DEVELOPMENT OF CONCRETE PAVEMENT

BLOCK USING PULVERISED APPLE SNAIL

SHELL AS SUBSTITUTE TO FINE AGGREGATES

A Project Study

Presented to the faculty of the

Engineering Technology Department
College of Industrial Technology
Technological University of the Philippines
Ayala Blvd. corner San Marcelino St. Ermita, Manila

by

JORGENE AEZZY P. BARREDO

JOHN ERIC BATUTO
JOHNLLOYD DE GUZMAN
JOHN MARK MENDOZA
ROMELLA Z. MUNOZ

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree

Bachelor of Engineering Technology Major in Construction Technology

June 2023
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Concrete pavement blocks are widely used in exterior pavement applications

due to their durability and low maintenance. However, the production of concrete blocks

requires a significant amount of natural resources, including sand and gravel, which can

lead to environmental degradation. This issue has led researchers to investigate

alternative materials that can be used in the production of concrete blocks.

One potential substitute material is pulverized apple snail shell, which contains

calcium carbonate that can be used as a substitute for fine aggregates in concrete mixtures.

As Amnart et al. (2018) explain, "The apple snail shells contain a calcium carbonate

(CaCO3). The calcium carbonate cannot be dissolved in water and it is stable at normal

temperatures. When it is heated with high temperatures, it will form a calcium oxide

together with that, it will release a carbon dioxide when it decomposes." This property

makes apple snail shell a promising substitute for traditional fine aggregates in concrete

mixtures.

The main problem addressed in this study is the need for more sustainable and

environmentally friendly methods of producing concrete pavement blocks. The use of

traditional materials in the production of concrete blocks has led to environmental

degradation, and substitute materials are needed to address this issue. By investigating the

use of pulverized apple snail shell as a substitute to fine aggregates, this study aims to

develop a more sustainable method of producing concrete pavement blocks.

 There is evidence to support the need for more sustainable methods of

producing concrete blocks. As Nisbet and Chini (2019) note, "Concrete production is

responsible for 8% of global CO2 emissions, making it one of the largest contributors to

climate change." This highlights the urgency of finding alternative materials and methods

for producing concrete blocks that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

The causes of the problem are primarily the use of traditional materials in the

production of concrete blocks, which require significant amounts of natural resources and

contribute to environmental degradation. The effects of this problem include increased

CO2 emissions and environmental degradation.

The perceived solution to this problem is the use of alternative materials, such

as pulverized apple snail shell, in the production of concrete blocks. By substituting

traditional fine aggregates with pulverized apple snail shell, it may be possible to produce

more sustainable and environmentally friendly concrete pavement blocks. The strategy

for this solution will involve experimental testing to determine the optimal ratio of

pulverized apple snail shell to traditional materials in concrete mixtures.

Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this study is to develop a concrete pavement block

using pulverized apple snail shells as a substitute to fine aggregates. Specifically, this

study intended to:

1. Analyze the chemical and physical properties of crushed apple snail shells.
 2. Evaluate the compressive strength and water absorption capacity of concrete

pavement blocks using pulverized apple snail shells as a substitute to fine

aggregates.

3. Assess the properties of the pavement blocks with those of conventional

pavement blocks.

 Measuring the project's performance.

 Prototype Design

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The scope of this study is focused on the development of concrete pavement

blocks using pulverized apple snail shells as an substitute. The research aims to

contribute to the construction industry by producing a sustainable substitute material for

pavement blocks. The study will be conducted at the Technological University of the

Philippines (TUP) in Manila, with testing taking place at the Integrated Research and

Training Center (IRTC).

During the school year 2023-2024, the researchers will gather apple snail shells

from Pangasinan. The prior size of the pavement blocks used is 100mm x 200mm x
60mm. The target respondents for this study are professors and engineers, particularly

those with expertise in creating concrete pavement blocks, specifically in the College of

Industrial Technology.

The study's significance lies in its potential benefits to various stakeholders.

The utilization of apple snail shells as a substitute to fine aggregates in the production of

concrete pavement blocks offers a sustainable solution. This substitute material not only

reduces the population of apple snails but also provides potential income for Filipino

farmers.

However, it is important to note the limitations of the study. The research is

confined to the development of concrete pavement blocks using pulverized apple snail

shells, and the findings may not be directly applicable to other construction materials or

applications. The study's scope is limited to the specific methodologies employed and the

target population involved. Additionally, the study's generalizability may be limited to the

specific geographic area and conditions in which it is conducted.