Sustainability of Life Saving Concrete Block by Using PET Bottle in Construction

Abstract

The risk of gas leaks in homes and businesses has gone up because cities are getting denser and more people are using piped and cylinder-based fuel systems. These kinds of things often cause dangerous situations, like explosions. This study presents a sustainability-focused Composite PET Concrete Block (CPCB), created by integrating recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottle material into the concrete matrix. This innovative masonry unit aims to improve safety and environmental performance in construction. The CPCB is designed to have a controlled porous microstructure that lets air and gases pass through it only a little bit. This permeability lets leaked gases slowly spread through the masonry system, lessening the chance of gas building up in closed spaces, which lowers the risk of disasters. Adding PET particles to the cementitious matrix helps create networks of interconnected voids that make it easier for gas to move through the block while also lowering its overall density. An experimental study was done to see if the proposed CPCB system could be built. It looked at important physical and mechanical properties that are important for masonry construction. The amount of PET was changed from 10% to 30% by volume replacement so that its effect on the blocks\' performance could be measured. The experimental program followed standard masonry testing procedures and included tests for compressive strength, water absorption, density, and efflorescence. These tests were done to see if adding PET would have an effect while still keeping the structure strong enough for building.

Introduction

This study proposes a Composite Perforated Concrete Block (CPCB), also called a life-saving concrete block, designed to improve building safety by reducing the risks associated with LPG and gas leaks. The block contains specially designed perforations and internal cavities that allow leaked gas to escape from enclosed spaces, preventing dangerous gas accumulation and reducing the likelihood of fires and explosions. At the same time, the block maintains the structural requirements of M10-grade concrete (10 MPa strength) using conventional construction materials.

The block is manufactured using cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, steel fibers, and recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) flakes obtained from authorized recycling facilities. The incorporation of PET waste contributes to sustainable construction by recycling plastic materials while enhancing certain mechanical properties of the concrete.

The cavity block design provides several advantages beyond gas safety. The perforations create ventilation channels that improve indoor air circulation, enhance air quality, reduce the buildup of harmful gases, and decrease dependence on mechanical ventilation systems. As a result, the block supports energy-efficient and environmentally friendly building practices.

The proposed gas dissipation mechanism works by allowing leaked LPG, which is heavier than air, to enter perforated openings in the block. The gas is then directed through an internal duct system, where a suction fan creates negative pressure to safely collect and transport the gas for possible storage or controlled disposal. This system minimizes gas accumulation and improves occupant safety.

An M10 concrete mix was developed using a proportion of approximately 1 : 1.3 : 2.1 (cement : fine aggregate : coarse aggregate), with PET flakes added as a partial replacement material. Various laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the block's performance:

• Workability Test: The highest workability was achieved with 10% PET replacement, producing the maximum slump value.
• Split Tensile Strength Test: Tensile strength increased as the percentage of PET replacement increased, with the highest values observed at 30% PET replacement after both 7 and 28 days of curing.
• Flexural Strength Test: Flexural strength also improved with increasing PET content, indicating enhanced resistance to bending and cracking.

Conclusion

This study focuses on the development of a life-saving concrete block engineered to facilitate the safe dissipation of hazardous gas molecules through controlled permeability. The material was designed using PET-modified concrete to enhance sustainability while improving indoor safety conditions. To evaluate its performance, the following tests were conducted: compressive strength test, dry density test, water absorption test, and efflorescence test. Each test offered vital insights into the mechanical characteristics, durability, and functional efficiency of the block. The results of each test, along with the inferences drawn from these results, clearly prove that the developed block meets the required performance criteria. The influence values and interpretations for all tests have been discussed in detail in the sections above.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Sudarshan P, Vasantha Prakash R, Manikandan R, Kannappan PL, N. Nisha . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.