TOPIC: CONCRETE PAVER BLOCK REINFORCED WITH MATURE COCONUT FIBER

AS AN ADDITIVE

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Coconut production plays a very vital role in the economic growth of the Philippines because
of the growing demand of using coconut products in the livelihood and business of the Filipino
people. Coconut production was estimated at 3.31 million metric tons with Davao Region as the top
coconut-producer followed by Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao (Philippine Statistics
Authority, 2019). Due to its abundant production, large amount of coconut agricultural wastes were
being disposed each year. The enormous production became a concern through time as waste
utilization is very low. Waste coconut husks are being dumped in piles taking them ages to
decompose while some are being burned that contributes significantly to carbon dioxide and
methane emissions.

Experimental studies of using agricultural waste materials such as coconut husk, rice husk,
corn cob and bagasse as additives were investigated in some parts of the world in the attempt of
improving the quality and strength of concrete. Since the demand of construction materials
continually grow each year, more infrastructure projects for construction industries are needed to
be built. Thus, agricultural wastes are utilized as additives for enhancement purposes.

The past few decades have seen an upward trend in the use of concrete pavers in
driveways, walkways, patios, parking lots, project entrances and airport runways. Concrete pavers
has numerous benefits that makes it a superior choice for commercial application. It is easy to
repair, durable, efficient to install and requires low level maintenance. Its interlocking property add
character for aesthetic beauty while significantly reducing storm water runoff making it environment
friendly. But despite of these advantages, pavers are susceptible to cracks under heavy vehicle
traffic and can be more expensive than concrete.

Attempts has been made in finding a potential uses for coconut waste in concrete paver
application as a construction material for having the characteristics that can be used in the
development of reinforced concrete material. Coconut fiber was used as an additive in concrete
paver construction to improve its compressive strength. The research of using coconut fiber will
also bring a big impact to the Philippines as an agricultural country where there is an abundant
supply of coconut husk. The study can also pave the way of recognizing agricultural wastes
especially the coconut fiber in concrete application at different percentage and method.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study is to determine the feasibility of using waste coconut fiber in concrete
paver production.

This study aims to attain the following objectives:

1. To measure the compressive strength of concrete pavers containing different percentage of coconut
fiber,
2. To determine the optimum level of percentage of coconut fibers that can obtain the highest
compressive strength
3. To determine if concrete paver with coconut fiber is practical for use in the field of masonry
construction
4. To recommend a possible design that would decrease the installation process
5. To determine whether there is a significant difference in the compressive strength of concrete
pavers with or without coconut fiber

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study aims to answer following questions:

1. How does the compressive strength of the pavers block differ in the increase of coconut husk
percentage in the mixture?
2. What is the optimum level of percentage of coconut fibers that can obtain the highest compressive
strength?
3. What kind of design that would lessen the installation process?
4. Does coconut fiber play a vital role in improving the component of the concrete paver?
5. Is there is a significant difference in the compressive strength of concrete pavers with or without
coconut fiber?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Generating pavers block with coconut waste will help reduce environmental issue of
burning or leaving the coconut wastes in piles until decomposition on rural areas. The study might
pave the way to the recognition of waste coconut fiber in concrete paver production. Coconut fibers
are being utilized in this study to create an economic and environmental-friendly product while
minimizing the adverse effect of pollution, burning of waste coconut produces carbon monoxide
(CO), Oxides of Nitrogen(NOx), Volatile Organic Compound(VOCs). These chemicals can reduces
the blood’s ability to supply oxygen to body tissues, impairs the respiratory system and its ability to
fight infection, and produces photochemical smog that causes painful irritation of the respiratory
system. Result of this study will give a big boost to the Philippines as a country having a large area
of coconut plantation benefiting the farmers in its safe disposal.

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

The research is mainly concerned with the measurement of the compressive strength of
concrete pavers containing varying amount of coconut fiber. All concrete paver mixture contained
the same sand and cement quality, and water-cement ratio.

