RICE STRAW AS ADMIXTURE IN CONCRETE PAVEMENT BLOCK

DAWNALD F. PEPITO

IAN KIRBY D. REDONDO

April 2021
RICE STRAW AS ADMIXTURE IN CONCRETE PAVEMENT BLOCK

A Thesis
Submitted to
The Faculty of College of Engineering and Computer Education
Notre Dame of Kidapawan college
Kidapawan City

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

DAWNALD F. PEPITO
IAN KIRBY D. REDONDO

April 2022
 ii

DECLARATION OF ORIGINALITY

We hereby declare that this submission is our own work and that, to

the best of our knowledge and belief, it contains no material previously

published or written by another person nor material which to a substantial

extent has been accepted for the award of any degree or diploma of a

university, college, or other institution of higher education, except where due

acknowledgement is made in the text.

We also declare that the intellectual content of this thesis is the product

of our own work, even if we may have received assistance from others on data

analysis and interpretation, style, presentation, and language expression.

DAWNALD F. PEPITO

IAN KIRBY D. REDONDO

Researchers

April 20, 2022

Date Signed
 iii

APPROVAL SHEET

In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree, Bachelor of

Science in Civil Engineering, this thesis entitled, “RICE STRAW AS
ADMIXTURE IN CONCRETE PAVEMENT BLOCK” prepared and
submitted by Dawnald F. Pepito and Ian Kirby D. Redondo are hereby
recommended for approval and acceptance.

Approved by the Thesis Advisory Committee:

SHERWIN MERVIN BURTON E. LUCAS, MSCE, M. PICE, M. ASCE

Adviser

MELCHOR M. FAMISAN, D. ENG.

Chairperson

GEMMA A. FAMISAN, RPAE, MAT-MATH ROGIELYN DIEZ, CE

Member Member

Accepted as partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree,

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING.

FATIMA D. ZARZA, MIT

Dean, College of Engineering and Computer Education
 iv

ABSTRACT
 v

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE i
DECLARATION OF ORIGINALITY ii
APPROVAL SHEET iii
ABSTRACT iv
LIST OF TABLES vii
LIST OF FIGURES viii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ix

Chapte Pag
r e
1 INTRODUCTION 1
Background of the study 1
Statement of the Problem 3
Objectives of the Study 4
Significance of the Study 4
Scope and Limitation of the Study 5
Definition of Terms 5

2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 7

Related Literature and Studies 7
Concrete Pavement Block 7
Rice Straw Management 8
Study of Concrete Pavement Block with Rice Straw 9
Rice Straw in Concrete 11
Portland Cement 16
Standard Specification for Compressive Strength of 16
Concrete Cylinders C39
Standard Specification for Pedestrian and Light 17
Traffic Pavement Brick
Design of Crowning 18
Conceptual Framework 19
Research Hypothesis 20

3 METHODOLOGY 21
Method Used 21
Sources of Data 21
 vi

Data Gathering Instrument 22

Procedure of the Study 23
Statistical Treatment 28

4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND

5
RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendation

APPENDICES

A Research Instrument
B Letter to the Dean
C Content Validity
D Statistical Analysis

VITA
 vii

LIST OF TABLES

Tables Title Pag

e

2.1 Mass Density result of Rice Straw Concrete Pavement 10

Blocks
2.2 Compressive Strength result of Rice Straw Concrete 11
Pavement Blocks
2.3 Standard specification for Pedestrian and Light Traffic 17
Paving Brick C 902
3.1 Mixing Ratio 26
4.1 Analysis of variance on the mass density and water
absorption of the pavement blocks
4.2 Post-hoc analysis on the mass density and water
absorption of the pavement blocks
4.3 Analysis of variance on the compressive strength with the
previous study
 viii

LIST OF FIGURES

Figures Title Pag

e

2.1 Compressive strength results by rice straw percentage 12

2.2 Compressive strength data for w/c = 0.42 13
2.3 Compressive strength data for w/c = 0.54 14
2.4 Rice straw fibers 14
2.5 Effect of fiber content on compressive strength of 15
cement-based composite
2.6 Design of Crowning 18
2.7 Paradigm of the study 19
3.1 Procedure of the study 23
3.2 Cylindrical PVC Plastic Molder for compressive test 25
samples
3.3 Wooden Pavement Block Molder for mass density test
samples
4.1 Compressive strength data of the concrete pavement
blocks
4.2 Physical properties of the concrete pavement blocks
 ix

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The researchers’ thesis wouldn’t be possible without the full support of

the following;

First, we would like to give the highest praises and adoration to the

Almighty God for giving the researcher’s understanding, knowledge, wisdom

and provision to the researcher to pursue the research;

To the researchers’ adviser, Sherwin Mervin Burton E. Lucas, MSCE,

M. PICE, M. ASCE, for encouragement and knowledge shared to the

researchers;

To the chairperson of the Advisory Panel, Melchor M. Famisan, D.

Eng., to the members, Gemma A. Famisan, RPAE, MAT-Math and Rogielyn

Diez, CE for their expertise in giving advises, corrections and suggestions on

the improvement of our study;

To the dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Education,

Fatima D. Zarza, MIT, for the motivation and moral support extended to the

researchers.
 x

To the laboratory in-charge, Dr. Ivy B. Yecyec, for allowing us to

borrow the apparatus, devices and laboratory equipments to conduct our

study.

