DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

College of Engineering and Design

Silliman University

MEE46 - Advanced Materials Engineering

A Comparative Study on Compressive Strength and

Water Absorption of Human Hair
Reinforced Cement Bricks and
Commercial Cement Bricks

Submitted to:

Engr. Louie Pierre Equio

Submitted by:

John Froilan O. Boles

Val Vincent T. Laspiñas

March 13, 2018

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Background of the Study

Hair can grow on most areas of the human body, except on the palms of the hands and the

soles of the feet (among other areas), but hair is most noticeable in most people in a small number

of areas, which are also the ones that are most commonly trimmed, plucked, or shaved. People

goes to the barber shop or salon more often to get their hair trimmed and this shops produces a lot

of cut hair everyday. Some of the hair they produced are bought to be recycled into wigs, brushes

and brooms. We researchers came up of an idea of recycling cut hair in other way and it is to be

used as an additive for cement bricks to add extra strength.

B. Statement of the Problem

In the Philippines human hair grows faster because of warm weather so Filipinos tend to

go to barber shops or salon to get their hair trimmed. Due to the big quantity of hair produced in

barber shops, most of the hair are thrown instead of being recycled. To overcome this problem, we

found a way to make use of this cut hair and make it as an additive to bricks.

C. Hypothesis

Adding human hair in a brick mixture can increase compressive strength and low water

absorbing capability of a brick. (Simple hypothesis)

D. Research Questions

A. Which among the bricks is more compact and less susceptible to water?

B. Based on the experiments results, can the hair reinforced cement brick overcome the
commercial cement brick? If so, in what way? If not, why?

C. Does the data show significant difference between the bricks on which brick performs

better? Why?

D. How do bricks react when a compressive load is applied that exceeds its load limit

capacity (describe its fracture).

E. Objectives

General Objectives:

This project aims to improve the cement brick properties with human hair as an

additive. This experiment is to determine which of this two bricks (commercial and human hair

reinforced bricks) that has a better quality to be used in constructions.

Specific Objectives:

 Reinforcing human hair in the brick mixture.

 Mold (10) specific bricks in the fabricated molder and curing the bricks for 28-30

days.

 Testing the commercial and human hair reinforced bricks with water absorption

test and hydraulic press.

 We aim to identify which of the two materials (commercial and human ha-

ir reinforced bricks) has compressive strengthand has low capability of abs-

orbing water.

 To be able to identify which has better performance between the 2 compa-

red bricks.
F. Significance of the Study

This undertaking is expected to help enhance the overall performance of the brick. The

findings of this study will rebound to the benefit of society considering that bricks plays an

important role in constructions. The increasing demand for bricks justifies the need for more

efficient and stronger bricks to match the needs of the industry. Thus, manufacturers that apply the

same approach from our experiment will produce better bricks, assuming that the experiment is

successful. For researchers, the study will help you explore more capable materials and methods

for brick making.

G. Scope and Limitations

This project proposal is only concerned with the development of human hair reinforced

bricks and the tests (water absorption & compressive stress) involve in the experiment. The

proposal is only limited to the available brick molder and to the amount of human hair, sand and

cement to be used in this project. This proposal is also limited to the available commercial cement

brick including its dimensions (size).

H. Definition of Terms

Hair - is a protein filament that grows from follicles found in the dermis, or skin. Hair is

one of the defining characteristics of mammals. The human body, apart from areas of glabrous

skin, is covered in follicles which produce thick terminal and fine vellus hair. Most common

interest in hair is focused on hair growth, hair types and hair care, but hair is also an important

biomaterial primarily composed of protein, notably keratin.

Brick - a small rectangular block typically made of fired or sun-dried clay, used in building.
 Cement - is a binder, a substance used for construction that sets, hardens and adheres to

other materials, binding them together. Cement is seldom used solely, but is used to bind sand and

gravel (aggregate) together. Cement is used with fine aggregate to produce mortar for masonry, or

with sand and gravel aggregates to produce concrete.