The coconut fibers used was obtained from the barangay Barra and El Salvador
disregarding the type or breed of coconuts used. The paver block is the design customized by the
researchers due its dominant interlocking quality that can withstand cracking and breaking down.
The fibers obtained were from matured coconut husks. The percentage content of coconut fibers
as an additive were done in four percentage- 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75% and 1.0% compared to
conventional pavers block. The samples were to undergo compressive strength at a testing
laboratory on its 7th day, 14th day, 21st day and 28th day.
DEFINITION OF TERMS

Additive – a substance added to something in small quantities to improve or preserve it

ASTM – also known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, that develops and
publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products,
systems, and services

Fine Aggregates – a small size filler material or a portion of the aggregate used in concrete that
is smaller than about 3/16 inch

Compressive Strength – the resistance of material to breaking under compression

Concrete Pavers – often referred as paving stones is a brick-like concrete commonly used in
exterior flooring that are a popular outdoor flooring option.

Moisture Content – quantity of water that exists in the soil mass. It can represent either the
naturally present or water which is manually added.

Coconut coir fiber – is a natural fiber extracted from the coconut husk, brown coir often used in
upholstery padding, sacking and horticulture

Flexural Strength - is defined as the maximum bending stress that can be applied to that
material before it yields.

Cement - is a binder, a substance used for construction that sets, hardens, and adheres to other
materials to bind them together.

Concrete - is a composite material, which is made from a mixture of cement, aggregate (sand or
gravel), water and sometimes admixtures in required proportions.

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter discusses about the research related to the use of coconut fiber in the field of
construction including the abstract, data and conclusion from other sources.

2.1 Uses of Coconut Fiber

The use of the coconut fiber (CF) has become a common practice in the field of construction to
lessen the expenses and to be environmental friendly. Majid Ali (2012) studied in Pakistan about
natural fibres as construction materials and tackled about the two types of coir fibres, - the brown
fiber and white fiber. Brown fiber is extracted from matured coconuts and white fibres extracted
from immature coconuts. Brown fibers are thick, strong and have high abrasion resistance. White
fibres are smoother and finer, but also weaker. Majid also investigated about the cross section of
some natural fibre including the coconut fiber having an area of 0.3653 mm2.

Coconut has got to be the most versatile fruit used. Coconut fiber can be transformed into twine or
yarn, while fine coco fibers are used in making floor mats, doormats, brushes, beds or mattresses.
When it comes to environment it can be used in rehabilitation of deserts, enhance greens in golf
courses and prevent soil erosion in riverbanks and highways. Coconut fiber has natural rooting
hormones and good water holding capacity as a result it can be used as a medium for landscape
plants and grasses. According to Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (2011), processing of
coconut fiber into geotextiles and organic fertilizer or soil conditioner, respectively, could earn for
the country millions of dollars in exports, and provide additional income and livelihood to hundreds
of thousands of small coconut farmers and their families in the countryside. The Department of
Education’s Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) estimates that the country produces some 12 billion
coconuts annually. Collecting merely one-half or six billion coconut husks, and processing these
into coco geotextiles and organic fertilizers, the country could generate at least $225 million
annually,” said Sec. Alcala during the recent 1st coconut coir summit in Davao City.

2.2 Replacement of Coconut Fiber in Concrete

Coconut fiber reduces concrete failure under excessive tension and cracking due to common
occurrence of rapid cracking and increase overload in concrete. Ede and Agbede (2015)
conducted a research to prove this statement on the use of coconut fiber for improvement of
compressive and flexural strength of normal concrete. The fibers were used in different percentage
of the weight of the fine aggregates. The test samples were prepared using 1:2:4 mix ratio with fiber
volume of 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1.0%. Compressive and flexural strength of specimen was
analyzed in every 7 days for compressive strength and 14 days for flexural strength until the end of
28 days curing. 0.25% - 0.5% replacement of coconut fibers gives a promising result by surpassing
the 19.14 N/mm^2 compressive strength of a normal concrete. The coconut fiber content of 0.75%
or higher shows a decrease in workability and drastically reduces the compressive and flexural
strength. It is concluded that 0.5% coconut fiber is the optimal for enhancing compressive and
flexural strength of the concrete and reducing the possibility of building collapse in Nigeria.
Furthermore, it is interesting to note that coconut fiber absorbs energy and increases the ductility
of structural members. This will give a signal or a warning before ultimate capacity is attained.

