MAHARASHTRA STATE BOARD OF TECHENICAL EDUCATION

KRUSHNAJI PURUSHOTTAM CHOUSALKAR

YOGESHWARI POLYTECHNICCOLLEGE, AMBAJOGAI

PROJECT REPORT ON

“SMART DISPOSAL OF FACE MASK INTO PAVER BLOCK ”

Submitted By

Enrollment No Name of Student

2215360090 Ambad Mahesh B.
23512090161 Ambad Vaishnav B.
2215360080 Kashid Sushil D.
23512090155 Khan Azmat S.
23512090162 Paralkar Pavan R.
2215360065 Somvanshi Akshay P.

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 UNDER THE GUIDENCE OF
MR. KADAM R.P.

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINNERING

YEAR – 2024-25

KRUSHNAJI PURUSHOTTAM CHOUSALKAR

YOGESHWARI POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE, AMBAJOGAI
2024-25

CERTIFICATE

This is certified to those Mr. Mahesh B. Ambad, Mr. Vaishnav B. Ambad.

Mr. Pavan R. paralkar, Mr. Akshay p. Somvanshi, Mr. Sushil D. Kashid,
Mr. Azmat S. Khan student of diploma in civil engineering has submitted
project report on “SMART DISPOSAL OF FACE MASK INTO
PAVER BLOCK”In this volume he submitted a satisfactory report about
the project, in academic year 2024-25.

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 (Guide) (H.O.D.) (Principal)
Mr. Kadam R. P. Mr. Kadam R. P. Mr. Raman Deshpande

Department of Civil engineering

Academic Year 2024-25
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I offer my sincere & hearty thanks, with a deep sense of gratitude, my guide
MR. KADAM R.P. and Head of Department MR. KADAM R.P. for his
valuable direction and guidance to my report. Hismeticulouattention towards
my project work without taking care of his voluminous work.

I am thankful to our Principal,Mr. R.S. Deshpande,for his encouragement

towards our project.

Last but not least I think my friend and well wishes, to whom I am
indebted for their constant help, encouragement and without whom, this
would not be a success.

Mr. Mahesh B. Ambad, Mr. Vaishnav B. Ambad, Mr. Pavan R. paralkar,

Mr. Akshay p. Somvanshi, Mr. Sushil D. Kashid, Mr. Azmat S. Khan

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 ABSTRACT
Since the COVID-19 outbreak we are living in an extremely unprecedented time. As per the
guidelines ruled out by the WHO, PPE kits like face masks are required in all nations
throughout the world. This has led to a significant increase in the manufacturing and use of
disposable facial masks. These masks, because of being only single-use, have accumulated
over 1.5 Billion in numbers worldwide. The inability to effectively dispose of discarded facial
masks puts the environment in danger by creating a new type of non-biodegradable plastic
trash,whichmighttakeaslongas450yearstobreakdown.Asaresult,thereisapressingneed for
innovative, environmentally appropriate recycling of such waste. In this capstone project, we
present an effective solution to make pavement block that is not only environmentally
beneficial but also inexpensive to cast. The percentage of shredded face masks used in our
experiments was 50%. The results of the experiments indicated that, shredded face masks
combined with the concrete and acts as a reinforcement in the pavement block. Thus it has
therefore been proven that the used face masks that add to the overall global pollution can be
approachedsustainablytocreatesolutionsforsuchuprisingproblems.Theexperimentalresults
obtained in this study stipulate the improved mechanical properties of the pavement block
while also addressing a highly hazardous environmentalissue.

Keywords: Non-biodegradable, Shredded, Hazardous, Recycling, WHO etc

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 INDEX

Chapter Chapter Name Page No

No. (From – To)
1 Introduction 12-13
2 Literature Survey 15-17
3 Proposed Methodology 19-29
4 Test results 31-36
5 Standard paver block 38-41
6 Disposable face mask (DFM) paver block 43-44
7 Future scope of project 46
8 Conclusion 50
9 References 52

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Fig. Name of Figure Page No

No.
1.1 Three layer disposable face mask 13
3.1 (A) Methodology 19
3.1 (B) Methodology 20
3.2 Collection of used disposable face mask 23
3.3 Keeping in sealed box 23
3.4 Shredding of face mask 24
3.5 Disinfection of mask 24
3.6 (A) Applying oil to mould 25
3.6 (B) Applying oil to mould 25
3.7 Taking all materials for mixing as per specific 26
proportion
3.8 Mixing of material 26
3.9 Placing of concrete in mould 27
3.10 Compaction of concrete 27
3.11 Demoulding the DFM pavement block after 24 hours 28

