NAU Journal of Civil Engineering (NAUJCVE) August/September/October 2023

Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journal of Civil Engineering (NAUJCVE)

Volume-1, Issue-3, pp-101-110

www.naujcve.com
Research Paper Open Access

Strength properties of concrete made with molten polyethylene as

a total replacement for cement
1
Ekanem Oto-Obong A., 2Chiemela Chijioke, 3Chukwudi Prince E.U.

1
Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Nigeria
2, 3
Civil Engineering Department, Federal Polytechnic Nekede Owerri, Nigeria
[email protected], +2348063355332
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

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Date of Submission: 17-10-2023 Date of acceptance:20-10-2023
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I. INTRODUCTION
Concrete serves as the foundation for most contemporary construction projects. It is a primary
construction material, widely employed in various construction endeavors, accounting for approximately 40% of
the total construction output. Consequently, concrete stands as one of the most used materials in the construction
industry, serving a wide range of purposes. Cement, which represents a crucial component in concrete
production, is also an indispensable material for the construction sector (Foti, 2013).
However, the elevated cost of cement plays a pivotal role in the prevalence of substandard construction
practices today, contributing to a significant number of building collapses. This high cost of cement has become
a significant obstacle to infrastructural development, particularly in many parts of Africa. As a result, a
substantial majority of the population finds themselves vulnerable to disasters, opting to reside in huts or mud
houses due to their inability to afford cement's exorbitant price. Consequently, numerous regions in West Africa
continue to grapple with underdeveloped infrastructure, characterized by inadequate housing, ill-equipped
medical facilities, deteriorating school buildings, deficient road networks, and subpar government structures.
Additionally, the unaffordability of sustainable building materials has emerged as a formidable barrier to
progress. The soaring cost of these materials, exemplified by the prohibitive price of Portland cement, has made

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NAU Journal of Civil Engineering (NAUJCVE) August/September/October 2023

it exceedingly challenging for ordinary individuals to access adequate housing (Islam, Rahman and Ahmed,
2011).
The increase of population in the world has led to the generation of large amount of waste products
such as water sachets. These waste sachets will remain in the environment for hundreds of years; this has
become inevitable problem in the present world. There is an immediate need for solution for such problem,
hence, in recent years, engineers have displayed a growing interest in replacing or substituting concrete with
waste materials, such as agricultural and industrial by-products like furnace slags and discarded car tires. To
bring down the waste products many methods has been proposed and one of them is usage of these polyethylene
waste materials in concrete production, which may reduce the environmental problems up to certain extent
(Batayneh, Marie, and Asi, 2007), (Kolhapure,Chavan,Irshad,Amar and Patel, 2018).
In the 21st century, scientists and engineers have developed a strong interest in the recycling of waste
materials due to their detrimental impact on the environment. Among these materials, low-density polyethylene
(LDPE) has gained prominence due to its unique material properties. There is a possibility of disposal of these
wastages in mass concrete such as in heavy mass concreting where the strength of concrete is not a major
criterion under consideration. The waste polyethylene water sachet is one component of Municipal Solid Waste
(MSW). Since the water sachet is a very low biodegradable material the disposal of the waste plastic causes big
problems to the environment. The use of these waste polyethylene water sachets in concrete can control the
environmental problems or constraints if safe disposal of these products (Baboo, Tabin, Bhavesh, and Duggal,
2012).
LDPE was employed in the context of asphalt cement to investigate its influence on the physical
characteristics of the resulting asphalt concrete. Various percentages of LDPE (ranging from 0% to 7%) were
incorporated into the asphalt binder. The findings indicate that an increase in the percentage of LDPE leads to an
elevation in the hardness of the asphaltic cement. Interestingly, when 1% LDPE was added, it had the opposite
effect, reducing the hardness of the asphaltic cement. Additionally, as the LDPE percentage increased, there was
a decrease in the susceptibility of the asphalt cement to temperature variations. Notably, at 1% LDPE content,
the asphaltic cement exhibited the least susceptibility to temperature fluctuations. Moreover, the inclusion of
LDPE tends to enhance the stiffness of the asphalt binder, except in the case of 1% LDPE, where the asphalt
cement exhibited decreased stiffness (Rebeiz, 1996), (Binici, Gemci and Kaplan, 2012).
Umar Shankar Yaligar(2018),studied on the partial replacement of cement by waste plastics in concrete
tiles. In their study, the compressive strength and workability of waste plastic mix with concrete with and
without addition of plastic waste was investigated and the following conclusion were obtained.

i. Addition of waste plastic gives high compressive strength ascompared to normal tiles.

ii. The compressive strength increases up to 45% by replacement of cement by waste plastic and voids
should be partially filled.

iii. It was found the workability with 5% and 10% of replacement of cement by waste plastic was not
possible.

