RICE HUSK OR COCONUT HUSK FIBER FOR CONSTRUCTION OR

SOIL STABILIZATION
RESEARCH PROBLEM
Soil stabilization and construction issues are of great concern in the Philippines. The Philippines
experiences heavy rainfall and frequent typhoons, resulting in landslides and soil degradation.
The College of Engineering at Angeles University Foundation has conducted research on
biological methods, such as the utilization of vetiver grass, for the purpose of stabilizing soil on
steep slopes and degraded land (Lilia R.A. et al.,2012) In the metropolitan area of Manila, the
soil bearing capacities of various regions have been assessed to assist in the design of shallow
foundations for low-rise construction projects [2]. Soil degradation, particularly soil erosion, is a
prevalent problem in the Philippines, impacting upland soils and impeding crop growth [3].
Moreover, soil stabilization techniques utilizing locally available resources such as rice husk ash
have been investigated in order to reduce expenses and environmental risks [4]. In
Banyuwangi, the application of lime for chemical stabilization has been investigated as a means
to enhance the properties of expansive soils and mitigate volume changes that could potentially
harm structures [5].
RESOURCES NEEDED
Taking into account that this research is a capstone project, the researchers would need resources
to make the experiment possible. Resources such as rice husk or coconut husk fiber as the main
components of creating the project are needed .

Soil stabilization through the utilization of rice husk and coconut husk fiber presents a viable and cost-
efficient approach for the purpose of construction. The incorporation of rice husk ash (RHA) and coconut
coir fiber as additives has been employed to enhance the mechanical properties of soil. RHA serves as a
substitute for expensive stabilizing agents such as cement and lime, thereby reducing both stabilization
costs and environmental risks (Mohit S. et al.,2022). The presence of high lignin content in coconut coir
fiber makes it a robust natural material that can effectively enhance the maximum dry density and
California bearing ratio (CBR) of soil (K.Yugandhara Reddy et al., 2018). The utilization of waste rice
straw fiber materials in foundation construction without the need for open burning also contributes to
the mitigation of pollution (Erny A. et al., 2023). Moreover, coconut fiber has been demonstrated to
significantly reinforce silty soil, with shorter fibers demonstrating superior performance in terms of
unconfined compressive strength (UCS) (Siti Fatimah S. et al., 2022).Overall, the utilization of rice husk
and coconut husk fiber in soil stabilization presents not only economic advantages but also
environmental benefits for construction endeavors in the Philippines.