SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
MODULE-2
Advantages and Applications of AAC
• Advantages:
• • Reduced dead load on structures
• • Fast construction and easy handling
• • Low maintenance and high durability
• Applications:
• • Walls, partitions, high-rise buildings, infill material
Properties and Uses of Bamboo
• • High tensile strength and flexibility
• • Lightweight, durable, and biodegradable
• • Grows quickly (3–5 years to maturity)
• Uses:
• • Structural components, flooring, roofing, scaffolding, furniture
Sustainability of Bamboo
• • Absorbs CO₂ and releases 35% more oxygen than trees
• • Reduces deforestation by replacing wood
• • Can be treated for long-term use in buildings
Sustainable Built Environment
Emerging Materials: Types and
Uses of Plastic
Introduction
• Plastics as versatile construction materials
• Lightweight, durable, corrosion resistant
• Increasing use in sustainable & green buildings
• Emerging plastic composites as eco-friendly alternatives
Classification of Plastics
• Thermoplastics – can be softened by heating & reshaped (PVC, PE, PP,
PET)
• Thermosetting Plastics – permanently hardened after processing
(Epoxy, Phenolic, PU)
Recycled Plastics in Construction
• Recycled plastics are made from reused industrial and post-consumer
waste materials. They are used as composites, plastic lumber, and
paving materials.
➢ Chennai was among the first cities globally to adopt the technology in a big
way when the municipality commissioned 1000 km of plastic roads in 2004.
➢ The first plastic road in Tamil Nadu was laid down in Kambainallur, a
Panchayat Town of the Dharmapuri district, as per the guidelines of the then
Chief Minister.
➢ Since then, all major municipalities in India have experimented with the
technology, including Pune, Mumbai, Surat, Indore, Delhi, Lucknow, etc.
Road Construction Using Recycled Plastics – Step-by-Step Process
1.Collection and Management of Plastic Waste:
1. The first step is to collect plastic materials from various sources, mainly post-consumer
products like packaging materials.
2.Types of Plastics Used:
1. Common plastics used include:
1. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE)
2. Polypropylene (PP)
3. High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
4. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
3.Sorting:
1. The collected plastic waste is sorted to separate suitable types of plastic for road
construction.
4.Cleaning and Drying:
1. The sorted plastic is thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt and contaminants.
2. It is then dried to eliminate moisture before processing.
5. Shredding:
1. The clean plastic is shredded into small pieces to facilitate uniform melting
and mixing.
2.Melting:
1. The shredded plastic is heated and melted at approximately 165°C.
6. Mixing with Bitumen:
1. Hot bitumen is added to the melted plastic.
2. The mixture is thoroughly mixed to ensure a homogeneous blend of plastic
and bitumen.
Properties and Uses of Recycled Plastics
• • Lightweight and durable
• • Water, chemical, and corrosion resistant
• • Low maintenance and cost-effective
• Uses:
• • Paving blocks, pipes, panels, roofing tiles, and road surfacing
Sustainability Aspects of Recycled Plastics
• • Reduces plastic waste and pollution
• • Conserves raw materials and energy
• • Promotes circular economy principles
Common Types of Plastics in Construction
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Pipes, doors, windows, flooring
• Polyethylene (PE): Films, vapor barriers, geomembranes
• Polypropylene (PP): Carpet fibers, insulation
• Polystyrene (PS): Thermal insulation (EPS, XPS)
• Acrylic & Polycarbonate: Transparent panels, skylights
• Composite Plastics: FRP, WPC
Emerging Sustainable Plastic Materials
• Recycled Plastics: Blocks, tiles, pavers
• Bioplastics: PLA-based composites for interiors
• Geopolymer–Plastic Composites
• Wood–Plastic Composites (WPC): Decking, cladding, railings
Applications in the Built Environment
• Pipes & Fittings – water supply, sewage
• Insulation – thermal & soundproofing
• Flooring & Wall Panels – lightweight, easy to install
• Windows & Doors – uPVC frames, glazing
• Roofing Sheets & Skylights – polycarbonate sheets
• Road Construction – waste plastic modified asphalt
Advantages of Plastics in Construction
• Lightweight, durable
• Corrosion and chemical resistance
• Cost-effective and easy to transport
• Energy-efficient (thermal insulation)
• Can be recycled into new products
Challenges & Concerns
• Non-biodegradability → waste management issue
• Microplastic pollution
• Fire safety & toxic emissions
• Recycling limitations
Sustainable Strategies
• Promote recycled & recyclable plastics
• Encourage bioplastics & composites
• Use plastic waste in road & building materials
• Circular economy approaches in construction
Case Studies / Examples
• Plastic Roads in India – durable & eco-friendly
• Recycled Plastic Bricks & Pavers – lightweight and strong
• uPVC Windows in Green Buildings
Conclusion
• Plastics are versatile and widely used in built environment
• Sustainability requires innovation in recycling & composites
• Future: shift towards bioplastics & circular use models
Comparative Summary
• Material | Key Feature | Sustainability Aspect | Applications
• AAC Blocks | Lightweight, Insulating | Fly ash utilization | Walls,
partitions
• Bamboo | High tensile, Renewable | CO₂ absorption | Flooring,
trusses
• Recycled Plastics | Durable, Waterproof | Waste reuse | Pavements,
roofing