3.12 DFM pavement block ready for use 28

3.13 Team with DFM paver block 29
4.1 Compressive strength test of trihex paver bloc 80 mm 31
thickness
4.2 Compressive strength test of DFM paver block 32
4.3 Flexural strength test of trihex paver block 33

4.4 Flexural strength test of DFM paver block 34

4.5 Water absorption test of trihex paver block 35

4.6 Water absorption test of DFM paver block 36

5.1 Standard trihex paver block 38
5.2 Types of paver block 39
5.3 Applications of standard paver block 40-41
6.1 DFM paver block (A) (B) (C) 43,44,46

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 LIST OF TABLES

Sr. Name of Table Page No

No.
1 Test results 31-36

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 CHAPTER 1

1.1 Introduction

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the utilization of single use face masks which
havebeenanpredominantmethodforpreventativespreadofCOVID-19havesurgedtheworld due
to substantial increase in requirements. Almost 6600 million masks, weighing 2640.79
tonnes, are utilized every day. Single use face masks are manufactured from a multitude of
melt blown plastics (spun-bond polypropylene and melt-blown polypropylene). And this face
maskareofdoubleandsometimesoftriplelayer.Beingabio-medicalwastethemasksarenot
treatedassuch.Wecanatsightsofmaskslitteredeverywhere,fromcitystreets,localparks, dumping
yard to oceans, sewage systems and water bodies. Recycling of these inappropriate disposed
face masks may also lead to transmission of disease, and incineration is not advised due to
release of toxic gases such as Dioxin and Furan in incinerationprocess.

Our presented capstone project aims towards tackling the problems put forth by face mask
disposal before causing irrecoverable damage to the world and its environment. “We have
invented a smart solution to discard the disposable face mask into a pavement block”.
And the designation of our paver block is, “DFM” paver block, which stands for
disposable face mask paver block.

Fig 1.1 Three layer disposable

face mask

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 1.2 AIM

To reuse the biomedical waste to manufacture advance construction material.

1.3 OBJECTIVES

 To evaluate the significant impacts of using a single use face mask on the
environment.

 Toidentifytheproblemsrelatedtobiomedicalwaste,pollutioncreatedbyused face
mask, PPE kit, and to provide a better solution in terms of disposal,
sustainability andworkability.
 To incorporate advanced construction technology and services in construction
industry which will suites the need for current circumstances and will be
beneficial for thefuture.
 To study and analyse the characteristics of the ordinary paverblock.
 To compare the obtained result of our manufacture pavement block with the
standard pavement block used in roadconstruction.

1.4 SCOPE OF THEPROJECT

 Due to the pandemic situation of covid-19, 129 billion disposable face mask
everymonth,thatis3milliondisposablefacemaskeveryaminute.Asperthe experts
study the next global issue that world is going to face will bedisposal of used
face mask and PPEkits.
 Our final year capstone project will become the major aspect to tackle and
solve this issues as it will dispose biomedical waste in a smartway.

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 CHAPTER 2

2.1 LITERATURE SURVEY

 Tanu H M, Reshma T V (2021) in this paper they have prepared a solid concrete block

from disposable mask. It mainly focuses on the biomedical waste management. The

significance of this paper is to overcome the problems of biomedical waste and its

disposal, it is necessary to study the effects of these wastes and find a way to recycle and

reusetheseleftovermasksbeforeitistoolatetodoso.Inthisstudyatotalof32specimens were

made which include 16 specimens of Bio-Medical Waste Solid Blocks (BMWBlocks)

and 16 specimens of Standard or Conventional Solid Blocks.The mix

proportionsof3:3:1and2:3wereselectedforBMWandStandardSolidBlocksaftertrial

errorand method.

 Kajanan Selvaranjana, Satheeskumar Navaratnamb, Pathmanathan Rajeevc

Nishanthan RavintherakumarandIn (2021) in this paper, the authors has mainly

highlighted the points of increase in plastic pollution which is proving detrimental for

aquaticorganisms.Alsowhatshouldbestainableapproachtowardsreducingpollution caused

by the used disposal face mask. They have also their views regarding recycling of mask

waste to construction material. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic significantly induced

uncertain environments for every human, business, education, job, and economy of each

country. There is no viable meditation to prevent the spread of this deadly

coronavirusdisease(FadareandOkoff,2020).Theuseofpersonalprotectiveequipment

(PPE),socialdistance,travelrestrictionsandlockdownwerecurrentlyemployedtoreduce this

spreading level of coronavirus (Rubio-Romero et al., 2020; Sun et al., 2020). This

ongoingpandemicsituationcreatedthatwearingmaskismustforeveryhumanlife.There are

various types of masks such as surgical,N95

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 OluniyiFadare,ElvisOkoffo (2020)inthisresearchpaperauthorshavementionedabout the

environmental implication of plastics and plastic particles pollution, waste generated

byfacemask.Alsohowcovid-19situationhasbroughtaproblemofdisposaloffacemask.

