CONCEPT PAPER

1stTerm, AY 2019-2020

ENG-FO-032

Concept No. :1
General Subject Area : Rapid Growth of Water Hyacinth Problem in Pasig River
Specific Area of Interest : Evaluation of Water Hyacinth Extract as an Additional Material for
Water Curing on Strength of Concrete.

I. Introduction

Water hyacinth (Eichornia Crassipes), grow in any part of the tropical and subtropical
areas of the world, is considered the worst aquatic weed plant. They are one of the most
productive photosynthetic plants in the world. It has been estimated that 10 plants could
produce 600 000 more during an 8-month growing season. The reason that hyacinths are a
serious problem in Pasig River is their rapid increase and spread that poses threats like
hindrance to water transport. The penetration of water hyacinth into Pasig River is an sign that
the water level in Laguna Lake is getting higher than Manila Bay’s mean sea level (MSL). This
is expected because the Pasig River is a tidal estuary, which means that the flow of its direction
depends on the water level difference between Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay.

The researchers perceive the negative effects that Water hyacinth, causing trap and
block the sunlight into the body of water. It is also a hindrance that can kill fishes or other
marine animals and plants. Thick growths of Water lilies also causing to unbalance distribution
of oxygen under the water and it can lead to obstruction in water flow that causing flooding.
Lastly, its pad traps the heat that causes algae bloom which can attract mosquitos that are
known to cause dengue. Furthermore, they are threats in navigation.

II. Significance/ Purpose

Water hyacinth may be a menace in Pasig River might cause inconvenience to the riding
public of Pasig River Ferry Service. The purpose of this study is to utilize the water hyacinth in
engineering field to help the Pasig River to solve this problem. The researchers want to identify
the usage of water hyacinth by conducting some experiments and tests to concrete that can
improve or contribute to the progress in our profession. We also want to know the potential of
water hyacinth extract - water mixture in curing the fresh concrete.

III. Project Description

A. Objectives

The objective of this research is to investigate the potential of water hyacinth extract –
water (WHE-H2O) mixture in curing the fresh concrete and to differentiate the effect of using
water hyacinth extract – water (WHE-H2O) mixture curing and conventional curing to concrete
 B. Methodology and Timeline

• Gathering and extraction of water hyacinth.

The plant sample will be collected from the Pasig River. After collecting the sample, it will
be washed in clean water to remove the contaminants, then it will extract.
• Test the water hyacinth (GCMS analysis).
Using the Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) analysis, the components
of water hyacinth can identify.
• Preparation of the concrete.
Complying on the mix design of the wet concrete and testing this using the slump test, we will
make 12 concrete cylinders which is based on the number of concrete sample needed and
curing time (7, 21 and 28 days) - 3 for conventional curing in different time, 3 for different ratio
(10%, 15% and 25%) of WHE-H2O mixture curing in different time.
• Curing the concrete
We will use the wet covering method for curing each concrete cylinder until their desired time
comes.
• Time for the testing
The compressive strength of each concrete cylinder will be tested and the result will be
presented in tables and graphs.

C. Expected Output

By mixing the water hyacinth extract with water gives higher compressive strength
compared to water only in curing the hardened concrete. Based on the results, any ratio of
WHE-H2O mixtures, wherein the wet covering were dipped as the moist curing concrete, have a
significant impact to the strength of the concrete.

IV. Resources Needed/ Cost

The resourced needed are our main plant sample which is the water hyacinth, equipment
for the extraction of water hyacinth, equipment for the preparation and curing the concrete, and
the machine for analysis of water hyacinth and testing of concrete.

Prepared by:
Alberto, Ron Dominic
Estanio, Allyssa
Quebral, Christian
Santos, Patricia
Sison, Kimberly

FMETHOD / CIV152
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Accepted by:

______________________________ ______________
Signature over Printed Name of Adviser Date