To the District Engineer of DPWH, Engr. Rey R. Francisco for the

active support and kind consideration for the testing of our study.

To the Materials and Testing Quality Section of DPWH, Engr. R.M.

Delmo, Engr. W.L. Almonia and Chief in-Charge of the laboratory for their

time and effort;

Without also the financial support, motivation, patience, and moral

support extended of the researchers’ immediate family, Mr. & Mrs. Pepito

and Mrs. Rosalia D. Redondo, this thesis wouldn’t be realized.

To the researchers’ classmates and friends for their support and

help extended on the casting of the samples;

Lastly, to the people who are there to support for the researcher’s

thesis, for giving the researcher the encouragement and support.

The Researchers
xi
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Concrete's usefulness as a construction material is widely accepted for

expanding and redesigning infrastructure development around the world.

Concrete is one of the most often used construction materials in a wide range

of infrastructure projects. More concrete is used than any other man-made

material in the world.

Pavement blocks are commonly made of cement concrete that became

popular and cost-effective technical material for outdoor projects because they

are thought to be reliable, long-lasting and are available in a variety of sizes

and forms. Portland cement and aggregates are the raw ingredients, both of

which are readily available across the world. According to Udawattha C., et

al., (2017), several studies have been conducted to improve the engineering

qualities of cement concrete blocks while addressing solid waste management

challenges.

In Asia, rice is one of the most common food crops which are

consumed by a great number of population and to other neighboring countries.

 2

Rice has an agricultural byproduct, which is called rice straw. According to

Van Hung N. et al., (2019), rice straw is one of the problems that remains a

challenge because as the production of rice increases due to its rising demand

hence, more straw.

The Philippines is known for being rich in agricultural foods crops.

Based on Hellin, J. (2018), it produces approximately 15 million tons of rice

per annum, and this generates about 11 million tons of rice straw. In North

Cotabato, rice is also one of the main agricultural products. During harvest,

rice straw is removed with rice grains and ends up being piled or spread out in

the field and the management of crop residues can be a problem. These

agricultural residues are normally burned in the field after the crop is

harvested (Bautista I. & Austriaco L., 2012). It became a major contributor to

dangerously high levels of air pollution (Van Hung 2019), resulting in

greenhouse gas emissions, contamination, and pollution (Camsa, R., et al.

2019). Rice straw wastes that are burned can contaminate the air and cause

global warming by emitting greenhouse gases (GHGs).

In 2019, a study was conducted by Jose Maria College researchers

entitled rice straw concrete pavement block. Based on the study of Camsa R.,

et al. (2019), the experimental results showed that adding rice straw can

increase the volume of the sample and at the same time it can make it lighter,

but they found out that there are many voids in the pavement block that

affected its strength. The strength of the pavement block did not improve even
 3

if the ratio of the rice straw increases. They recommended drying the rice

straw for a long period of time and the rice straw should be ground thoroughly

to further investigate its capability. To address this, the researchers would like

to develop a concrete pavement block using finer and drier rice straw material

considering the recommendation of the past study.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the effect of using rice straw as an

admixture to produce concrete pavement block.

Specifically, it will seek to answer the following questions:

1. What is the compressive strength of this concrete pavement block

with rice straw as an admixture at different treatments when

compared to control?

2. What are the physical properties of this concrete pavement block

with rice straw admixture in terms of mass density and water

absorption at different treatments when compared to control?

3. Is there a significant difference between this study to the previous

study?
 4

Objectives of the Study

The objective of this study was to utilize rice straw as an admixture for

concrete pavement block and to investigate and improve the recent study

about rice straw concrete pavement block by using drier and finer rice straw. It

also aimed to determine its physical property and mechanical property

compared to a plain concrete pavement block as our control.

Significance of the study

This study aimed to present the effects of adding a finer and drier rice

straw as admixture on concrete pavement blocks. The result of this study

would be significant to the following:

For civil engineers, to evaluate finer and drier rice straw as admixture

on concrete pavement blocks as an alternative to the usual concrete

pavement block considering that this mixture may offer better and eco-friendly

product.

To the farmers, as this may create a market and additional income from

the utilization of rice straws which are usually treated as waste after harvest. It

can contribute to the livelihoods of our Filipino rice farmers.

 5

For the future researchers, this study may serve as their reference in

making concrete pavement blocks with rice straw as an admixture.

Thus, this study will offer a new perspective of how these materials can

affect the strength and capabilities of a concrete pavement blocks.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This study was focused only on the determination of the compressive

strength and the physical properties specifically on the mass density and

water absorption of concrete pavement blocks with rice straw admixture. The

flexural test will not be included to maintain consistency with the previous

study.

The variety of the material used was known as the Rc 222 found in

President Roxas, North Cotabato. The drying of the rice straw was only

through solar drying method and the time of drying was based on the moisture

content of the rice straw. It was thoroughly ground in a grinder that are

approximately 2-4mm in length.

Due to limited capacity of the oven, the researchers fabricated a molder

with a size of 4” x 2.67” X 2.5” for the density and water absorption with at

least three (3) replications for all various treatment and control.
 6

Definition of Terms

To help you better understand the study, the following

terminologies have been defined:

Concrete pavement – a layer of concrete on such areas as roads, runways,

parking lots, and driveways.