Compressive Strength - is the maximum compressive stress that, under a gradually applied

load, a given solid material can sustain without fracture. Compressive strength is calculated by

dividing the maximum load by the original cross-sectional area of a specimen in a compression

test.
II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

A. Related Works

“Hair Fibre Reinforced Concrete” by Jain D., Kothari A., January 25, 2012

Fibre reinforced concrete can offer a convenient, practical and economical method

for overcoming micro-cracks and similar type of deficiencies. Since concrete is weak in tension

hence some measures must be adopted to overcome this deficiency. Human hair is strong in tension;

hence it can be used as a fibre reinforcement material. Hair Fibre (HF) an alternate non-degradable

matter is available in abundance and at a very cheap cost. It also creates environmental problem

for its decompositions. Present studies has been undertaken to study the effect of human hair on

plain cement concrete on the basis of its compressive, crushing, flexural strength and cracking

control to economise concrete and to reduce environmental problems. Experiments were

conducted on concrete beams and cubes with various percentages of human hair fibre i.e. 0%, 1%,

1.5%, 2%, 2.5% and 3% by weight of cement. For each combination of proportions of concrete

one beam and three cubes are tested for their mechanical properties. By testing of cubes and beams

we found that there is an increment in the various properties and strength of concrete by the

addition of human hair as fibre reinforcement.

“An Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Human Hair Fibre Reinforced

Concrete (M-40 Grade)” by T.Naveen Kumar, KomershettyGoutami, Jinna Aditya,

KuppalaKavya, V.RajaMahendar, Dr. R.C.Reddy and Shweta kaushik, July - August,

2015

Since the ancient times, many researches and advancements were carried to enhance

the physical and mechanical properties of concrete. Fibre reinforced concrete is one among those

advancements which offers a convenient, practical and economical method for overcoming micro

cracks and similar type of deficiencies. Since concrete is weak in tension hence some measures

must be adopted to overcome this deficiency. Human hair is generally strong in tension; hence it

can be used as a fibre reinforcement material. Human hair Fibre is an alternative non-degradable

matter available in abundance and at cheap cost. It also creates environmental problem for its

decomposition. Present work has been undertaken to study the effect of human hair on plain

cement concrete of M-40 grade on the basis of its mechanical properties which include

compressive, flexural and split tensile strength and also to reduce environmental problems.

Experiments were conducted on Concrete cubes, beams and cylinders of standard sizes with

addition of various percentages of Human Hair fibre i.e., 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5% and 3% by weight

of cement and results were compared with those of plain cement concrete of M-40 grade. For each

percentage of human hair added in concrete, six cubes, three beams and three cylinders were tested

for their respective mechanical properties at curing periods of 7 days, 14 days and 28days. The

change in mechanical properties of concrete is determined and analyzed. The results obtained show

us that the optimum content of human hair fibre to be added to M-40 grade of concrete is 1.5% by

weight of cement and consequently there has been a significant increase in mechanical properties

of concrete. Also addition of human hair fibres enhances the binding properties, micro cracking

control, imparts ductility and also increases spalling resistance. The experimental findings in our

studies would encourage future research in this direction for long term performance to extending

this cost effective type of fibres for use in structural applications.

B. Theoretical Framework

Theory for Testing Water Absorption Capacity of Brick

The weight of a quantity of water absorbed to the weight of brick expressed as a

percentage is the water absorption capacity of a Brick. The strength of brick depends upon

its water absorption capacity. As we know that, the water absorption is due to the presence

of voids in the bricks. If the brick has more voids it has a chance to absorb more water

reducing the load carrying capacity. Hence, we should test the bricks before using them in

construction work.

