The Effectiveness of Using Coconut Ash and Banana Fiber as Additional Components in the Durability of Hollow Blocks

Abstract

This study is to promote the usage of coconut ash and banana fiber. In reality, they are seen as trash or, in other words, useless. In this study, we are developing it as an alternative material for making hollow blocks. According to Gomathi M. et al. (2019) stated that hollow blocks created with banana fiber and coconut ash alternative, the test results indicated that the hollow blocks' strength improved. The primary purpose of this study is to prove that banana fiber and coconut ash are strengthening materials in making hollow blocks. This study will use the experimental method. This method is a technique that uses tests and experiments to determine the facts of using banana fiber and coconut ash. This also includes observation which involves making a prediction, carrying out the experiments, and expecting the outcome.

Four boys and Three girls tested the product. It was first put into a drop test with a height of 1 ft, 2 ft, and 3ft. Only minor cracks were obtained during the test. Lastly, the product was fully submerged in water. The researchers put three hollow blocks at different times: one hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours. The product did not crumble underwater and held the water pretty well. The tests had no adverse outcomes. Thus, it was successful—the results and effectiveness of banana fiber and coconut ash as an alternative component.