Michael short(2017),discovered a method of using polyethylene plastics bottles to bulk up concrete

mix, thus reducing both polyethylene waste in the environment and the ingredients used in concrete production.
The team also found out that the addition of polyethylene plastics to concrete can result in an increase of
strength properties of concrete by 15 percent, compared to standard concrete percentage. After various
experiment by the researcher varying the ratio of polyethylene plastic, fly ash, silica fuma and Portland cement,
they discovered. That the highest compression strength samples resulted from a mix of 1.5 percent irradiated
plastic, fly ash and Portland cement. The strength was observed to increase by 15 percent compared to other
mixtures, such as those made with plain old Portland cement.
Moses Kingsford Flomo (2013),studied on the impact of low-density polyethylene (water sachets) on
the mechanical property of cement mortar. In his project conclusion, the use of polyethylene waste materials in
mortar helped to lower weight of material by 8.20% at 5%; 12.09% at 10%, and 28.79% at 40%. This means
that these different decreased percentages at various increased in the PE can be used for applications as the
designer may desire. Example of such applications are slabs, beams, column, parapet, etc. additionally, the
presence of PE in the mortar decreased the compressive strength by 8.2% at 5% polymer, 12.04 at 10%, 14.62%
at 15%, and 47.76% at 40% polymer because of poor adhesion between cement past and the polymer. However,
5%. 10%, 20% met the maximum compressive strength requirement for concrete/mortar after 28days.

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NAU Journal of Civil Engineering (NAUJCVE) August/September/October 2023

In the present research study, polyethylene water sachets are used to replace cement by heating the
water sachets to form gel.

Objectives of Study
This research study deals with the use of waste polyethylene water sachet as replacement for cement in
concrete production. The primary aim of this research is to explore the possibility producing concrete with water
sachets gel and examining its basic strength properties. The specific objectives of this research study are as
follows:

a. To characterize the constituent materials used in the production of the concrete.

b. To cast and crush concrete produced with molten polyethylene as total replacement for cement.
c. To determine the optimum percentage of molten polyethylene in the concrete production.
d. To compare the strength of concrete made with polyethylene gel to that of conventional ordinary
concrete.

II. MATERIALS AND METHODS

A. Materials
The basic materials used to produce the concrete include:

Dangote 3X Cement
According to the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), the Dangote 3x cement also known as extra life, and
extra yield is the latest version of cement produced by Dangote Cement Company in few countries across West
Africa to rid the cement market of low-quality cement by ensuring high quality grade. The cement was bought
from a store at Poly junction, Nekede in Owerri west, Imo state. The properties and composition of the cement
comply with the standard institute of Nigeria (NIS) 1994.

Fine Aggregates (River Sand)

The fine aggregates were collected from Otamiri in Owerri west, Imo state. The fine aggregates were dried by
spreading them out on the laboratory for some days before use to ensure that there was no free surface water,
and the water-cement ratio reflected the actual water content available for the hydration of cement.

Coarse Aggregates
The coarse aggregates maximum size used was 16mm, and in accordance with BS882 was gotten from a
construction site along Wetheral Junction Owerri, Imo state.

Water
Portable water clean and safe for drinking was used for mixing cement. It was obtained from a borehole at the
premise of federal polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Imo State.

Polyethylene (Water Sachets)

Wastewater sachets made of low-density polyethylene was gotten from a pure water industry along Umuerim
extension Nekede Owerri, Imo State. While some were collected in small quantity from streets, marketplace,
dumpsite, etc. detergents were used to remove microbes and other dirty substances. The water sachets were then
dried in the laboratory for many hours to remove moisture.

