Utilizing Cob–Earth and Sand-Filled Plastic Bottles to Address Environmental Challenges: A Sustainable Construction Solution

Mayar Khairy, Zeinab Ahmed, Ahmed Abodonya, Omar Ahmed El Kadi, Khaled Tarabieh, Khaled Nassar and Ezzeldin Yazeed Sayed-Ahmed ()
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Mayar Khairy: The Department of Construction Engineering, The American University in Cairo, Cario 11835, Egypt
Zeinab Ahmed: The Department of Construction Engineering, The American University in Cairo, Cario 11835, Egypt
Ahmed Abodonya: The Department of Construction Engineering, The American University in Cairo, Cario 11835, Egypt
Omar Ahmed El Kadi: The Department of Construction Engineering, The American University in Cairo, Cario 11835, Egypt
Khaled Tarabieh: The Department of Architecture, The American University in Cairo, Cario 11835, Egypt
Khaled Nassar: The Department of Construction Engineering, The American University in Cairo, Cario 11835, Egypt
Ezzeldin Yazeed Sayed-Ahmed: The Department of Construction Engineering, The American University in Cairo, Cario 11835, Egypt

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-15

Abstract: The construction industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, primarily due to its reliance on cement-based materials. Simultaneously, plastic bottle waste presents a significant environmental challenge. This study aims to address both issues by exploring the integration of plastic bottle waste into cob–earth materials as a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete modules. The research involves testing various mixes with plastic bottles arranged in different patterns to assess their load-bearing capacity and distribution. The cob mix with bottles arranged in a modified pattern demonstrated the highest load resistance, bearing over 47.1 kN, making it suitable for prototype development. The study also investigates the potential of using cob as an exterior finishing layer, reducing the need for cement. The results show that using local earth materials significantly lowers embodied carbon, offering a more sustainable construction solution. This approach helps mitigate plastic waste and supports climate resilience by promoting low-carbon, locally sourced materials, aligning with Egypt’s national sustainability commitments.

Keywords: plastic waste; construction; earth materials; climate change; low-carbon; circular (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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