Snake Plant (Sanserviera trafisciata) and Abaca (Musa textilis) Fiber as Compressive Enhancer for Course Aggregate of Concrete Hollow Blocks

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study was about comparing the improved strength of the concrete hollow blocks (CHB). The past researchers improved the strength and durability of hollow blocks using the different ratios of snake plant, water hyacinth and cement mixtures. The number of built houses are now increasing; this means construction materials such as blocks are used often. Concrete blocks are primarily used as building materials in the construction of walls. This is one of the several concrete products used in construction. This study was about improving the mechanical properties of concrete blocks using natural fibers as chosen by researchers because they wanted to see how these fibers would affect the strength of the concrete blocks.

METHODS

In conducting the study, we followed the standard procedure. First, the researchers gathered and prepared the materials needed for the experiment. Then, the decortication of Snake Plant was done in Taguig. Next, the extracted fibers were cut equally and cleaned. After that, the fibers underwent the process of air drying. Weighing the exact amount of fibers used in making concrete hollow blocks followed. And then, making the concrete hollow blocks with Snake Plant and Abaca fiber was completed. Next, the hollow blocks underwent the process of drying until it was ready for testing. Finally, testing of hollow blocks and analysis of data were finished.

RESULTS

Results reveal that concrete hollow blocks with 10 g, 15 g, and 20 g of Abaca fiber as concrete aggregate were found to have a mean compressive strength of 171 psi, 135 psi, and 145 psi, respectively. on the other hand, concrete hollow blocks with 10 g, 15 g, and 20 g of Snake plant fiber as concrete aggregate were found to have a mean compressive strength of 142.5 psi, 141, psi, and 167.5 psi respectively. Moreover, samples of concrete hollow blocks with no aggregate have a compressive strength of 206 psi and 208 psi.

DISCUSSIONS

Results show that at 5% level of significance, the compressive strength of concrete hollow blocks significantly differ among groups as evidenced by the calculated F-value of 2.55 with p-value of 0.1664 which is greater than the p-value of 0.0583.