Concrete pavement blocks– a porous form of brick formed by mixing

portland cement, fine and coarse aggregates, water, added with drier and finer

rice straw.

ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials is an international

standards organization for the standard of the material and construction that

will be used in this study.

Physical Property – it refers to the mass density of the concrete pavement

block.

Mechanical Property – it refers to the compressive strength of the concrete

pavement block.

Mass Density – refers to the mass per unit volume of the concrete pavement

block.
 7

Compressive Strength – is the capacity of the concrete hollow block with rice

straw to withstand loads without breaking under compression.

Dried rice straw– as used in this study refers to the solar dried rice straw that

has zero moisture.

Fine rice straw– as used in this study refers the ground rice straw,

approximately 2-4mm in length.

Rice straw – is a waste material from rice after harvest and usually ends up

being piled or spread out on the field. It is the main material thaw will be used

in this research.

Rc 222 – is a variety bred by International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

released in 2010, which yields an average of 6.1 tons and maximum of 10

tons per hectare.

 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents a review of reference articles from books,

journals, secured and trusted websites and scientific studies. These

references will provide information for better understanding of the topic under

study.

Concrete Pavement Block

Pavements are an essential part of the transport systems we use in our

day-to-day activities. Roads, runways, parking lots, and driveways are all

examples of how it is utilized. According to Di Mascio P. et al., (2019), during

the Roman empire time concrete block pavements had been conceptualized.

Stone blocks closely interlocking each other comprised the upper layer of the

roads at the time, and the bottom layers of the roads possessed mechanical

and physical properties comparable to those we have now.

The deterioration of current pavements is accelerating due to rising

traffic volumes and climate change, and as result, it must be rehabilitated as

soon as possible (Vaitkus A. et.al., 2019). Pavement blocks are a popular and
 9

unique construction approach that can be used to address the demand for

quick pavement repairs and development (Tayabji S. & Ye D. 2010). Pai K.

(2021) stresses the advantages of pavement blocks for being easily

replaceable. Should one of the blocks break, it may easily replaced with

another. Paver blocks are easy to set up and do not need any special

equipment for its installation. With all these advantages, paver blocks are the

most popular choice for driveways and outdoor pavement.

Rice Straw Management

The Philippines is mostly an agricultural country, with an area of 30

million hectares. One of the most common agricultural wastes in the

Philippines is rice straw. Rice straw has a potential availability exceeding 5

million tons per year across the country (Zafar S., 2020). In the study of

Camsa R., et al. (2019) rice straw is one of the most frequent agricultural

wastes in the Philippines. According to the Philippines' 2018 Agriculture

Statistics, rice had the greatest production of 19.2 million tons.

Rice straw burning is a key contributor to dangerously high amounts of

pollution in the air. The open burning of rice straw releases pollutants into the

air, contributing to the escalation of climate change-related issues.

Furthermore, crop field carbon content was lost to the environment because of

the burning practice. (Kanokkanjana K. & Garivait S., 2013). Simultaneously,

 10

researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs are working on a variety of

alternate uses for rice straw, transforming it into a commodity around which

sustainable value chains may be established to benefit rural communities.

More sustainable rice straw management methods are urgently needed to

reduce the carbon footprint of rice cultivation and its negative health effects,

as well as to maximize the value added to the straw byproduct (Gummert M. et

al., 2020). According to Shrestha R. (2019), rice straw fiber can be used as a

natural fiber in concrete mixes, which can be advantageous to the concrete

industry while also reducing pollution. On the study of Cai J., et al. (2017), they

stated that the use of straw in the production of cement-based composites can

not only turn waste into valuables and decrease several safety and

environmental issues associated with straw burning, but it can also help to

solve the problem of rural construction's excessive energy consumption.

Study of Concrete Pavement Block with Rice straw

In the study of Camsa R. et al. (2019), they created a concrete

pavement block mixed with rice straw admixture that could be utilized in

construction. According to the researchers, using rice straw pavement blocks

not only successfully solves the waste disposal problem, but it also adapts to

the long-term development of national building while fostering a green

environment. In their study they cut the rice straw using scissor approximately

3cm in length. Based on the study the concrete blocks were mixed with rice
 11

straw with ratios of 0.3809%, 0.7619% and 1.1429% and cured for 28 days.

The result showed better result in terms of mass density as shown in Table

2.1. The findings of the experiment showed that adding rice straw to the

sample increased its volume while also making it lighter. On the other hand, its

compressive strength showed poor result as shown in Table 2.2. It was found

out that the more rice straw put to the treatment, the lower the strength of the

pavement block becomes. According to the report, the outcome was dropping,

and they also found out that there was a lot of voids in the product which they

claimed that it affects the strength of the block. Considering these results, the

researchers recommended that the rice straw should be ground thoroughly,

and the drying time of the rice straw should be longer.

Replication
Treatment Mean
I (g/cm3) II (g/cm3) III (g/cm3)
(g/cm3)
Control 3.10 3.20 3.20 3.17
Treatment 1 2.90 2.75 2.75 2.80
Treatment 2 2.70 2.70 2.70 2.70
Treatment 3 2.30 2.30 2.60 2.40

Table 2.1
Mass Density result of Rice Straw Concrete Pavement Blocks

Note. Adapted from Chapter IV Results and Discussion, by Camsa R. et al.