𝑊2−𝑊1
Water Absorption of Brick= 𝑥100
𝑊1

Theory for Hydraulic Testing of Brick

The hydraulic press is expected to provide the force required for the compression of

the brick until cracking. The hydraulic press has its own gauge of how many tons of

pressure is applied on the brick. The bricks’ load capacity is determined by the hydraulic

press gauge reading before the bricks’ breaking point. Formula for compressive stress is

𝐹
𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 =
𝐴
C. Conceptual Framework

Hair Sand Cement

Mixing & Fabrication

Commercial Product
Curing (Brick)

Finished Product (Brick) Testing

Water Absorption Test Hydraulic Press

Recording of Results
And Data Analysis

Figure 1. Conceptual framework of the entire process.

Figure 1 shows the conceptual framework of the experiment. The human hair will be

washed with detergent thoroughly and will be dried under the sun. The hair will be cut into a length

of ≈1in. Mix the sand and cement with a ratio of 4:1- 4 parts of sand and 1 part of cement then add

2 parts of hair in to the mixture. After mixing evenly, the mixture will be poured in the molder and

be compressed; and will be removed in the molder and be dried under the sun. The bricks will cure
for 28-30 days. The fully cured bricks will go through hydraulic test (5 trials) and water absorption

test (5 trials). Commercial bricks will also undergo the same testing procedures. Data will be

compared (hair reinforced bricks and commercial cement-based bricks).

III. METHODOLOGY

A. Materials Used

a) Cement e) Rubber Gloves

b) Sand f) Commercial Brick

c) Screen Mesh g) Water

d) Dry cloth h) Hair

B. Instruments Used

a) Brick molder (mold, hydraulic jack), weighing scale

Figure 2. Instruments used for the experiment

Figure 2 shows the brick molder as a whole. This includes the hydraulic jack for

compressing the bricks well and the mold for the brick mixture (left corner) and the weighing scale
(right corner) for weighing the mixture to get the right mix.

C. Fabrication Procedure

1. Gather all the materials and instruments to be used in the experiment.

2. Wash the human hair with detergent thoroughly so that the wax from the hair will be

removed and dry under the sun using the screen mesh so the hairs won’t be blown away

and can properly dry.

3. The dried hair will be cut into a length of approx. ≈1in.or less.

4. Measure the volume of cement and sand individually. Weigh the mixture to get the right

proportion and for consistency. The ratio of the mixture is of 4:1:2 - 4 parts of sand, 1 part

of cement and 2 parts of hair.

5. Mix the sand and cement with a ratio of 4:1- 4 parts of sand and 1 part of cement then add

2 parts of hair in to the mixture.

6. By percentage of the mixture: cement – 14%, sand – 57%, hair – 29%. Then add a small

amount of water, just enough to wet the mixture.

7. Each brick will have a volume of 73.23 cu. in

8. After mixing evenly, the mixture will be poured in the molder and be compressed with the

hydraulic jack; and will be removed in the molder.

9. The brick will be dried under the sun for 28-30 days.

D. Testing Procedure
 a. Water Absorption Test

1) Take the weight of each brick. Let it be W1

2) Immerse all the bricks in the water tank at room temperature for a period of 24 hours.

3) Take out each brick from the water tank and wipe off all the surfaces with a dry

cloth.

4) Take the weight of all the bricks individually. Let it be W2.

5) Enter all the observations in tabular form.

6) Calculate the percentage of water absorption of every sample and find the average

of all the samples.

b. Hydraulic Press Test

1) Place the brick below the piston of the hydraulic press apparatus. Make sure the brick

lies in an even surface.

2) Close the pressure releasing valve. Then turn the knob until the piston touches the top

of the brick.

3) Carefully turn the knob and see that the apparatus starts to read the pressure applied in

the gauge.

4) Continue turning the knob slowly until the brick cracks.

5) Record the last reading in the pressure gauge before cracking.

6) Get the average of all readings (5 bricks).

E. Ethical Consideration

Brick making includes cement and sand mixtures.

 Land Use and Wild Life Impacts:

The process in brick making includes cement and sand. Cement is mined from

limestone while sand from rivers and beaches. The demand of bricks in the community

is increasing due to the growing economy which also leads to an expansion in the

operations of both mining and quarrying.

Mining and quarrying has an extreme environmental impact: it destroys wild life

habitat and biodiversity in mountains, agricultural land, and scenic lands.

