College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Architectural Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Architectural Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 2
Architectural Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Architectural Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 3
Architectural Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Architectural Engineering
College - Author 4
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 4
Architectural Engineering Department
Degree - Author 4
BS in Architectural Engineering
Date
1-2024
Primary Advisor
Cameron Fredrickson, College of Science and Mathematics, Mathematics Department
Abstract/Summary
Over the course of 10 weeks, experiments were performed on extruded Polypropylene (PP) to determine the feasibility of its use in construction. Motivated by environmental concerns, the project aimed to explore sustainable alternatives to conventional building materials. Polypropylene, classified as a type 5 plastic according to the Resin Identification Code (RIC), possesses favorable properties such as durability, chemical resistance, and recyclability, making it a promising candidate for construction applications. Type 5 plastics are commonly used in various industries, including packaging, automotive, textiles, and consumer goods. In construction, PP is primarily utilized in applications such as piping systems, insulation, roofing materials, and interior fittings.
Marina Seeger’s master’s thesis, Upcycling Holistic Study of a Sustainable Plastic Brick served as a foundational reference. The thesis aimed to assess polypropylene’s performance relative to traditional building materials, much like the objective in this study. Along with being easily accessible, PP shares structural similarities with Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) bricks, making it an ideal candidate for comparison in terms of resiliency, load-bearing capacity, and construction versatility. To characterize Polypropylenes structural properties, Tensile, Flammability, and Water Absorption tests were conducted. The results indicate potential for PP in construction; however, further research is required to fully characterize its structural properties. This study lays the groundwork for future investigations into the use of PP in construction applications.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/arcesp/214