Influence of using waste materials as partial replacement of coarse aggregates in concrete paver blocks

Abstract

Interlocking concrete block pavement has been widely used in place of flexible and rigid pavements owing to its easiness in assembling, replacement and transportation. It also has excellent drainage capacity. Its application includes sidewalks, car parks, cycle tracks and other lightly trafficked areas. The production of Interlocking concrete block pavement leads to extensive exploitation of natural resources, for the procurement of aggregates. Utilization of waste materials as partial replacement of aggregates conserves the scarce aggregates and reduces pollution. The objective of this study is to check the feasibility of using waste materials as a sustainable and economically viable option for producing concrete paver blocks. This study investigates the effect of using two easily available waste materials in Kerala viz. coconut shell and Ethylene Vinyl Acetate rubber as a partial replacement alternative of coarse aggregates in the production of concrete paver blocks. This paper investigates the effect of replacement of various percentages viz. 0, 5 10, 15 and 20% of coconut shell and rubber on the properties of the paver blocks. The effect on 7th day, 14th day and 28th day compressive strength as well as water absorption was studied. The optimum percentage of replacement was determined. Also, between coconut shells and scrap rubber the better alternative for replacement of coarse aggregate was evaluated. The compressive strength on replacement with coconut shells keeps on increasing till the optimum percentage of 15% is reached and then decreases gradually while for rubber there is an increase in trend till the optimum percentage of 5% is reached and then decreases. Replacement with coconut shell is a better alternative than rubber since more aggregates can be replaced.