2019, p. 30. Copyright 2019 by Jose Maria College.
 12

Table 2.2
Replication
Treatment
I (MPa) II (MPa) III (MPa) Mean (MPa)
Control 9.59 8.08 11.49 9.72
Treatment 1 4.98 5.04 5.84 5.29
Treatment 2 3.40 4.65 4.47 4.17
Treatment 3 3.22 2.68 3.76 3.22
Compressive Strength result of Rice Straw Concrete Pavement Blocks

Note. Adapted from Chapter IV Results and Discussion, by Camsa R. et al.

2019, p. 30. Copyright 2019 by Jose Maria College.

Rice Straw in Concrete

In recent years, there have been studies about rice straw concrete.

Based on the study of Shrestha R. (2019), agricultural waste such as rice

straw can be used in the construction. The practical application of this waste

has attracted significant interest from academic and industry, particularly in

civil engineering, due to their high tensile strength and low weight. Straw also

adds ductility to concrete and has an impact on its fresh and hardened

qualities as well as its durability.

On the study of Karolina R.et al. (2020), about the effects of rice straw

to concrete material properties, they found out same result on the study of

Camsa R. et al. (2019) in terms of the compressive strength. The test results
 13

shows that there is a decrease in strength at each increased level of rice straw

usage as shown in Figure 2.1. The graph is decreasing along with the addition

of rice straw fiber. The rice straw they used in this research is dry straw. The

cutting method of their rice straw fiber is done manually which have the same

method in the previous study. Straw cutting is done with a knife or a sickle to

make straw with long and short fibers. The straw fiber cuttings are

approximately 3 cm in length.

Figure 2.1
Compressive strength results by rice straw percentage

Note. Adapted from Results and Discussion, by Karolina R.et al. 2020, p. 3.
Copyright 2020 by IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and
Engineering.
 14

In 2018, Ataie F. studied the influence of rice straw fibers on the

mechanical properties such as compressive strength. In Figure 2.2 and Figure

2.3, it was found out that concrete sample having fine rice straw fiber (RSF- F)

have higher compressive strength compared to the sample with course rice

straw fiber (RSF-C). The rice straw that was used were around 5mm (coarse

RSF) and 2 mm (fine RSF) as shown in figure 2.4. Cement ratio used were

0.54 and 0.42.

Figure 2.2
Compressive strength data for w/c = 0.42

Note. Adapted from Results and Discussion, by Ataie F., 2018, p. 6. Copyright
2018 Concrete Industry Management Program.

Figure 2.3
Compressive strength data for w/c = 0.54

Note. Adapted from Results and Discussion, by Ataie F., 2018, p. 6. Copyright
2018 by Concrete Industry Management Program.
 15

Figure 2.4

Note: Coarse
(left) and fine rice straw fiber.

In the study of Cai J., et al. (2017) it was found out that the overall

performance of cement-based composite with short fiber is better than that

with long fiber. It was discovered by increasing the amount of straw in a

cement mix composite reduces mechanical properties such as compressive

strength. Figure 2.5 indicates that the compressive strength (fc) of cement-

based composites decreases with increasing straw fiber percentage at 7days

and 28days curing; the strength of the cement-based composite with 5% straw

fiber content is 4-6 times that of the composite with more than 15% straw fiber

concentration. As a result, straw fiber content is one of the most important

factors influencing the properties of cement-based composites.

 16

Figure 2.5
Effect of fiber content on compressive strength of cement-based composite

Portland Cement

According to Chavan R. et al. (2021), in general, “cement” can be

described as any material that can bind together various materials through

various processes. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is the most common type

of cement, and it may be used in all types of concrete structures. With yearly

global production of roughly 3.8 million cubic meters, it is the most widely

produced and utilized form of cement on the planet. This cement can be used

in any type of concrete building (Imbabi M. et al., 2012).

Compressive Strength of Concrete Cylinders C39 Standard Specification

 17

According to Clason M. (2021), the compressive strength of concrete

determines whether it can support the weight of what is placed on top of it or if

it would splinter into a million pieces and cause the structure to collapse. It is

critical for engineers to understand the strength of concrete. The cylinders

must be 4 inches in diameter by 8 inches in length or 6 inches in diameter by

12 inches in length.

Standard Specification for Pedestrian and Light Traffic Pavement Brick

According to ASTM International (2011), ASTM C 902 is a specification

for brick that is being used as a pavement material for pedestrian and light

vehicular traffic. The units are intended for pedestrian applications and

vehicular places with modest vehicular traffic volumes, such as home

driveways and streets, as well as commercial driveways (passenger drop-

offs). Based on the National Brick Research Center Clemson University

(2017), extensive research work done in the brick industry on the durability of

pavement units led to the development of a new set of specification

requirements. Table 2.4. shows the Detailed the standard specification for

ASTM C902.
 18

Table 2.3

Standard specification for Pedestrian and Light Traffic Paving Brick C 902

Compressive Strength,
Cold Water Saturation Coefficient,
flatwise, gross area, min,
Absorption, max, % maxA
Description psi (MPa)
Average of Average Average
Individual Individual Individual
5 Brick of 5 Brick of 5 Brick
7000
Class SX 8000 (55.2) 8.0 11.0 0.78 .80
(48.3)
2500
Class MX 3000 (20.7) 14.0 17.0 no limit no limit
(17.2)
2500
Class NX 3000 (20.7) no limit no limit no limit no limit
(17.2)

