Sound Insulation and Mechanical Properties of Light Weight Modular Wall Block Reinforced with Glass

Fiber Using Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA Foam) as Partial Replacement to Fine Aggregates

A research project ‘Sound Insulation and Mechanical Properties of Light Weight Modular Wall Block
Reinforced with Glass Fiber Using Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA Foam) as Partial Replacement to Fine
Aggregates’ made from recycled materials that has a chemical component which usually found from
slippers and mats, is used as a partial replacement to fine aggregates and glass fiber as a reinforcement
for it is a versatile material and has the advantage on combining ingredients on a very high strength.

The research project started in preparing the materials needed. The researcher collected their main
component Ethylene Vinyl Acetate EVA which could be attained free from factories of slippers and mats,
glass fibers that have bought from market. Proceeded in determination of the physical properties of
materials if it would not be hazardous to health, physical properties that could be an advantage on using
it as a replacement to fine aggregates. Preparing the specimen which the EVA foam should be pulverized
as sand not by reheating or burning for it causes global warming, then mixed the powdered EVA foam
and glass fiber to concrete mortar. Determination of mechanical properties, mainly the strength.
Preparing the block in systematic style as a wall partition. And Finally, determining the physical, sound
and mechanical properties of the finished product.

The result of the research says that the increase amount of EVA foam decreases the compressive and
flexural strength. The lightest finished product made from the project has 23-237 Kg/m3. It gives
topmost water constituents with 14.5% in the mixture. The increase amount of EVA foam decreases the
density of the EVA block and increases the sound insulation. The best result obtained from the EVA
block consists of 75% EVA foam and 25% aggregates based on sound level meter test and compressive
test.

The product made is still heavy, so the shape and size of the of block must be consider. A thinner block
for a smaller density. Reduce the water requirement to increase the workability by using admixtures.
And finally, a fine mold for easier assembling of the blocks and presentable design as interior walls.

This project is very functional and practical. It solves the problem on unwanted noise from the outside,
so these blocks could be used in classrooms, studios, Audio visual rooms, etc. it Is economical since it
could reduce the use of sand aggregates in 75% and replace with just a recycled EVA foam. And last but
not the least, it is very eco-friendly, the methodology used for the project is not harmful to
environment.