DOI: 10.11648/j.sr.20261404.15 ISSN: 2329-0927

Experimental Investigation and Taguchi Optimization of Rubber-Plastic Sandcrete Blocks Under Marine Exposure

Ibrahim Olayinka, Doris Oyebanjo, John Wasiu, Sule Joseph
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The global consciousness towards advancement in eco-friendly constructions has engineered the discovery of alternative and sustainable use for waste materials. This study assessed the performance of rubber-plastic solid sandcrete blocks in marine water environments to address the dual challenges of environmental pollution from waste materials and building material durability in coastal regions. The research employed a Taguchi design of experiments to optimize the percentage composition of sand, rubber, and plastic, examining physical properties, water absorption rates, and compressive strength under marine conditions. Results showed that incorporating 20% plastic and 20% rubber significantly improved water resistance, achieving a water absorption rate of 7.68% compared to conventional blocks. However, compressive strength decreased with increasing plastic-rubber content, with the control mix achieving 230kN at 14 days versus 42.5kN for the 20% replacement mix. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong negative correlation (-0.981) between plastic content and compressive strength. The optimal mix composition was determined as 7.5% plastic and 7.5% rubber replacement. While these composite blocks showed reduced structural capacity, their superior water resistance makes them suitable for non-structural applications in marine environments, offering an eco-friendly solution for waste management and sustainable construction.

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