Bloqueplas

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Grupo Ecoplasso in Colombia and Mexico Audeo in Phillipines

Manufacturing/Building Method

Bloqueplas is mass produced in Colombia by heating and melting PET pellets from recycled containers. The component is fabricated using thermoplastic extrusion where the material is extruded continuously through a die opening and retained in molds to obtain the final form of the block. The construction method of the Bloqueplas system consist on laying and interlocking the blocks to form walls following a preset layout. The walls have reinforcement of columns and beams produced with same method. Complementary reinforcement include steel or aluminum profiles connected with conventional fasteners.

Intellectural Property Type

Patent Protected

User Provision Model

Users can obtain product from Conceptos Plásticos and Bloqueplass.

Distributions to Date Status

Conceptos Plasticos outlines that the blocks have been used to construct more than 59 houses

Design Specifications

The Bloqueplás construction system consists of structural and non-structural elements including blocks, columns, lintels, and beams. The components are made from all types of recycled plastics that are mainly comprised of polyethylene and polypropylene. The plastics are sorted and melted and then the mixture is extruded through a form. The block is compact and fused in one piece and forms the building system by joining with other elements such as beams and columns. The elements are designed to be friction fit so they can be easily assembled and do not require any mortar like is required for standard brick modules.  

Technical Support

None

Replacement Components

All the components can be replaced by purchasing new pieces from the manufacturer.

Lifecycle

The manufacturer claims that plastics take over 500 years to biodegrade and therefore the homes could last for many generations.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

High insulating value, durability (protecting from noise, water, wind, insects, and pathogens), earthquake resistance, and quick construction.

Vetted Performance Status

A study performed by Universidad Santo Tomas in Bogota, Colombia, reported the system is a feasible alternative to contribute to increasing the recycling rate of waste plastic and decreasing the housing deficit in Colombia. From the material perspective, the study cites the following features as advantages of the system: lightweight, modular, the wall made of blocks does not require plastering, beneficial thermal, acoustic, and earthquake proofing properties. Although the components strength is lower than conventional ceramic blocks, the resistance is acceptable for housing construction, according to the study.

Safety

Builders should wear appropriate protective equipment such as hardhats, gloves and safety glasses while working to protect against physical injury commonly associated with heavy construction.

Complementary Technical Systems

Electricity, sanitation, and water infrastructure are required.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

Unknown

Other Information

Albergue para la protección en Guapi is a video of a building construction process in Colombia developed by Conceptos Plasticos. Bloqueplas building system participated in Rethink Plastics Challenge