Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Finite Element Analysis of Reinforced Structural Fibre-Glass and Recycled Plastic Blocks in Low-Cost Houses
by Otieno, R. K., Mureithi, N., and Hussein Ahmed

Abstract:
Disposal of plastic wastes is a major global problem. One of the best solutions to the problem of disposal of plastic wastes is through recycling to produce other usable composite materials leading to improved environmental sustainability. It is important for developing nations to build capacity for plastic waste management to ensure clean environment. One of the areas for capacity building is in the construction industry. The industry is a major consumer of costly cement, sand and aggregate whose costs can be reduced by use of recycled plastics processed through melting and re-moulding into desired blocks and structural building materials. The main goal of this research is to help in attaining sustainability in development through recycling of plastic wastes for affordable housing. Research objectives were to design a low cost house made of recycled plastics and composite materials for building; to analyze mechanical behaviour of the building using finite element analysis in Simulia Abaqus and to propose measures to scale up production. Loading was by concentrated loads on truss and pressure on the roof and wall surfaces. Wind effects on the house were studied in Solid works flow simulation module. Results show that high strength fibre glass structures and the roofing sheet materials experienced high stresses. Stresses on recycled plastic blocks on walls were low.

Keywords: recycled plastics, finite element method, sustainability, low cost housing

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