Impact of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) waste on the physico-mechanical and durability behavior of lime-stabilized adobe bricks

Hammache Soumia; Ouarda Izemmouren; Abdelhamid Guettala

doi:10.35784/bud-arch.8175

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Published: Dec 16, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35784/bud-arch.8175

Issue Vol. 24 No. 4 (2025)

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Hammache Soumia, Izemmouren Ouarda, Guettala Abdelhamid

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.35784/bud-arch.8175

Authors

Hammache Soumia

soumia.hammache@univ-biskra.dz

Civil Engineering Research Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Hydraulic, Mohamed Khider University of Biskra, Algeria, Algeria

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4178-0678

Izemmouren Ouarda

O.izemmouren@univ-biskra.dz

Civil Engineering Research Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Hydraulic, Mohamed Khider University of Biskra, Algeria, Algeria

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0484-1646

Guettala Abdelhamid

abdelhamid.guettala@univ-biskra.dz

Civil Engineering Research Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering and Hydraulic, Mohamed Khider University of Biskra, Algeria, Algeria

Abstract

Earth-based construction techniques, such as adobe, are valued for their low cost and reduced environmental impact. However, their limited mechanical strength and poor water resistance reduce their overall durability. This study investigates the improvement of adobe bricks through the addition of lime and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic waste derived from greenhouse cleaning activities, in varying proportions (2–6%) and fiber lengths (10–30 mm). The research aims to evaluate the physical, mechanical, and durability characteristics of the modified earth blocks. The results show a reduction of 23.57% in density, 17.95% in ultrasonic pulse velocity, and 37.80% in compressive strength. While the lower compressive strength reflects a mechanical limitation, the decrease in density could be beneficial for lightweight applications or for improving the thermal and acoustic insulation of walls. Conversely, notable improvements were recorded in tensile strength and abrasion resistance, which increased by 71.42% and 90.47%, respectively. Despite these benefits, the mixtures exhibited slightly higher water absorption and swelling, indicating increased sensitivity to moisture. Nevertheless, the reduced mass loss after wetting-drying cycles highlights an overall improvement in the long-term durability of the material.

Keywords:

plastic waste, adobe, lime stabilization, LDPE plastic fibers, mechanical strength, Sustainability Assessment

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Soumia, H., Izemmouren, O. and Guettala, A. (2025) “Impact of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) waste on the physico-mechanical and durability behavior of lime-stabilized adobe bricks”, Budownictwo i Architektura / Civil and Architectural Engineering, 24(4), p. 25009. doi: 10.35784/bud-arch.8175.

Impact of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) waste on the physico-mechanical and durability behavior of lime-stabilized adobe bricks

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