Sustainable Construction Materials Through the Utilization of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Plastic Waste and Used Tires in The Production of Environmentally Friendly Concrete Roof Tiles

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the use of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic waste and tire rubber waste as partial replacements for fine aggregate in the production of concrete roof tiles. This study was conducted to determine the effect of adding one or a combination of these two waste materials on the mechanical and physical characteristics of concrete roof tiles. The study then sought to determine the optimal mixture for concrete roof tiles that meets the SNI 0096:2007 quality standard.

Methods/Design: This study used a quantitative experimental method through laboratory testing with eight mixture variations (HDPE and tire rubber waste): 0%-0%, 0%-5%, 5%-5%, 10%-5%, 15%-5%, 5%-0%, 5%-10%, and 5%-15%. Waste was obtained from the Kulon Progo Regency waste bank and tested at the UNY Building Materials Laboratory. The research stages included material preparation, specimen preparation, and testing for visual properties, dimensions, flatness, water absorption, water permeability, and flexural strength. Data were obtained from experimental results and literature review

Findings: The results show that adding HDPE plastic waste and tire rubber waste produces lightweight concrete roof tiles that meet SNI standards in terms of visual properties, dimensions, flatness, water absorption, and water permeability. However, increasing the content of both wastes tends to reduce flexural strength. Therefore, it is recommended to use less than 5% HDPE waste and to avoid using tire rubber waste due to the significant reduction in flexural strength.

Practical Implication: Utilizing HDPE and tire rubber waste in concrete roof tile production has the potential to produce a lighter, more environmentally friendly material and support waste management. However, because flexural strength decreases sharply with the mixture of both wastes, stricter waste usage restrictions are necessary to ensure that the concrete roof tiles maintain optimal physical and mechanical properties and are superior in terms of material lightness.