SincetheemergenceanddetectionofCovid-19inChinaanditsdeclarationasapandemic by the

World Health Organization (WHO) (Murray et al., 2020), various measures have

beenputting placeindifferentcountriesacrosstheworldtocontainthevirusanditsfurther

spread. Governments at all levels have brought up different ideas, including lockdown

(staying at home), which has been adjudged the most effective preventive measure sofar.

Others are social distancing, travel restriction, isolation, good hand hygiene (washing of

hands),avoidingpublicorcrowdedspacesaswell asthemasswearingofdisposableface masks

(Freedman, 2020; Lin et al., 2020; Chintalapudi et al., 2020). Although the disposable

face masks were primarily made for the protection of health-care workers (HCWs) to

prevent occupational hazards, non-medical professionals adopted the use of face masks

during the outbreak of SARS in 2003 and pdm H1N1 in 2009 (Elachola et al., 2020;

Yang et al., 2008). Moreso, authorities had recommended the same for the masses to

stem the widespread of these viruses. In regards to the current pandemic, researchers

have advocated for the use of face masks by the general public until the mode of

transmission of Covid-19 is fully understood (Leung et al., 2020). It has also been argued

thatitcanhelpinreducingthenumberoftimesapersontouchestheface/mouth/nosewith

unwashed hands, which can significantly reduce the chance of infection. Previous studies

have also demonstrated the effectiveness of face masks in protecting against respiratory

infection during Hajj (Elachola et al., 2014; Barasheed et al.,2016).

 Sarawut Sangkham(2020) in this research the main points pointed arerapidestimation

OffacemaskandmedicalwastegenerationrelatedwiththeCOVID-19pandemic. How

COVID-19pandemichascausedasharpincreaseinthegenerationoffacemaskand

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 medicalwaste.MedicalwasterelatedtoCOVID-19confirmedcasesispresented.Also

whicharethehazardousandharmfuleffectsofwastegeneratedfromfacemaskis

presented in this paper. Currently, millions of contaminated face masks, gloves and

materialsfordiagnosing,detectingandtreatingSARS-CoV-2andotherhumanpathogens are

undergoing the irreversible process of becoming infectious waste. This, in turn, will

cause environmental and health problems if they are stored, transported and handled

improperly. Moreover, due to the increased healthcare waste owing to the COVID-19

pandemic, the threat that unsafe disposal of medical waste will spill over into

environmentalpollutionispalpableandimmediate.ArecentstudyKampfetal.foundthat

human coronaviruses can remain active on inanimate hard surfaces (such as metal, glass

or plastic) for up to ninedays.

 Mohammad Saberian, Jie Li, Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch, Mahdi Boroujeni (2021)

This research tells about a new and low carbon strategy which is proposed to reduce

pandemic generated waste. The inclusion of shredded face mask can improve ductility,

flexibility and strength. The disposed face masks can be used for pavement basesub-base

application. In this research the authors have used shredded face mask for making

bituminous roads and pavements. This paper explores an innovative way to reduce

pandemic-generatedwasteby recycling theusedfacemaskswithotherwastematerialsin civil

constructions. In this research, for the first time, a series of experiments, including

modified compaction, unconfined compression strength and resilient modulus tests, were

conducted on the blends of different percentages of the shredded face mask (SFM) added

to the recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) for road base and subbaseapplications.

Page 12 of 38
 CHAPTER 3

3.1 ProposedMethodology

 In this study total 14 specimens were made, all the specimens were made from
biomedical wasteofdisposablefacemask.Aftercastingthisspecimens,itwasted and
compared with ordinary pavementblock.

Literature review → Mix proportion

Collection of face mask Shredding and disinfection of face mask

→

Preparation of DFM paver block Curing

→

Figure 3.1 (A) Methodology

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 Lab tests

Compressive strength test

Flexural test

Water absorption test

Figure 3.1 (B) Methodology

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3.2 Materialused
Formanufacturingofthispavementblockfiveprimarymaterialswereutilized,namelycement,
aggregate, shredded disposable face mask and water.

