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

Published Date
Resources, Conservation and Recycling
September 1998, Vol.23(4):243–258, doi:10.1016/S0921-3449(98)00024-X

• Author 

• Vincent T. Breslin ^a,
• Ufuk Senturk ^b
• Christopher C. Berndt ^b

• aWaste Reduction and Management Institute, Marine Sciences Research Center, SUNY, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
• bDepartment of Material Science and Engineering, SUNY, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA

Accepted 5 May 1998. Available online 21 December 1998. 

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.

Keywords

Recycling

Plastic

Plastic lumber

Piers

Engineering testing

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• * 
  Corresponding author: Tel.: +1 516 6328747; fax: +1 516 6328820

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