The determination of relative rate of absorption of water by
WPC when immersed was carried out in accordance with the procedures
recommended by ASTM D570, ‘‘Standard Test Method for
Water Absorption of Plastics’’ [11]. A total of 7 sets of specimens
were subjected to absorption test. One set of specimen included
5 specimen each from C- and T-lock flanges and 5 specimens from
web section. Water absorption tests for WPC sheet pile component
were performed at 21 C on 5 sets of specimens, and at 45 C and
70 C on one set of specimen each in tap water. The use of tap
water was based on the observation by Kouadio [17] who proved
that the absorption by the composite was more significant in tap
water than in salt water, and closer to the natural service condition
using tap water rather than distilled water. Prior to starting the
water absorption test; all the specimens were placed in an oven
at 50 ± 3 C for 24 h then taken out and allowed to cool down
and immediately weighed for the initial dry weight of the specimen.
This value was used as a reference to calculate the percentage
water absorption.