A. Cement:
Because of its ability to set and harden as well as adhere material to bind them together,
cementwasutilizedasa bindermaterial.ForthemanufactureoftheDFMpaverblock,we used
OPC Cement of 53 Grade, which was commonly accessible and keeping the availability
of materials in mind for more costeffectiveness.
B. Disposable Face Mask:
Theseusedfacemasksarethemaincauseofsuchas significant increaseinbiomedicalwaste
generationintheworld.For72hours,thecollectedfacemaskswereplacedinaclosedbox for as
per the guideline of WHO, and to prevent the further spread of virus and for our personal
health security. After that, mask were shredded into small pieces manually by hands and
put into water for 24 hours for disinfection.
C. Coarse Aggregate:
The main role of an aggregate is to make the concrete mixture dense and compact and
providestrength.Theirincorporationalsoreducesthewateraswellascementrequiredand
promotetothemechanicalcrushingstrengthoftheconcrete.Weutilizedangularaggregate of
size less than10mm.
D. Fine Aggregate:
Fine aggregate assists in filling of the void generated by cement coarse aggregate which
furthermore compacts the concrete casted. The fine aggregate used for casting was
purchased from a local supplier and size was less than 600 microns.
E. Water:
Water cement ratio was taken as 0.7, it is optimum water cement ratio and reason behind
that is we used different water cement ratio of 0.5, 0.6, 0.8 but we did not got the
expected results as cement paste was coming

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3.3 Actual procedure

 Very first in the making of DFM paver block, the first step is collection of used
disposable face mask as shown in fig3.2.

 After that, as per the guidelines of central pollution control board (CPCB) the face
mask are kept in sealed box for 72 hours as shown in fig3.3.

 After that, the face mask are completely shredded as shown in fig3.4.

 After this, mask are kept in water for 3 to 4 hours for disinfection process as shown
in fig 3.5.

 Then oil is applied to all sides of paver mould for finishing purpose as shown in fig
3.6.

 Afteroilingprocess,theshreddedfacemaskismixedwiththefine,coarseaggregate and
cement with a specific water cement ratio as shown in fig3.7.

 After proper mixing of all this ingredients, it is placed in the mould and proper
compaction is done to remove the air voids as shown in fig3.10.

 After 24 hours the pavement block is de-mould, and curing is done at a regular
interval of time as shown in fig3.11.

 The mixed ratio which is used for to make DFM paver block is1:2:4

 And depending on the size of mould the ratio is taken as, 40% used face mask,
20% fine aggregate and 40% coarse aggregate.

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3.4 Casting process of DFM paver block

Figure 3.2 Keeping collected Figure 3.4 Shredding of face

masks in sealed box mask
for 72 hours

Figure 3.5 Keeping the mask in

water for disinfection

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Figure 3.6) Applying oil to Figure 3.8 Mixing of material
mould

Figure 3.9 Placing of concrete in Figure 3.12 DFM pavement

mould block ready for use

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 CHAPTER 4

4.1Standard paver block

 Paver block also known as brick paving is a commonly used decorative method of
creating a pavement or hard standing.
 The main benefit of bricks over other materials is that individual bricks can later be
lifted up and replaced.
 This allows for remedial work to be carried out under the surface of the paving
without leaving a lasting mark once the paving bricks have been replaced.
4.2Purpose of paver block
 It provides a smooth surface for the users.
 It gives an aesthical appearance or view to the surface.
 They have very low maintenance and also they are weather resistance.
 Typical areas of use would be for
driveways, pavement,patios, town centers, pedestrian precincts and more
commonly in road surfacing. Bricks are typically made of concrete or clay, though
other composite materials are also used.

Figure 4.2 Standard trihex paver

block

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4.3Types of paver block
 Tri-hex Grooves Paver Block
 Rectangular Eta Shape Paver Blocks
 Triangle Shape Paver Blocks
 Square Shape Paver Blocks
 Crown shape Paver Block
 F – Pending Shape Paver Block
 Pending Shape Paver Blocks
 Unipaver Shape Paver Blocks.