The application of coconut fiber is not limited only to the replacement of fine aggregates. Nadgouda
(2015) had experimented on coconut fiber reinforced concrete. A M20 concrete mix was used taking
1:1.5:3 as a nominal mix. The experimentation was done taking 3%, 5%, and 7% replacement of
weight of the cement. Splitting tensile strength on cylinder, flexural strength on beam and
compressive strength on cubes were use to test the specimen. It was presumed that the
compressive strength of concrete decrease with an increase in the fiber content of the concrete
mix. It could be seen that the 28th day compressive strength of concrete decreases with an increase
in the fiber content. The optimum increase in the strength of concrete by addition of fibers lies
between addition of fibers between 0% and 3% of the weight of cement in the mix.
 Table 1: Compressive Strength

The graphical result shows that in 28 days of the cubic specimen shows a continuous increase in
compressive strength but data decreases as the fiber content increases.

Table 2: Flexural Strength

The flexural strength of the beam with the varying fiber content displays an increase in strength. It
is observed that 3% replacement was optimum replacement of fiber content. 5% or more fiber
content has a dramatic decrease in the strength lesser than of the conventional concrete. The
experiment result signifies concrete reinforced with coconut fiber has a low density which reduces
the weight of the concrete, to which can be considered as a structural light weight concrete. The
favorable result can be obtained in 3% fiber content with an increase in compressive and flexural
strength.

Echano and Orlando (2016) also studied the use of recycled glass shards as coarse aggregates
replacement in decorative paving blocks. They used normal paver for control sample, 25%, 50%,
and 75% ratio replacement. There is a decreasing strength from 25% to 75% based on the result
compared to the conventional concrete paver. The results led them to conclude that the partial
replacement on concrete mix at 25%, 50% and 75% are proven to be harmful to the paver’s
compressive strength.
2.3 Additives in Concrete Mix

Additives are natural or synthetic materials that are mixed into biding agents, concretes, and
mortars to impart the required properties to the finished product and reduce its cost (Encyclopedia,
2019). Additives can reduce waste production by recycling waste material such as plastic, bottles,
coconut husks, rice husk, bagasse and more. As the need to obtain economical materials continue
to rise, additives will become more and more relevant especially in the field of construction wherein
cost of construction materials increases through time.

One study on the use of additive is the research of Aguinot, et al. (). The compressive strength of
concrete hollow blocks with rice husk ash was investigated at Cagayan de Oro City. The
researchers sieved the rice hull ash and determined its PH level with the use of stirring rod, beaker,
digital PH meter and distilled water, and obtained results for seven trials at a 30 degree temperature.
All of the samples were cured for 28 days. They tested the samples at the Department of Public
Works and Highways in an electronic compressive strength to test its compressive strength. The
result showed that concrete hollow blocks with rice hull ash has higher strength and more durable
than commercial concrete hollow blocks. Moreover, the use of rice hull ash as an additive in making
concrete hollow blocks has proven to be effective.

Another relevant and notable research is the feasibility of concrete pavers with recycled broken
glass by Santa and Pelandas (). The fine and course aggregates were sieved and the result of the
sieve analysis showed that the aggregates were well-graded and has a suitable quality that can be
used for concrete mixture. The cement was subjected to a sieving operation until not more than
0.05 grams of the material passes through in 1 minute of continues sieving. The compressive
strength of the concrete pavers were obtained by adding 5%, 10%, 15% and broken glass with
three trials each. Compressive strength of concrete pavers without broken glass was also tested
to determine significant difference compare to when the broken glass was applied. Test specimens
are in a cylindrical mold 150 mm in diameter and 300 mm in height. It was brought to DPWH for
compression testing after 28 days of curing. The surface in contact with load applying and
supporting blocks shall be smooth and free of scars or inscribed identification. The compressive
strength and flexural strength of concrete paver is significantly affected by the amount of broken
glass present. This difference is observed using Duncan's multiple range test of comparing means.
With respect to its compressive strength, the finding implies that broken glass (green) is suitable to
be used as concrete pavers. Concrete pavers which contain broken glass have lower flexural
strengths than pavers produced without any broken glass. Concrete pavers containing 10% broken
glass are suitable for use in areas where the pavers are subjected to flexural strength of less than
7 MPA and concrete pavers with less than 10% broken glass can be used in lawns and garden for
aesthetic purposes.

A study about the use of industrial lime was investigated by Bajao, et al (). Experimental data
showed that the concrete hollow blocks which contain lime has a higher compressive strength than
an ordinary mixture of concrete hollow blocks. Moreover, CHB which have 10% industrial lime
content proved to be the strongest in terms of compressive strength.