IV. PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

A. Results from Experimentation

Table 1: Hydraulic Press Data Between Brick Reinforced with Hair and Commercial Bricks
Trial No. Bricks Reinforced with Hair (tons) Commercial Bricks (tons)
1 3 4
2 3.6 3
3 3 3.4
4 4 3
5 3.5 3

Average 3.42 3.28

The difference in terms of compressive load between bricks reinforced with hair and

commercial bricks as shown in table 1. The last row below in the table 1 shows the calculated

average for each kind of brick with 5 trials conducted in each kind. The data shows slight

significant difference between bricks in terms of compressive load capabilities. As shown in the

calculated average, the brick reinforced with human hair can withstand more load than commercial

brick.

Table 2: Water Absorption Test Data Between Brick Reinforced with Hair and Commercial Bricks

Weight(kg) of Human Hair

Weight(kg) of Commercial Bricks
Trial No. Reinforced Bricks

Dry Wet Dry Wet

1 2.4 2.5 2 2.15
2 2.35 2.45 2 2.15
3 2.5 2.6 2.2 2.35
4 2.35 2.5 2.05 2.15
5 2.55 2.6 2 2.05

Average 2.43 2.53 2.05 2.17

H2O Absorption
4.115 5.854
Average %
 The difference in terms of water absorbing capability between bricks reinforced with

hair and commercial bricks as shown in table 2. Table 2 presents the data of the bricks mentioned

before. Each kind of brick has 2 data (dry and wet) in terms of weight. Below are the averages in

weight and water absorption percentage.

B. Statistical Analysis

Compressive Load
5
Compressive Load (tons)

2 Human Hair Reinforced Bricks

Commercial Bricks
1

0
1 2 3 4 5
Trial Number

Figure 3: Graph of Compressive Load of Human Hair Reinforced Bricks and Commercial
Bricks each Samples Can Withstand

Figure 3 shows a line graph comparing the load capacity between human hair

reinforced bricks and commercial bricks. The relationship between compressive load and trial

numbers are shown. The red line shows the commercial brick data while the blue line shows the

human hair reinforced bricks.

 Compressive Stress
300

250

Stress (lb/in2)
200

150

100

50
Trial no.
0
1 2 3 4 5
Human Hair Reinforced
213.35 256.02 213.35 284.47 248.91
Bricks (lb/in2)
Commercial Bricks (lb/in2) 284.47 213.35 241.80 213.35 213.35

Human Hair Reinforced Bricks (lb/in2) Commercial Bricks (lb/in2)

Figure 4: Compressive Stresses of Human Hair Reinforced Bricks and

Commercial Bricks

Figure 4 shows the calculated compressive stresses of each sample of each type of

brick that apiece can withstand. Greater stresses are applied to human hair reinforced bricks before

breakage compared to commercial bricks. Each trials vary in terms of stress and there is a

significant difference in stress between the 2 types of bricks mentioned earlier.

 Water Absorbed by Weight
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
1 2 3 4 5

Weight(kg) of Commercial Bricks Dry

Weight(kg) of Commercial Bricks Wet
Weight(kg) of Human Hair Reinforced Bricks Dry
Weight(kg) of Human Hair Reinforced Bricks Wet

Figure 5: Graph of Water Absorbed by Human Hair Reinforced Bricks and

Commercial Bricks
Figure 5 is a graph(bar) that shows the weight of the experimented bricks before and

after soaking it to the water. Data used is based on table 2. It shows the weight difference of bricks

after soaking it in water.

