Strength and permeability of pervious composite prepared by using post-consumer plastic waste bottles

¹ Associate Professor of Construction Management, Department of Technology, Illinois State University, Campus Box 5100, Normal, Illinois 61790, USA
² Graduate Assistant, Department of Technology, Illinois State University, Campus Box 5100, Normal, Illinois 61790, USA

^* Corresponding author: psolanki@ilstu.edu

Abstract

This study focused on developing and evaluating a novel form of pervious polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic composite. This novel composite, called as PPC, produced from plastic waste, soil and aggregates, will offer an effective technique for reducing storm water runoff and help divert a large amount of plastic from landfills and incinerators. PPC samples with different PET to soil/aggregate ratios were prepared and then tested for indirect tensile strength and permeability. Permeability was conducted in a unique manner by designing and fabricating a new testing equipment. Both indirect tensile strength and permeability were within the expected values found in the literature for porous pavements. Results showed that indirect tensile strength values increased with PET content. It was also found that using PET alone is not strong enough in binding aggregates and therefore, a soil/PET ratio of one was found optimum for providing maximum strength. Permeability values decreased with the decrease of A/P (aggregate/PET) ratio which in general indicates that lower PET and higher aggregate content is suitable for higher permeability. A soil/PET ratio of one was found to provide higher permeability but strength could compromise. Findings from this study indicated that developed PPC could be used for low-strength construction such as driveways, sidewalks and parking lots.