Figure 4.3Types of paver block

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4.4Applications of standard paverblock

Fig 4.4 Paver block used at

petrol and CNG pumps

Fig 4.5 Paver block used at

parking area

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Fig 4.6 Paver block used at
walking street

Fig 4.7 Paver block used for

driveways

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 CHAPTER 5

5.1 DFM Paverblock

 Apaverblockmadeofuseddisposablefacemaskisknownas,“disposablefacemask paver
block” DFM paverblock.
 Theusedfacemaskactsasareinforcementinthepaverblockandprovidestwotimes greater
flexural strength than any other paver block. It means the DFM paver block has
greater tensilestrength.
 EvenaftercompletefailureofDFMpaverblock,theblockdoesn’tgetsbrokeinto
two or more pieces until and unless it is pulled and separated by external force.
 The weight of one DFM paver block of size 80 mm is 6 kg and the weight of normal
paver block of 80 mm thickness is 8kg.

Figure 5.1(A) DFM paver block

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5.2 Advantages of DFM paverblock
 Flexural strength of DFM paver block is two times greater than standard paverblock
 The water absorption is less than6%
 DFM paver block does not need anymaintenance
 It can bear load up to 140 kN
 DFM paver block is easy, safe and convenient to install.
 It is easy to replace and change
 DFM paver block is economical aswell

Figure 5.2 (B) DFM paver block

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 CHAPTER 6

6.1 Future scope

DFM paver blocks can be a new technique for disposing of personal protective kit (PPE) as

well, as it is also made from it can be recycled into DFM paver block. DFM paver block can

be a good source of business as well. As the construction industry is moving towards green

building and zero energy construction, DFM paver block can play a very big role in that. In

futurewedefinitelytrytoworkonthecompressivestrength.Wewilltrytoincreasethestrength of

paver block by adding some material or chemicals. Through our project our environment can

be free from waste generated by used face mask and PPEkits.

Fig 6.1(C) DFM paver block

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 CHAPTER 7

7.1. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST OF PAVER BLOCK

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST RESULT

Normal tri-hex paver block of thickness 80 mm

28 days 360 KN

28 days 400 KN
28 days 330 KN

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7.2. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST OF DFM PAVER BLOCK

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST RESULT

Normal tri-hex paver block of thickness 80 mm
28 days 330 KN

28 days 350 KN

28 days 340 KN

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7.3 Graph Comparing DFM Paver Block & Normal Paver Blocks

450

400
400
350 360
350
340
330 330
300

250

200

150

100

50

0
1 2 3

Normal Paver Block DFM Paver Block

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 7.4. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST OF PAVER BLOCK

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST RESULT

Normal tri-hex paver block of thickness 80 mm

14 days 350 KN

14 days 370KN
14 days 360 KN

7.5. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST OF DFM PAVER BLOCK

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COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST RESULT
Normal tri-hex paver block of thickness 80 mm
14 days 320 KN

14 days 310 KN

14 days 325 KN

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7.6. Graph Comparing DFM Paver Block & Normal Paver Blocks

380

370

360

350

340

330

320

310

300

290

280
1 2 3

Normal Pavetr Block DFM Paver Block

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 CHAPTER 8

8.1 CONCLUSION

Through this course capstone project and execution we have successfully completed our

-final year project on topic, “Smart disposal of face mask into pavement block”. Through

our project we have invented a smart solution for the disposal of biomedical waste. And

weconcludethatdisposablefacemaskcanberecycledintoapavementblockwhichgives two

times greater flexural strength as compare to standard paver block. After completing the

Capstone Project, it is going to help us in different ways to become a successful civil

engineer inlife.

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 CHAPTER 9

9.1 References

Oluniyi Fadare, Elvis Okoffo (2020); A potential source of micro plastic fibers in

environment; National library of medicine; (2-3)

Link of research paper: 10.1016/j.cscee.2020.100052

Sarawut Sangkham (2020) Face mask and medical waste disposal during the novel COVID-

19 pandemic in Asia; Science direct; 2 (1)

Link of research paper:

https://scholar.google.com/citations?
view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=0FMVFe4AAAAJ&citation_for_view=0FMVFe4AA
AAJ:YsMSGLbcyi4C

Tanu H M, Reshma T V (2021); DISPOSABLE MASK SOLID CONCRETE BLOCKS;

Vidyabharati International Interdisciplinary Research Journal (Special Issue); (2)

Link of research paper: 10.1016/j.cscee.2020.100052

Kajanan Selvaranjana, Satheeskumar Navaratnamb, Pathmanathan

RajeevNishanthanRavintherakumarandIn;Environmentalchallengesinducedbyextensiveus

eofface masks during COVID-19: A review and potential solutions; Elsevier;3

Link of research paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145527

Mohammad Saberian, Jie Li, Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch, Mahdi Boroujeni; Repurposing

of COVID-19 single-use face masks for pavements base/subbase; Elsevier; 769

Link of research paper: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140279

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