Table 3: Water Absorption Percentages in Each Trial of Each Kind of Brick

Commercial Bricks Human Hair Reinforced Bricks
Trial No.
(%) (%)
1 4.167 7.500
2 4.255 7.500
3 4.000 6.818
4 6.383 4.878
5 1.961 2.500
Average 4.153 5.839

Table 3 shows the water absorption percentage computed using the formula

presented in the theoretical framework. The average data based on 5 trials conducted shows that

commercial bricks absorbs less water rather than human hair reinforced bricks.
 Water Absorpion %
7.500 7.500
8.0
6.818
7.0 6.383
H20 Absorpion %

6.0 4.878
5.0 4.167 4.255 4.000
4.0
2.500
3.0 1.961
2.0
1.0
0.0
1 2 3 4 5
Trial No.
Commercial Bricks Human Hair Reinforced Bricks

Figure 6: Graph of Water Absorption Percentage by Human Hair Reinforced Bricks and
Commercial Bricks

Figure 6 shows a diagram displaying the data in table 3. It presents the variance

between commercial and human hair reinforced bricks in relationships with the water permeability

capacity of bricks.
V. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

A. Summary

Figure 7: Hydraulic Pressed Bricks

Figure 7 shows the bricks after being hydraulic pressed. It shows that commercial
bricks experience more damage upon exceeding the load limit. On the other hand, human hair
reinforced bricks experience less damage and tends stay slightly to stack intact upon exceeding
its load limit.

In compressive strength, the human hair reinforced bricks requires slightly greater

stress for it to fail compared to commercial bricks. Based on the average score, human hair

reinforced bricks has better compressive strength. Thus, under a gradually applied load, a human

hair reinforced bricks can sustain more without fracture rather than commercial bricks. By

observation, commercial bricks instantly break after cracks appear but human hair reinforced

bricks show slight deformation to where load was concentrated and then cracks. There was no

separation of its portions after cracking thus making it better compared to the commercial bricks.
 In water absorption, this proves that the more water absorbed by the bricks the more

it contains voids inside the bricks. The data shows that the commercial bricks has less water

absorption percentage rather that human hair reinforced bricks which means that commercial

bricks absorbs less water compared to human hair reinforced bricks. Thus, human hair reinforced

bricks has more voids inside it but according to the acquired data, the difference of weights from

dry to wet between the 2 specified bricks are not so diverse.

B. Conclusion

Therefore, the researchers conclude that human hair as an additive in a brick mixture

can better the compressive strength of a brick but can create a lot of pores/ voids inside the brick

thus making the brick more susceptible to water.

C. Recommendations

 The researchers recommend for further study and research to better the result.

 It is recommended that when the fabricated brick is used in houses or buildings, the

bricks must be free from exposure to water (indoor).

 It is also recommended to consider other proportions of sand, cement and hair

mixtures.

 Another test such as flexural strength is recommended to be conducted to have a good

conclusion of which brick is better.

 There researchers also recommend to test a hair reinforced clay brick since clay

requires less curing time, less porous than cement and, costs less.
REFERENCES

[1] Testing and Inspection of Materials, Davis. Troxell. Wiskocil, pp.343-345

[2] Masonry: Materials, Design, Construction, and Maintenance, Issue 992. (n.d.). Harry A.

Harris,

[3] Materials Challenges and Testing for Manufacturing, Mobility, Biomedical Applications and

Climate, Werasak Udomkichdecha, Thomas Böllinghaus, Anchalee Manonukul, Jürgen Lexow

[4] Fabricate 2014: Negotiating Design Making, Fabio Gramazio, Matthias Kohler, Silke

Langenberg

[5] Gupta, A. (n.d.). Sand. The Complete Book on Construction Materials. NIIR Project

Consultancy Services. 106- E, Kamla Nagar, Delhi, India. Chapter 4. pp.145-146.

[6] Human hair growth. (2018, March 06). Retrieved March 13, 2018, from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_hair_growth

[7] Human Hair: Facts & Information. (2015, March 18). Retrieved March 13, 2018, from

https://www.disabled-world.com/health/dermatology/hair/

[8] Brick. (2018, March 09). Retrieved March 13, 2018, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brick

[8] http://www.isca.in/rjrs/archive/iscsi/21.ISCA-ISC-2011-7EngS-12.pdf

[9] http://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jmce/papers/vol12-issue4/Version-6/H012466575.pdf