B. Experimental Methods
Tests were performed during this research on concrete and aggregate and they includes:

Sieve Analysis
The sieving method adopted was dry sieving and a sample size of about 300g was used for the fine aggregates
(river sand). This test was carried out on the fine aggregates to determine the particle size distribution. These
tests were done in the laboratory using sieve size of different diameter and were staked according to the sieve
size, that is, the largest ones on top while the smaller at the bottom. The equipment used in carrying out this test

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NAU Journal of Civil Engineering (NAUJCVE) August/September/October 2023

are sieves of different sizes of different diameter, a scoop which was used to collect the sample, a weighing
balance which was used to determine the mass of the aggregate and a brush which was used to remove dirt from
the sieve. Sieving was done mechanically using a sieve shaker.
Bulk Density Test
Bulk density gives valuable information regarding the shape and grading of the aggregate. It refers to
the mass of material per unit volume, including the void between the particles. The dry method was adopted for
the determination of the bulk densities of fine and coarse aggregates. This test was carried out in accordance
with BS 812: part2 and part1 07, (1990 and 1995). The net weight of the aggregate in the container was
determined and the bulk density was calculated in kg/m3. The apparatus used were weighing balance of 5- 25kg
capacity, cylinder of 2.83-14.15 litres nominal capacity, scoop and drying duster.
The small cylinder was used for the fine aggregate and the large one for coarse aggregate. Each cylinder was
calibrated to determine its actual volume. The dried cylinder was filled with the surface and aggregate by the
scoop. The aggregate discharged from a height of 5cm above the top of the cylinder. The surface was with
levelled with a straight edge and the net weight of the aggregate in the cylinder was determined.

.
=

Calculation of Mix Proportioning by Weight

This refers to the quantity in terms of mass (kg) of each constituent material in the concrete mix using a
cube mould of 15cm.
Volume of cubic mould, V = 0.15 x 0.15 x 0.15 = 0.003375m3
Assuming a concrete density of 2350kg/m3
Mass of concrete, M = 2350*0.003375 = 7.93125kg
Take mass of concrete = 8kg
Using a concrete mix of 1:2:4, the mass of the constitute material used in the production of the concrete are
calculated and presented in Table 1

Table 1:Massof Materials for 15cm Cube Mould

Mix Mix Percentage Mass of Mass of Mass of Mass of Water
No Ratio (%) of Cement Polyethylene Fine Coarse (kg)
Polyethylene (Kg) (Kg) Aggregate Aggregate
(Kg) (Kg)
1 1:2:4 0 1.14 0 2.29 4.57 0.57

2 0.5:2:4 50 0 0.62 2.46 4.92 0

3 0.75:2:4 75 0 0.89 2.37 4.74 0

4 1:2:4 100 0 1.14 2.29 4.57 0

5 1.25:2:4 125 0 1.38 2.21 4.41 0

6 1.5:2:4 150 0 1.60 2.13 4.27 0

Production of the Polyethylene Concrete for Cube Test

Control samples were produced by mixing the aggregates (fine and coarse) with the cement until they
have a uniform blend, then the water was poured based on the water cement ratio after which the concrete is
placed in the mould and tampered for 25times in 3 layers.
For the polyethylene replaced concrete, a molten polyethylene (pure water sachets)was formed by melting the
polyethylene with heat in a pan, using oil as the solvent, and fine aggregates was then mixed in the pan until the
mixture was thoroughly blended and uniform in colour. The coarse aggregate was added and mixed with the
molten polyethylene and fine aggregate until the coarse aggregate was uniformly distributed throughout. Then

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NAU Journal of Civil Engineering (NAUJCVE) August/September/October 2023

the mix was quickly transferred to the mould and was properly compacted.
Compressive Strength Test
This test was carried out using the compressive testing machine. The specimen of concrete (a cube) is
placed in the machine and load applied. The point at which deformation or crack occurs on the specimen the
testing is stopped at that point and the strength is noted in MPa’s. Therefore, this compressive strength test is
carried out to determine the strength properties of concrete using the water sachet polyethylene gel as a
replacement for cement in the concrete.

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The following results were gotten from the test conducted and are presented as follows:

Results of the Sieve Analysis Test

The sieve analysis test results for the fine aggregate and coarse aggregate are presented in Fig. 1 and
Fig. 2

110
100
90
CUMULATIVE % PASSING

80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0.01 0.1 1 10

SIEVE SIZES (MM)

Fig.1: Gradation Curve for Fine Aggregate

From the Figure 1, the values of D10, D30, and D60 for the fine aggregateis gotten and computed to get
values for Coefficient of uniformity, (Cu) and Coefficient of gradation, (Cc)
D10 = 0.32, D30 = 0.55, D60 = 1.2
D60 1.2
Coef icient of uniformity, Cu = = = 2. I8
D10 0.32
(D30) (0.55)
Coef icient of gradation, Cc = = = 0.99
(D60 × D10) (1.2 × 0.32)

