercrete bricks can be done with minimal specialized
equipment, making it accessible for small-scale and community-based manufacturing. This can help in
reducing overall construction costs and supporting local economies.

6.5 Health and Safety

6.5.1Non-Toxicity: Papercrete bricks are generally non-toxic and safe to handle, contributing to healthier
indoor environments. Unlike some conventional materials, they do not release harmful chemicals or
pollutants.

6.5.2Fire Resistance: While papercrete is made from paper, the presence of cement in the mixture
enhances its fire resistance. However, additional testing and certification may be required to ensure
compliance with fire safety standards.

6.6 Social and Community Benefits

6.6.1 Local Production: The simplicity of papercrete brick production allows for local manufacturing,
which can stimulate local economies and provide employment opportunities. It also promotes community
involvement in building projects, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment.

6.6.2 Affordable Housing: Due to their low cost, papercrete bricks can be a viable option for affordable
housing initiatives, particularly in developing regions where traditional building materials are expensive
or scarce.

6.7 Seismic Performance

6.7.1Ductility: The flexibility of papercrete can provide some advantages in seismic performance, as
ductile materials can absorb and dissipate energy better than brittle materials. This could potentially
reduce the damage during an earthquake.

6.7.2 Structural Integrity: Despite its flexibility, the structural integrity of papercrete under severe
seismic forces is a concern. The material is less dense and less strong than traditional reinforced concrete
or steel, which are designed to withstand significant lateral forces
.
6.7.3Reinforcement Needs: For papercrete to be viable in seismic zones, it must be properly reinforced.
This can involve integrating steel reinforcement (rebar) or using papercrete in combination with other
materials that provide the necessary structural support.

6.7.4Cracking and Spalling: Papercrete is prone to cracking under stress, and while minor cracks might
not compromise the structure, significant seismic activity could cause extensive cracking and spalling,
leading to potential structural failure. (arjun delip, 6-07-2021)
CHAPTER7
CONCLUSION
 ☆ Slab stone is a lighter material than stone or wood. It has good water absorption and heat insula
tion, small shrinkage, environmental protection and high energy-to-weight ratio.

Although much research needs to be done in this area, concrete slab can be used effectively to red
uce the individual weight of members when there is no specific material to compress the members
. In addition, approximately 55% of the world's paper waste is not recycled, but is disposed of dire
ctly, and most of the materials can be used as waste paper. Future research into increasing tensile s
trength may open the possibility of using the material in construction around the world.
walls, road medians, overpass borders etc. price.

☆ Papercrete can also replace some wood if its strength is directly determined, but if other factors
such as cost, thermal insulation, fire and other factors are also taken into account, Papercrete can e
asily replace wood. Although the cost of concrete is almost twice that of Papercrete, concrete is ah
ead of Papercrete in terms of durability, so Papercrete only replaces concrete in special cases wher
e durability is not important. But it is much better than wood.

™ Using Papercrete in buildings in cold climates can be beneficial because it absorbs sunlight and
then gradually releases heat, keeping the building warm in layers and its insulating properties can
prevent bad temperatures. However, due to the humid climate of the region, the production life of
Papercrete is affected and it is necessary to be prepared for this situation. The lighter the building
material, the less likely the building is to be damaged in an earthquake and therefore perform bette
r in regions more prone to earthquakes.

☆ It is clear that fly ash-

based building blocks can be used in exterior walls, partition walls, infill walls, composite walls, b
asement floors and other non-
earthquake structures. Traditional clay production requires a lot of fuel to burn bricks. This leads t
o deforestation of the society and under-
cultivation of the land. This can be prevented or reduced by the use of brick slabs

Using the information mentioned above will help create green buildings of value. Research efforts
also focus on career opportunities that may arise from this work. It weighs 3.07 kg, which is high
er than traditional clay bricks. thus making the structure dead (akinwunmi, July 2014)
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. akinwunmi, i. i. (july/2014). structural evalutiuon waste paper. [Link].

2. arjun delip, a. l. (6-07-2021). experimental study papercrete brick. IJERT.

3. Bhupendra Singh Rajput, D. J. (3-02-2023). effect of particle cement on paperpulp. international

jrenal of reserarch.

4. [Link] SURESH BABU. (2019). [Link].

5. kelly, H. (n.d.). sustenable building (papercrete). [Link]

6. PARSAD, G. V. (3-2015). Behaviour of papercrete brick. a paper reviewed international journal, .

 REFERENCES

1. [Link] [Link]
2. [Link]
3. [Link]
4. [Link]
5. [Link]
6. [Link]
ch+paper&hl=en&as_sdt=0&as_vis=1&oi=scholar
7. [Link]
aper_Crete_A_lightweight_concrete
8. [Link] r/[Link]
9. [Link]
10._Study_of_Papercrete_towards_Building_Sustainable_Re silient_Infrastructure