Influence of PVC waste as aggregate in the concrete of interlocking block pavement

Abstract This study presents an analysis of the influence of PVC waste as a partial substitute of fine natural aggregate on physical properties such as water absorption, voids index, specific mass and the compressive strength of interlocking block pavements. Four concrete mixtures were analysed: a reference mixture with 0% replacement, and mixtures with 5%, 10% and 15% of fine aggregate made of PVC waste. The study showed that, statistically, the PVC waste influenced the decrease of the compressive strength and the specific mass of the blocks. The PVC waste proved to have no influence on the test results for water absorption and the voids index. The durability test for drying and wetting showed that there was an increase in the loss of mass with the increase of the percentage of PVC in the concrete mixture. The microscopic analysis of the concrete mixtures allowed observation of the shape of the grains of the PVC residues and their interaction with the other constituent materials of the concrete, aiding in the interpretation of the test results. Hence, the results showed that PVC waste may be incorporated into concrete blocks without causing significant alterations in their properties.