Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/41678

Title

Long-term engineering properties of recycled plastic lumber used in pier construction

Author(s)

Breslin, Vincent T.;  Senturk, Ufuk;  Berndt, Christopher C.

Abstract

Plastic lumber manufactured using post consumer waste plastic has been proposed as an acceptable material for use in the construction of docks, piers and bulkheads and is touted to outlast conventional wood products due to its strength, durability and resistance to rot. This study examines the long-term engineering properties of plastic lumber manufactured using post consumer waste plastic (TRIMAX, Ronkonkoma, NY). Plastic lumber profiles were used in the decking of a pier built in West Meadow Creek, Old Field, NY during December 1995. Samples of plastic lumber were removed from the deck of the pier periodically over a two-year period and returned to the laboratory for testing. Results of engineering tests showed the in-plane compression modulus (260±30 MPa), dimensional stability and the Shore D surface hardness (60±2) of plastic lumber removed from the pier remained similar to or greater than their pre-placement values. In contrast, significant changes in the modulus of elasticity of plastic lumber were measured with prolonged weathering. The modulus of elasticity of plastic lumber initially decreased from 1370 Pa to 750 Pa following 12 months weathering, a decrease equal to 45% of its pre-placement value and then increased during the second year to close to its initial value. The high variability in the modulus of elasticity should restrict the use of plastic lumber profiles to non-load bearing structural applications.

Publication type

Journal article

Source

Resources, Conservation and Recycling, Vol. 23, no. 4 (Sep 1998), pp. 243-258

Publication year

1998

Keyword(s)

Building material;  Coastal engineering;  Compression;  Construction material;  Elasticity testing;  Engineering testing;  Material state;  Physical parameters;  Piers;  Plastic building materials;  Plastic lumber;  Plastics;  Recycling;  Solid wastes;  Waste utilization

Publisher

Elsevier

ISSN

0921-3449

Publisher URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0921-3449(98)00024-X

Copyright

Copyright © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

Peer reviewed