The impact of Cement Mortar Reinforced with Recycled Polyethylene for Construction Applications in Tropical Regions

Abstract

This current research work combines both experimental and theoretical study of the impact of cement mortar reinforced with recycled polyethylene for applications in the tropical regions. The work explores incorporating low density polyethylene (LDPE) waste into cement mortar to improve its fracture toughness and flexural strength with balanced compressive strength. Different volume fractions (05.10, 15,20, 30, and 40 %) of the powdered LDPE were mixed with cement and the density, compressive strength, flexural strength, and the fracture toughness were observed under diFferent testing conditions. All specimens were tested after curing of7, 14, and 28 days. The results show that there was ~6 % increase in the fracture toughness at 5 vol.%,~7 % increase at 10 vol. %, and 24 vol. % increases at 20 vol. % of LDPE. Also, it was observed that the weight and compressive strength decreased with increasing volume fraction up to 40 vol. % of LDPE waste. The results for the survival/failure prob.ability show that the PE-mortar composites with PE volume percentages up to 20 vol. % had the highest survival probability. The composite with this volume percentage can withstand crackup to 7 mm, with a survival probability of 0.6.