Program Title:

Development of Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA) and systems in Ilocos Norte
Background of the study:

 Lightweight aggregates are defined as natural or artificial materials, which are granular,
porous and light in weight (Kavas et al.,). According to Azarete et al., (2010) LECA are
cohesion less, porous materials with loose bulk density not greater than 1.20 g/m3 or with
a particle density not greater than 2.00 g/m3. It has been effectively used since the ancient
Roman times and it has grown popularity due to its lower density and superior thermal
insulation properties (Nawel et al., 2011). These materials are mass-produced by firing in
kiln at a maximum temperature of 10000C to 13000C using natural raw materials like
vermiculite, clay or slate (Dondi et al., 2016).
 lightweight expanded clay aggregate significantly reduces the weight of a structure
elements, which make it significant in multi-story building. This is very effective because
of its several advantages that serves with high earthquake resistance, heat conductivity
property and fine strength compared to the ordinary concrete material.
 Just recently, it was found that the whole of Ilocos Region hosts sizeable deposits of red
clay minerals that can be traced to its bustling ceramic industry. Most of the products
produced from the province are earthen wares and stone wares. However, there is great
potential in developing the ceramic industry to produce other products such lightweight
expanded clay aggregate (LECA).
 In the Philippines, LECA is widely used for both Engineering and Agricultural works which
they import from other country hence this makes it expensive and limited.
 In this undertaking, the researchers would like to make a prototype automated kiln to
produce LECA for lightweight concrete, hydroponics and aquaponics and its systems.

Objective:
1. To design and develop a prototype automated rotary kiln for lightweight expanded clay
aggregate processing.
2. To develop and characterize LECA using the prototype rotary kiln for lightweight
concrete, hydroponics and aquaponics system.
3. To transfer the technology to the Damili Association of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte through
promotion of the developed automated rotary kiln For LECA production.
Statement of the research problem:

 The commercialize LECA is imported from other countries and hereafter expensive and
limited. Considering its applications in engineering and agriculture, there is a need to
develop a machine to produce this product.
Scope and limitations of the study:

 The prototype automated rotary kiln is developed intentionally for LECA production only.
 X-ray fluorescence and x-ray diffraction will be use as characterization techniques for the
red clay.
 ASTM standards will be used to characterize LECA
Importance of the study

 As lightweight aggregate for civil engineering constructions.

 As growing media for hydroponics and aquaponics system.
 As an additional livelihood of the Damili Association of San Nicolas.
Methodology
Locale of the Study

 Fabrication and testing of the prototype automated rotary kiln shall be conducted at the
college of engineering
 Characterization