Topic 4: Research Design / Methodology

Assignment

NAME : ABDUL HADI IZAAN BIN

IBRAHIM

MATRICS NO : GN200007
1.1 Objectives of study

The objectives of this research is to compare the mechanical properties of plain concrete
with sago fiber strengthened concrete with fixed fibre volume content.
In order to achieve the aim of the study, the objectives are established as shown below:

i. To investigate the optimum portion of sago fibre in concrete bricks.

ii. To investigate the mechanical properties of sago fibre on the absorption value,
compressive strength and flexural strength.

iii. To compare the compressive strength, flexural strength and water absorption of plain
concrete brick and sago fibre reinforced concrete brick.

1.2 Scope of study

In this research, sago fibre are added in different proportions in the mixture to the
lightweight brick. This project is to investigate and compare the mechanical properties sago
fibre reinforced lightweight concrete brick and plain lightweight concrete brick. There is no
published research on fibre reinforced concrete with the addition of sago fibre. From a previous
study, the fibre volume content for sago fibre concrete brick is 50% (Umar, et al., 2020). This
fibre volume content is taken as a reference for sago fibre volume content. Thus, the proportion
needed in this research are 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% of the sago fibre are add up into
the mixture.

This study focuses on the water absorption test, compressive strength and flexural
strength involving the use of different sago fibre percentage. The produced samples are made
out of sago fibre, sand, water and Ordinary Portland Cement, where the size of the bricks are
215mm in length, 102.5mm of width and 65mm of thickness based on BS 3921: 1985 (British
Standards Institution, 2015). As for the tests on the compressive strength and water absorption
test, the samples were tested on the 7th and 28th day. The purpose of test done on the 7th day is
to observe the condition of the samples on its premature state, as on the 28 th day, the sample
bricks can be classified as matured (Kabir, et al., 2012). As for the Flexural strength test will
be performed on the sample bricks based on ASTM C293 (ASTM International, 2016).This test
method covers determination of the flexural strength of concrete and masonry bricks specimens
by the use of a brick with center-point loading. All data acquired will be recorded.

A total 216 samples of sand cement bricks were produced (Figure 1.1), where 72 of
them were used in compressive strength test and the other 72 were for water absorption test.
Another 72 of the samples will be used for flexural strength test(Figure 1.2).

Test No. of Speciments

Water Absorption Test 72
Compression Strength 72
Flexural Strength 72
Figure 1.1 Test Speciments

Percentages 0% 0% 0% 0%
Test days 7 28 56 90
No. Samples S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12
Average
Figure 1.2 Group classification of samples
1.3 Research Flow Chart
 Start
Method Obtain
Statement Materials

Research
Proposal
Make
Specimens
Splitting
tensile
Test
Research
Background

Compression
Test

Problem Carbonation
Identification Test

Problem
Statement

Research
Experiment Data Analyisis
Objectives

Conclusion Finalise Draft Viva Voce

Submit
Thesis

Finish