Note:
 Class SX – brick intended for use where the brick may be frozen while
saturated with water
 Class MX – exterior use where resistance to freezing is not a factor
 Class NX – Not for exterior use

Design of Crowning

Since pavements are exposed to any weather condition, one of the

considerations in designing of pavement is the drainage. Water from

precipitation must be drained away quickly so that water will not stack from the

roads or pavements. According to the Virginia Asphalt Association (2020),

water on the pavement surface should not be allowed to be stocked on the

pavement surface and must be drained to curb and gutter because it affects

the performance and the strength of the pavement layer when it is saturated.

To address this issue, proper elevation and crown are essential to pavement

surface drainage, it is important that at pavement should be designed with a

 19

crown or cross slope with a minimum of 2% slope as shown in Figure 2.6.

Based on PennState Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies (2019), a cross

slope of a paved subdivision road is typically 2%, or ¼” of fall per horizontal

foot of road width. Based on the book of Wright, P. & Dixon, K. (2004), a

typical four-lane urban road has a 4 % profile grade, normally roadway

surfaces are crowned or sloped to facilitate the removal of surface water.

Figure 2.6
Design of Crowning

Conceptual Framework

The relationship of variables in this study indicates that the treatment

mixing ratios of pavement blocks with rice straw as admixture can influence it's

physical and mechanical properties. The research paradigm of this study is

shown in Figure 2.7.

Figure 2.7
Paradigm of the study
 20

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Treatment Conditions: Physical Property:

Control Mixing Ratio:  Mass Density
C=1:2:4
Mechanical Property:
Treatment Mixing Ratios:  Compressive
Strength
T1 = 1:2:4: 15%
T2 = 1:2:4: 20%
T3 =1:2:4: 25%

Research Hypotheses

There is a significant difference on the physical property among the

different treatments and control of concrete pavement block with rice straw in

terms of mass density and water absorption.

There is a significant between this study to the previous study.

 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents descriptions of the method used, sources of data,

the data gathering instruments, sampling technique, procedure of the study

and statistical treatment.

Method Used

This study will be a quantitative research, specifically experimental

research and will use complete randomized design. The study will be carried

out using three (3) treatments with three (3) replications, each for 7, 14, and

28-days of concrete curing.

 23

Data Gathering Instrument

The apparatus, devices and laboratory equipment used in the study will

be described as follows:

Universal Testing Machine (UTM)- this machine

is build to deteming the mechanical properties of

a sample such as compression. The machine

can perform different test over different kind of

materials.

Slump Cone- it is an apparatus used to measure

the consistency of concrete in a specific batch which refers to the workability

of a fresh concrete mix in accordance with the ASTM and AASHTO standards.

Weighing Scale- a device that is used to determine the exact weight of a

sample that is helpful for design and construction projects.

Measuring Box- a traditional measuring box that is

used to measure the sand and gravel that is

0.3m x 0.3m by 0.3m having a net volume of 1

cubic foot.
 24

Procedure of the Study

The flow chart of research procedure which includes the preparation of

material, fabrication, curing, characterization of pavement blocks and

statistical treatment of the samples is shown in Figure 3.1.

Figure 3.1
Procedure of the study

Preparation of Materials

Fabrication of Pavement Block Molders

Fabrication of Pavement Block Samples

Curing of Pavement Blocks Samples

Characterization of the Pavement Blocks Samples

Physical Property Test
 Mass Density
 Water Absorption
Mechanical Property Test
 Compressive Strength

Statistical Treatment
 25

Preparation of the Materials

The rice straw will be gathered from the researcher’s locality specifically

in Lower, Ipuan, Poblacion, President Roxas. The rice straw will be cut to

approximately 2cm in length then will be solar dried for 7 days, the initial and

final moisture content will be determined to establish how dry the rice straw

had been. After drying it will be ground approximately 2-4mm in length. After

which, the ground rice straw will be kept inside a zip lock pouch to maintain

the moisture content and to avoid impurities. The other raw materials that will

be needed in the fabrication of the sample such as cement, coarse and fine

sand will be weighed according to the mixing ratios of the different treatments.

Fabrication of Pavement Block Molders

The molder that will be fabricated to make the pavement block samples

will be based on the ASTM C39 specification. A cylindrical PVC plastic molder

with an inner diameter of 6” (152.4mm) and a height of 12” (304.8mm) will be

used for compressive strength test shown in Figure 3.2. A 1” x 1” x1” molder

will be used for the physical property test as shown in Figure 3.3.
 26

Figure 3.2
Cylindrical PVC Plastic Molder for compressive test samples

Figure 3.3
Wooden Pavement Block Molder for physical property test samples
 27

Fabrication of Pavement Block Samples

The components of the sample such as rice straw, cement, coarse and

fine sand will be proportioned according to the design mixing ratio of the

treatment based on the Max Fajardo’s volume method of concrete mixing

proportion.

