Plastic waste reinforced with inorganic pigment from red stone in manufacturing paving block for pedestrian application

Purpose: This study was aimed to investigate the effectiveness of plastic waste as fine aggregates to partial replacement of sand reinforced with inorganic pigment from red stone to manufacture paving block for pedestrian application. This is an effort not only to reduce plastic waste in the environment but also as an innovative way to find out an alternative eco-friendly paving block material for public walkways with an attractive appearance while ensuring pedestrian comfort. Design/methodology/approach: Approaches were converted the plastic waste to plastic powder which is then used as fine particles to sand partial replacement. The red stone powder is used to give red color to the paving block surface. The paving block materials were completely mixed in a pan mixer and added water as much as 12% of the total mass of the materials used. The paving block was cast in a mold dimension size of 20 cm × 10 cm × 6 cm and pressed with a load of 6 tons using a pressing machine. The effect of natural river sand to plastic powder ratio and curing time on the compressive strength and water absorption were investigated. Findings: The study results confirmed that the replacement of sand with plastic powder decreased the compressive strength of paving block. By partial replacement of sand with plastic powder in the range of 10% to 50% by weight, the compressive strength and water absorption value of pavement after 30 days agitation were at range of 18.06-12.78 MPa and 4.28-3.25%, respectively. This value was still met the minimum requirement for pedestrian applications according to Indonesian National Standard. Research limitations/implications: Replacing sand up to 50% by weight with plastic waste produces paving blocks with compressive strength and water absorption suitable for sidewalks and pedestrians. It is needed to continue research in terms of durability tests in order to be comfortable with the practical use of the material. Practical implications: The use of plastic waste reinforced with red stone powder as fine aggregate makes it one of the alternative ways to reduce plastic waste in the environment and obtain eco-friendly paving blocks with an attractive appearance. Originality/value: It has been experimentally proven that replacing sand up to 50% by weight with plastic powder produces paving blocks that are suitable for pedestrians application. The addition of red stone powder pigment makes the color of paving block surface become more attractive appearance.