Pineapple leaf fiber as an added mixture for concrete hollow blocks

INTRODUCTION
Pineapple is very rich source which is used in some products that will prolong its
use and to have a very firm texture. The strength of its fibers can be used so it would be
a durable material. In the present time, many buildings are made up of concrete. The
use of this material, compared to alternative structural materials like steel, has become
common in construction because of its strength, economy, workability and durability.
However, the usage of concrete has become so extensive that the quantity of the
materials used in its preparation induces chemicals like carbon dioxide, which is one of
the greenhouse gases posing climate change. Alternatively, with the advancement of
fiber-reinforcement technology in the 1950s, synthetic fibers added to concrete has
made further improvement of much of its engineering properties compared to that of
pure concrete being used in preparation. Generally, concrete inherently possesses a
compressive property; thus, it has the ability to resist compression when subjected to
compressive loads.
OBJECTIVES/ SOP
The study aims to compare the compressive strength of commercial concrete
hollow blocks and concrete hollow blocks with pineapple leaf fiber. Specifically, the
study will do the following:
1. determine the compressive strength of commercial concrete hollow blocks.
2. determine the compressive strength of concrete hollow blocks with pineapple leaf
fiber.
3. determine the significant difference on the mean compressive strength of commercial
concrete hollow blocks and concrete hollow blocks with pineapple leaf fiber.
Results, discussion, conclusion and recommendation
Results
Hollow Block type Strength
Commercialize Hollow Block 538.78 kgf.
Hollow Block with PALF (5%) 777.7 kgf.
Hollow Block with PALF (10%) 769.11 kgf.
Hollow Block with PALF (15%) 671.86 kgf.
Table 1. The results of hollow blocks strengths

From the laboratory test results and statistical interpretation concerning about the
engineering properties of PALF, the result shows that the commercialize hollow
block strength is 538.78 kgf (kilogram force), 5% with PALF strength is 777.7 kgf,
10% strength is 769.11 kgf, and 15% strength is 672.86 kgf.
Conclusion
It is found that the strengths between the plain commercial hollow blocks and
those hollow blocks with pineapple leaf fibers are very significant. Furthermore, it has
been observed that the compressive strength of samples between these two period are
also very little deviation from each other at 15 days design period. It is concluded that
the compressive strength of the hollow blocks relies importantly on the configuration
and absorption of the fibers. As long as minimal fibers are added to the hollow blocks, it
will not significantly decrease in compressive strength. Although it is fiber, it has been
also observed that these are moist as soils and aggregates are, since after drying under
the sun it reveals loss in weight.
Recommendation
1. The analysis of the pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) reinforced hollow blocks has not yet
taken into account the serviceability of the fiber; the fibers have only been observed
at 15 days bases. The researchers recommend to cure to the PALF reinforced
hollow block in 28 days or more before using. Such fibers having met the end of
service life would greatly weaken the hollow blocks strength. From the
consequences, future studies considering long-term deflections and duration of
pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) reinforced hollow blocks might need to be considered
before ensuring they can be safe use in buildings.
2. Since the structural integrity of the hollow blocks cannot be ultimately guaranteed
because of the high absorption inherent in pineapple leaf fiber (PALF), it is
suggested that its properties be applied to other less critical structures such as
walls.
3. The researchers recommend to the future researchers that instead of gathering the
PALF manually they can use a machine to get the fiber and make sure that the fiber
is evenly distributed.