All the components under each treatment will be manually and

thoroughly mixed over a flat surface. The molder will be brushed with oil to

prevent the sample from sticking to the molder. Slump cone test will be

conducted to monitor the water-cement ratio and to determine the amount of

water needed to achieve consistency and to obtain the water cement ratio. A

concrete vibrator will be used to remove voids in the sample inside the molder.

Table 3.1
Mixing Ratio
Rice Straw
Cement in Sand Gravel
Samples (Percent max
Bag (50kg) (cu. m.) (cu. m.)
of cement)
Control (1:2:4) 7 0.5 1.0 0
Treatment 1 7 0.5 1.0 3
Treatment 2 7 0.5 1.0 6
Treatment 3 7 0.5 1.0 9
 28

Curing of Pavement Block Samples

The concrete pavement block samples will be removed from the molder

after twenty-four (24) hours. All the samples will be placed into a plastic drum

and then filled with tap water. The samples will be soaked for 7, 14 and 28

days for the compression testing.

Characterization of Pavement Block Samples

After seven (7) days of curing, the mechanical property and physical

property of the different treatments will be determined. Compression test will

be performed at DPWH 1st District Engineering Laboratory at Lanao,

Kidapawan City while the mass density will be determined at Notre Dame of

Kidapawan City Engineering Laboratory. Same test will be made after the next

14 and 28 days of curing.

Density Test of the Pavement Block Samples

The density test of pavement blocks in each treatment will be

performed after 28 days of curing. The exact length, width, thickness and

weight of the sample will be measured. The density of each sample will be

determined using the equation:

 29

mass(kg)
Density=
volume (m3)

Water Absorption Test of the Pavement Block Samples

The water absorption test of the pavement block samples in each

treatment will be performed in accordance with the ASTM D570. The

specimens were dried in an oven for a specified time and temperature until

constant weight was achieved and then cooled down. The dried specimens

were weighed immediately after cooling. The dried samples were then

submerged in water for 24 hours. Specimens were then removed, patted dry

with a dry cloth, and weighed. Water absorption is expressed as increase in

weight percent. The water absorption was calculated based on the equation

below.

(Wsat −Wdry)
Water Absorption= ∗100
Wdry

Where:

Wsat = weight of specimen at saturated

W dry = weight of specimen at dry condition

Compression Test of the Pavement Block Samples

Using the Universal Testing Machine (UTM) in accordance with the

ASTM C39, the compression test of the pavement block samples will be
 30

performed and determined. Each sample will be respectively placed on the

lower bearing block to align the axis of the sample to the center of the testing

machine in a vertical position. The load indicator will be set to zero prior to the

starting of the test. A compressive load of 35 ± 7 psi/s (0.25 ± 0.05 MPa/s) will

be continuously applied and without shock until failure or until the operator is

certain that the ultimate capacity has been achieved. The maximum load

carried by the specimen during the test and note the type of fracture pattern

will be recorded.

Slump Cone Test

Slump cone, tamping rod and tape measure was used to measure the

consistency of the concrete that refers to the workability of concrete. The

slump cone was filled with freshly mixed concrete in three layers. Each layer

was tapped with a tamping rod. After filling the last layer, the slump was then

lifted upward and then measured to the nearest 5mm.

Statistical Treatment

A complete randomized design (CRD) will be used to evaluate and

analyze the significant difference among the different treatments in terms of

mass density, water absorption and compressive strength of the concrete

pavement blocks with rice straw as admixtures. Post-hoc analysis will be used
 31

to compare the samples and all statistical analysis will be interpreted based on

a one- tailed test at 5% level of significance.

 CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents the analyses, interpretations and implications of

the study.

Mechanical Property of the Concrete Pavement Blocks

The results of the compressive strength of the concrete pavement

blocks for the control, treatments and replications are presented in Figure 4.1.

Figure 4.1
Compressive strength data of the concrete pavement blocks.
10
9.34
9

8
6.99
7

6
MPa

5
4.29
4
3.22
2.87
3
1.77 1.68 1.92
2 1.61
1.33 1.23
0.9
1

0
Control Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3

7 days 14 days 28 days

 32

Based on the result, the highest compressive strength is at the 28 days

of curing and the lowest is at the 7 days. The compressive strength of the

concrete pavement block decreased in each treatment. The strength of the

pavement block decreased by 25.16% when there had 3% of fined rice straw

admixture, it decreased by 54.07% when the sample had 6% of fined rice

straw admixture and it decreased by 79.44% with 9% of fined rice straw

admixture compared to control. This implies that all the treatments did not

satisfy the ASTM C902 minimum requirement of 17.2MPa. It was also found

out that as the amount of the fine rice straw (2-4mm in length) increases the

compressive strength of the pavement block decreases which have the same

result to the study of Camsa R. et al. (2019) when using approximately 3cm

rice straw.
 33

Physical Properties of the Concrete Pavement Blocks

Figure 4.2 shows the physical properties of the control and different

treatments conditions of the concrete pavement blocks in terms of mass

density and water absorption.

