Characteristics of Paving Blocks with Addition of Mask Waste Fiber

Abstract

An increase in the generation of disposable mask waste during a pandemic causes environmental pollution if it is not handled immediately. One of the handling efforts that can be an alternative is to add mask waste fibers into a mixture of paving blocks. This study was to define the characteristics of paving blocks with the addition of mask waste fibers. Parameters tested in this study include compressive strength, absorption, and permeability according to (1) testing standards. A paving block of 20x20x6 cm was used as a test object for absorption and permeability. Meanwhile, the compressive strength test was carried out on smaller specimens (6x6x6 cm). Variations in the addition of mask fibers used were: 0%, 0.125%, 0.25%, 0.375%, 0.50%, and 0.75% of the specimen's weight. The compressive strength test showed a decrease of 30.93% - 60.68%. The absorption of paving blocks with the addition of mask fibers increased in all specimen by 0.86% to 1.71%, respectively, for variations of 0.125% - 0.75%. The highest permeability was found in the specimen with a fiber content of 0.25%, which was 0.22 mm/minute. The addition of mask fibers to the paving block also prevents the paving from breaking instantly when the maximum load is exceeded. In other words, the ductility increases. With these characteristics, the mask fiber can be an additional material in the paving block mixture with the recommended optimum fiber content