Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate Plastic Bottles and Bambusa Blumeana (Thorny Bamboo) as Raw Materials for Scaffold Plank for Construction Platform

Abstract

This study investigates the utilization of waste Polyethylene Terephthalate plastic bottles and Bambusa Blumeana (thorny bamboo) as a raw material and treated by seawater for scaffold planks for construction platforms. The research aims to produce a load-bearing scaffold plank that can be used as alternative construction materials while addressing environmental concerns by reusing byproducts. Four material designs were formulated with varying thickness of planks and layers of plastic bottles and bamboo. It is tested for flexural strength (kN-mm) and deflection capacity (mm). Results revealed that 328.25 kN-mm and 58 mm for sample 1, 395.688 kN-mm and 74 mm for sample 2, 446.649 kN-mm for sample 3, and 644.719 kN-mm and 85 mm for sample 4. Each specimen deflected more than the scaffold plank's permitted deflection. The scaffolding plank was not cost-effective to use when compared to coco lumber, which is commonly used for scaffolding and costs ₱120. Samples 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the scaffolding utilized in this investigation cost ₱103.40, ₱1816.70, ₱2546.80, and ₱3731.60, respectively.  The study concluded that the treatment and additives for bamboo and PET Plastic to improve service and durability, and cost analysis of Bambusa blumeana and Polyethylene Terephthalate scaffolding board construction, required for further study.