The attainment of the compressive strength of pineapple leaf fibers on concrete hollow blocks was
conducted by Baygan and Dinlayan(). The variation of compressive strength is evaluated from
specimens that contain increments of 0.1%, 0.3% and 0.5% with fiber lengths of 1 inch, 2 inch and
3 inch for each fiber weight. Thirty 4-inch thick concrete hollow blocks specimen are prepared using
Type I Portland cement. There is a much higher compressive strength achieved when 0.1% of the
weight of cement is substituted with the same amount of pineapple fiber. When the amount of fiber
increases, the strength decreases. The provision of 0.1% pineapple fiber in the CHB gives the
highest compressive strength among the two treatment levels which is 0.3% and 0.5%. In masonry
construction, the use of CHB containing pineapple fibers is better than the conventional CHB since
the fibers can increase the compressive strength of the CHB. The disadvantage of this study is the
production which is more likely costly than the conventional CHB. Another related study about the
use of pineapple leaf fibers on the compressive strength of concrete hollow blocks is investigated
by Ruelo and Olis (). They used three different percentage of pineapple fiber as an additive – 1%,
2% and 3%. The result showed that the provision of 3% pineapple fiber in the CHB gives the highest
compressive strength among the other treatment. Higher compressive strength is achieved by
increasing the amount of fiber up to 3%.

Lico, et al. () conducted a study on the flexural strength of coconut fiber reinforced concrete beam.
Several tests were performed upon the research which is the acidity determination, sieve analysis,
absorption test and others. Samples of the final product – concrete beams – were tested and the
test results were analyzed using analysis of variance. The result of the study produced a positive
impact for the sample containing 3% coconut fiber. However, samples containing 6% and 9% fiber
content resulted to negative results causing unbounded layers of coconut fiber that almost occupied
¼ volume of the beam mold in terms of area. The bigger content of coconut fiber, the lesser the
strength. It is not advisable to use high content of fiber to avoid cracks. Using more than 3% content
of coconut fiber as an additive to increase flexural strength of the beam is not recommended.
Overall, the result showed that addition of coconut fiber to the concrete mix for concrete beam does
not have a significant contribution to its flexural strength.

Mydin, et al. (2015) experimented on the mechanical properties of coconut fibers on lightweight
foamed concrete. The samples in their investigation were tested by applying increasing
compressive load until failure. Their study shows the comparison of compressive strength of
different percentages of Coconut Fiber at 7 and 28 days. At early age of 7 days, the compressive
strength of mixes containing 0.2% and 0.4% coconut fibers were 6.22N/mm2 and 6.75N/mm2
respectively as against that of normal mix 5.82N/mm2. At 28 days, the strength of control
6.84N/mm2 increase to 7.75N/mm2 and 8.63N/mm2 when 0.2% and 0.4% coconut fibers is added.
The strength gained was up to 12% and 21%. By adding the coir fiber in the mix, the strength boosts
linearly with increasing fiber contents. Similar study was conducted by Rao and Navya, (2014) on
the effect of natural fibers on the properties of concrete paver block by adding coconut fibers in
concrete. Coconut fibers were added in proportions of 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5% in volume
of concrete. In top layer cement, semi grit, dolomite powder and pigment are used and in bottom
layer cement, fine aggregate, quarry dust is used. The compressive strength, flexural strength and
water absorption were determined at the end of the 7th and 28th day in the paver block production.
The flexural strength & water absorption increases with an increase in fiber content, water
absorption increase from about 0.95% to 6.01% respectively at the age of 28 days.

A research on coconut shell as an additive in concrete mix conducted by Feliciano(2006) showed

the findings on the normal concrete and the concrete with varying proportion of additives (25% and
50% of coconut shell added). Class “A” concrete mixture was used in the production. In the normal
sample subjected to compressive stress, the average strength is 3.842 MPa. The compressive
strength of the concrete with 25% and 50% added coconut shell was 3.194 MPa and 1.338 MPa
 respectively which is less than the normal concrete. The compressive strength of the concrete
sample with additives decreases as the amount of additive increases.