Figure 4.2
Physical properties of the concrete pavement blocks.
40.00 2300
2258
2250
35.00
2189 2200
30.00
2128 2150
25.00
2100

kg/m3
20.00 2050
%

1979 2000
15.00
1950
8.60% 9.44%
10.00 7.67%
6.76% 1900
5.00
1850

0.00 1800
Control Treatment 1 Treatment 2 Treatment 3

Water Absorption Mass Density

In terms of the mass density of the of the concrete pavement blocks,

the data showed that each samples have different mass density and it

decreased in each treatment. The control has the highest mass density of

2258 kg/m3, while the treatment 3 (9% fine rice straw) has the lowest mass
 34

density of 1979 kg/m3. It showed the same result when using finer and drier

rice straw on the study of Camsa R. et al. (2019) that adding rice straw can

make the concrete pavement block lighter.

It was shown in the same figure that the control had the lowest

absorption of 6.76% and the treatment 3 had the highest water absorption of

9.44%. It depicts that the greater the amount of rice straw the greater the

amount of water absorbed. Based on the data only the treatment 1 and control

passed the maximum water absorption of 8% for severe weather condition

specified in ASTM C902.

 35

Analysis of Variance of the Physical Properties of the Pavement Block

ANOVA was performed for the complete randomized design (CRD)

test. Table 4.1 presents the result of the analysis of variance.

Table 4.1
Analysis of variance on the mass density and water absorption of the
pavement blocks
Source of Sum of Mean
df P-Value Remarks
Variation Squares Square
Mass 126824.25
3 42274.750 0.000141 Significant
Density 0
Water
12.066 3 4.022 0.004 Significant
Absorption

Table 4.1 showed a P-value of 0.000141 in mass density and P-value

of 0.004 in water absorption. These P-values were less than 0.05 level of

significance, this implies that there is a significant difference among the

different treatments and control. The mass density and water absorption of the

concrete pavement block with rice straw were affected by the amount of rice

straw admixture.
 36

Table 4.2
Post-hoc analysis on the mass density and water absorption of the pavement
blocks
95% Confidence
Mean
Dependen (I) (J) Std. Interval
Differenc Sig.
t Variable TR TR Error Lower Upper
e (I-J)
Bound Bound
T1 69.000 31.883 .062 -4.52 142.52
C T2 130.000* 31.883 .004 56.48 203.52
T3 278.667* 31.883 .000 205.14 352.19
C -69.000 31.883 .062 -142.52 4.52
T1 T2 61.000 31.883 .092 -12.52 134.52
Mass T3 209.667* 31.883 .000 136.14 283.19
Density C -130.000* 31.883 .004 -203.52 -56.48
T2 T1 -61.000 31.883 .092 -134.52 12.52
T3 148.667* 31.883 .002 75.14 283.19
C -278.667* 31.883 .000 -352.19 -205.14
T3 T1 -209.667* 31.883 .000 -283.19 -136.14
T2 -148.667* 31.883 .002 -222.19 -75.14
T1 -.91333 .51763 .116 -2.1070 .2803
C T2 -1.84000* .51763 .007 -3.0337 -.6463
T3 -2.68000* .51763 .001 -3.8737 -1.4863
C .91333 .51763 .116 -.2803 2.1070
T1 T2 -.92667 .51763 .111 -2.1203 .2670
Water T3 -1.76667* .51763 .009 -2.9603 -.5730
Absorption C 1.84000* .51763 .007 .6463 3.0337
T2 T1 .92667 .51763 .111 -.2670 2.1203
T3 -.84000 .51763 .143 -2.0337 .3537
C 2.68000* .51763 .001 1.4863 3.8737
T3 T1 1.76667* .51763 .009 .5730 2.9603
T2 .84000 .51763 .143 -.3537 2.0337

Table 4.2 showed further analysis of the specific difference of each

treatment and control. The test revealed that treatment 3 (9% fine rice straw)
 37

indicated the most negative mean difference of significant value and have a

significance of less than 0.05. This means that treatment 3 is the lightest of all

the treatment and control in terms of the mass density of the samples. On the

water absorption, the most negative lies in the control and the significance

were less than 0.05. This means that control absorbs the least water among

the other treatment.

Analysis of Variance of the Compressive test between this study and the

previous.

Table 4.3
Analysis of variance on the compressive strength with the previous study.
Source of Sum of Mean
df P-Value Remarks
Variation Squares Square
Compressiv
0.02 1 0.02 0.988 Not Significant
e Strength

It was shown on Table 4.3 that the P-Value is 0.988 which is greater

than 0.05. This indicates that there is no significant difference between this

study to the previous study. When using fined and dried rice straw, gives the

same result to the previous study that the compressive strength decreased

and became lighter.

38
 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the summary, conclusions and recommendations

of the study.

Summary

1. All the treatment did not pass the minimum compressive strength

requirement prescribed by ASTM C902. Treatment 3 has the lowest

compressive strength which has the highest content of fine rice straw

admixture.

2. Treatment 3 provided the least density, and with the highest water

absorption rate. The higher the rice straw content of the pavement

blocks, the less dense it becomes and more absorbent. Only treatment

1 and control passed the maximum water absorption for severe weather

condition specified in ASTM C902.

3. There is no significant difference between this study to the previous

study. Based on the result, when using finer and drier rice straw
 39

compared to the rice straw used by the previous researchers, it still

arrives with the same result that adding rice straw affects the properties

of the concrete pavement blocks. Increasing the amount of rice straw

makes the pavement block lighter but does not increase its strength.

4. Due to its high-water absorption rate, it is likely to have a concrete

bleeding. As shown in the appendices there are some changes to the

color of water and it became turbid because of the laitance layer that

has been developed.

