Design of Outdoor Furniture Used Concrete Mix with Waste materials

Abstract

This research has studied on the design and evaluation of environmentally-friendly concrete materials for use as the primary material in designing and producing outdoor furniture in Thailand. The study encompasses three main aspects: furniture design, engineering, and materials. Concrete is mixed with recycled plastic bottle fragments and foam to partially replace some of the aggregate volume. This is achieved by using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) combined with varying proportions of recycled materials, mixture with a value of 5 and 10 percent by total volume. The initial analysis examines the compressive strength between concrete mixed with plastic bottles and foam, not exceeding 10 percent of the total volume. The test results indicate that the most suitable proportion for practical application is concrete mixed with plastic and foam at 5 percent by total volume, after curing for 14 and 28 days, as it demonstrates the highest compressive strength and stability. The compressive strength values obtained from the tests are suitable for designing and manufacturing outdoor furniture products that do not require exceptionally high compressive strength. This results in a reduction in the cost of concrete by using recycled plastic bottles and foam reduce expenses range from 13.71 to 27.4 baht per set for producing field furniture, while adding value to the products. This approach aligns with the economic concept of the circular economy and resource management based on the 5Rs principle within the organization: reduce, reuse, recycle, renewable, and refuse. It helps reduce pollution, minimize waste generation in the product lifecycle, and promote sustainable environmental conservation, which is a significant goal in the country's long-term development.