Lastly, Madria (2008), researched on coconut charcoal as an additive in concrete mix. Result
showed the significance difference between the compressive strength of normal concrete and the
concrete with coconut charcoal as additives. Two different percentage was used which was 25%
and 75% coconut charcoal additive ratio, and a normal concrete mix using class “A” concrete
mixture. The findings revealed that the compressive strength of the normal concrete varies from the
different percentage. The result showed that he compressive strength of a normal concrete is
greater compared to the sample with 25% and 75% ratio added coconut charcoal. As the amount
of coconut charcoal increases, the compressive strength of the sample decreases.

CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the method by which the research was carried out. The research locale,
testing materials, sampling procedures and laboratory test procedures are presented.

3.1 Materials use in Experiment

The mature coconut fiber used in this study is from waste coconut husks disposed and brought to
El Salvador City. The aggregates are acquired from the quarries of Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.
The water used to mix the cement, sand and coconut fibers came from a clean waterline supplied
by the Cagayan de Oro Water District. The Portland cement that is used conform to ASTM C150,
"Specification for Portland Cement", Type-I premium cement is used for all mixes. This is the
standard specification that is generally recommended for concrete mixture.

3.2 Methods of extracting the Coconut Husk

From the total volume of coconut husks, it will be separated into a single fiber through manually
extraction.

3.3 Method of Sampling Aggregates

There are several standard methods used in obtaining the test results of the aggregates and cement
in this study. The following are:

1. ASTM C136 Test for sieve or screen analysis of fine and course aggregates
2. ASTM C67 (1992), standard test methods of sampling and testing brick and structural clay tile
3. ASTM C140 - Standard method of sampling and testing concrete masonry unit
4. ASTM C150 - Specification for Portland Cement
5. ASTM C902-92 (1992) - Standard specification for pedestrian and light traffic paving brick
6. ASTM C150 – Specification of Portland Cement
7. ASTM 128 – Test for Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine Aggregates
8. ASTM C39 – Test for Unit Weight of Aggregates
 3.4 Test conducted for Cement

The following are the materials and apparatus used in the study.

1. Sieve, Standard #200 (0.0075mm) with pan and cover

2. Balance and weight
3. Brush, fine

The following procedure is observed in the determination of fineness of hydraulic cement.

1. Place at least 50 grams cement sample on the clean, dry no. 0.0075 mm sieve with the pan
attached.
2. Stat sieving with a gentle motion of the fine material has passed through the sieve and the residue
appears fairly clean for a period of 5 minutes
3. Place the cover on the sieve and remove the pan, then gently top the side of the sieve. Brush also
the underside of the pan,
4. Empty the pan and wipe it, then replace the sieve on the pan, and carefully remove the cover,
5. Continue the sieving operation until not more than 0.05 grams of the material passes through in 1
minute of continuous sieving
6. Transfer the residue on the sieve to the balance pan, brush the sieve cloth thoroughly from both
side to ensure the removal of all residue from the sieve.

3.5 Sieve Analysis of Fine and Course Aggregates

This method covers the determination of the particle size distribution of fine and course aggregate
by sieving or screening. A weighed sample of dry aggregate was separated through a series of
sieves or screens of progressively smaller openings for the determination of particle size
distribution.

The apparatuses that were used are:

a. Balance or scale
b. Sieve for fine aggregates: #200, #100, #50, #30, #8, #4

The sample of aggregate is tested for sieve analysis, thoroughly mixed and reduced by quartering
to an amount suitable for testing.

All sieves are weighed up to the nearest 0.1 gram. Approximately 2000 grams of air-dried fine
aggregate obtained by quartering was also weighed. The sample is sieved through a nest of sieves
for ten minutes. Each sieve, with the sample in it, is then weighed to the nearest 0.1 gram. The
weights of sample retained on each sieve are obtained.

The cumulative percentage passed in each sieve on the basis of oven dry weight of original sample
is calculated.

3.6 Determination of Specific Gravity and Absorption Capacity of Coconut Fiber

This method covers the determination of bulk and apparent specific gravity, and absorption capacity
of coconut fiber. Bulk specific gravity is the characteristic generally used for calculations of the
volume occupied by the coconut fiber in Portland cement concrete.

3.7 Compressive Strength of Concrete Pavers

After the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days, the concrete paver samples were brought to the Testing
laboratory at Gusa for compression test. Test specimen shall be in a Filipino culture inspired design
molded in a fabrication.