5. The length of the rice straw affected the better bonding of the concrete

Conclusions

Based on the findings of the study, the researchers concluded that the

pavement block with fined and dried rice straw as admixture is not suitable for

Pedestrian and Light Traffic Pavements.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations

were generated:

1. This rice straw concrete pavement block can be recommended only

for light weight use, such as patios, backyards and gardens.

 40

2. Try to consider chemical treatments in rice straw to remove

impurities that may affect the bonding of concrete and the rice straw.

3. Reduce the rice straw content.

4. Consider using different mixing ratio.

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APPENDICES
 45

Appendix A

Mass Density of Pavement Block at Different Treatments and Control

Treatment Ratio Oven-dried density (kg/m3)

Replication
Cement: FS : CS : Rice Straw Individual Average

CR1 2288

1: 2: 4: 0 CR2 2243
2258
CR3 2243

T1R1 2174

1: 2: 4: 3% T1R2 2185
2189
T1R3 2208

T2R1 2082

1: 2: 4: 6% T2R2 2151
2128
T2R3 2151

T3R1 1945

1: 2: 4: 9% T3R2 1945 1979

T3R3 2048
 46

Appendix B

Water Absorption of Pavement Block at Different Treatments and Control

Treatment Ratio Oven-dried density (kg/m3)

Replication
Cement: FS : CS : Rice Straw Individual Average

CR1 7.50

1: 2: 4: 0 CR2 6.63
6.76
CR3 6.12

T1R1 7.89

1: 2: 4: 3% T1R2 7.85
7.67
T1R3 7.25

T2R1 7.69

1: 2: 4: 6% T2R2 9.04
8.60
T2R3 9.04

T3R1 9.41

1: 2: 4: 9% T3R2 8.82
9.44
T3R3 10.06
 47

Appendix C

Request Letter for Compressive Test

 48

Appendix D

Request Letter for Oven

 49

Appendix E

Compressive Test Report on Concrete Sample C (1 C: 2 FS: 4: CS) 7

Days Cured
 50

Appendix F

Compressive Test Report on Concrete Sample T1 (1 C: 2 FS: 4: CS:

3%RS) 7 Days Cured
Appendix G
 51

Compressive Test Report on Concrete Sample T2 (1 C: 2 FS: 4: CS:

6%RS) 7 Days Cured

Appendix H
 52

Compressive Test Report on Concrete Sample T3 (1 C: 2 FS: 4: CS:

9%RS) 7 Days Cured

Appendix I
 53

Compressive Test Report on Concrete Sample C (1 C: 2 FS: 4: CS) 14

Days Cured

Appendix J
 54

Compressive Test Report on Concrete Sample T1 (1 C: 2 FS: 4: CS:

3%RS) 14 Days Cured

Appendix K
 55

Compressive Test Report on Concrete Sample T2 (1 C: 2 FS: 4: CS:

6%RS) 14 Days Cured

Appendix L
 56

Compressive Test Report on Concrete Sample T3 (1 C: 2 FS: 4: CS:

9%RS) 14 Days Cured

Appendix M
 57

Compressive Test Report on Concrete Sample C (1 C: 2 FS: 4: CS) 28

Days Cured

Appendix N
 58

Compressive Test Report on Concrete Sample T1 (1 C: 2 FS: 4: CS:

3%RS) 28 Days Cured

Appendix O
 59

Compressive Test Report on Concrete Sample T2 (1 C: 2 FS: 4: CS:

6%RS) 28 Days Cured

Appendix P
 60

Compressive Test Report on Concrete Sample T3 (1 C: 2 FS: 4: CS:

9%RS) 28 Days Cured

Appendix Q
 61

Documentation

Gathering and cutting of rice straw admixture.

 62

Solar drying and monitoring of weight.

Grinding the rice straw.

Preparing the materials for casting of the samples.

 63

Fabrication of the pavement block samples.

Removing of the pavement block samples from the molder after 24 hours.
 64

Determining the consistency of the fresh concrete and with rice straw
Performing the compression test of the pavement block samples.
admixture.

Remov

Curing of the pavement block samples

 65

Submerging samples to water for 24 hours.

Measuring the saturated weight of the samples.

 66

Vita

Name: Dawnald F. Pepito

Address: Lower Ipuan, Poblacion, President Roxas,
Cotabato
Birthdate: November 20, 1999

Educational Attainment
College Notre Dame of Kidapawan College
Datu Ingkal St., Kidapawan City
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
2018 - Present

Secondary President Roxas National High School

Aguinaldo St. President Roxas Cotabato
2012 – 2018

Elementary F. Canay Elementary School

Lower Ipuan, President Roxas, Cotabato
2006 - 2012

Affiliation
JPICE Club Member
 67

Vita

Name: Ian Kirby Redondo

Address: Brgy. Balindog Kidapwan City
Birthday: May 27, 1999

Educational Attainment
College Notre Dame of Kidapawan College
Datu Ingkal St. Kidapawan City
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
2018 - 2021

Secondary St. Mary's Academy of Kidapawan

2012 – 2018

Elementary St. Mary’s Academy of Kidapawan

2006 – 2012

Affiliation
JPICE Club Officer (Auditor)
68