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NAU Journal of Civil Engineering (NAUJCVE) August/September/October 2023

Seive Analysis Graph

100
90
80
Percentage passing

70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1 Sieve size 10 100

Fig. 2: Gradation Curve for Coarse Aggregate

From the Figure 2, the values of D10, D30, and D60 for the fine aggregate is gotten and computed to get
values for Coefficient of uniformity, (Cu) and Coefficient of gradation, (Cc)
D10 = 5.1 mm, D30 = 6mm , D60 = 12mm

D60 12
Coef icient of uniformity, Cu = = = 2.35
D10 5.1
(D30) (6)
Coef icient of gradation, Cc = = = 0.59
(D60 × D10) (12 × 5.1)

Bulk Density Test Result

The results of the bulk density test of fine aggregate and coarse aggregate are presented in Table 2 and Table 3.

Table 2: Bulk Density of Fine Aggregate

Trial run Trial 1 Trail 2 Trial 3

Mass (kg) 6.34 6.35 6.34

Volume of bottle (m3) 0.0042 0.0042 0.0042

Bulk density (kg/m3) 1509.52 1511.90 1509.52

Average bulk density (kg/m3) 1510.31

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NAU Journal of Civil Engineering (NAUJCVE) August/September/October 2023

Table 3: Bulk Density of Coarse Aggregate

Trial run Trial 1 Trail 2 Trial 3

Mass (kg) 6.3 6.31 6.29

Volume of bottle (m3) 0.0042 0.0042 0.0042

Bulk density (kg/m3) 1500 1502.38 1497.62

Average bulk density (kg/m3) 1500

Compressive Test Results

The compressive test results of the cement concrete and those of the polyethylene-replaced concrete are
presented in Table 4

Table 4: Compressive Test Results

Mix Percentage Cube Mass of Average Crushing Compressive Average
Ratio (%) of No Concrete Mass of load strength Compressive
Polyethylene (kg) Concrete (kN) (N/mm2) strength
(kg) (N/mm2)
1a 7.86 455 20.22

1:2:4 0 1b 7.90 7.88 452 20.09 20.07

1c 7.88 448 19.91

2a 7.93 360 16

0.5:2:4 50 7.92 16.09

2b 7.90 364 16.18

2c 7.93 362 16.09

3a 7.84 402 17.87

0.75:2:4 75 7.86 17.96

3b 7.84 402 17.87

3c 7.89 408 18.13

4a 7.74 425 18.89

1:2:4 100 7.73 18.84

4b 7.71 423 18.80

4c 7.75 424 18.84

5a 7.70 435 19.33

1.25:2:4 125 7.71 19.36

5b 7.70 435 19.33

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NAU Journal of Civil Engineering (NAUJCVE) August/September/October 2023

5c 7.73 437 19.42

6a 7.62 400 17.78

1.5:2:4 150 7.64 17.71

6b 7.65 395 17.56

6c 7.65 400 17.78

Fig.3 is a graph of the average compressive strength of the concrete for the different molten polyethylene
content of the concrete.

Compressive Strength of Concrete at Different Polyethylene

Content
25
Compressive Strength N/mm2

20

15

10

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160

Polyethylene Content %

Fig. 3: Compressive Strength of Concrete at Different Polyethylene Content

B. Analysis of Results
From Table 4, 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. From Table 4 and Figure 3, it was observed that the 28days
compressive strength of the concrete made with cement have an average value of20.07N/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.

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NAU Journal of Civil Engineering (NAUJCVE) August/September/October 2023

IV. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

A. Conclusions
From the results obtained after several laboratory tests carried out, as well as the analysis of the results, the
following conclusions have been arrived at.

a. Polyethylene can be used as total replacement for cement in the production of concrete.
b. The mass of the concrete reduces with increase in polyethylene content.
c. A percentage replacement of 125% gives the optimum strength value in polyethylene concrete production.

B. Recommendations

After a successful completion of this research work, the following recommendations are made:

a. Polyethylene should be used as total replacement for cement in the production of precast concrete,
since the process of production can barely be achieved in construction site.
b. Polyethylene concrete should be used in the production of lightweight concrete.
c. Further research should be done with different mix ratio to observe the effect of polyethylene as total
replacement of cement in concrete production.

Acknowledgement

We want to acknowledge the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), for sponsoring this research work, we
will always remain grateful.

References

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NAU Journal of Civil Engineering (NAUJCVE) August/September/October 2023

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