Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Coconut shell ash contains silica, alumina, and other mineral components that

can contribute to the binding properties of concrete. When used as a partial

replacement for cement, it can enhance the workability and durability of the concrete

mixture. The ash's pozzolanic properties allow it to react with calcium hydroxide in

the presence of moisture, forming additional cementitious compounds that contribute

to the strength and durability of the final concrete product. (Kavishan Sathsara

Ranatunga a,)

The utilization of coconut shell ash as a partial replacement for cement

involves incorporating this ash into the concrete mix to replace a portion of the

cementitious material. This practice is based on the idea of improving sustainability

and reducing the environmental impact of concrete production.

The amount of coconut shell ash that can be added depends on various factors,

such as the desired concrete strength, local materials, and specific project

requirements. Proper testing and mix design are essential to ensure that the concrete

maintains its desired properties.

Research studies aim to determine the optimal percentage of coconut shell ash

that can be added to concrete mixes without compromising the compressive strength

and other essential properties. The goal is to strike a balance between sustainable

resource utilization and maintaining the structural integrity of the concrete.

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1.2 Conceptual Frame Work

The effect of coconut shell ash as Compressive strength and

partial replacement of portland absorption of 0%, 5%, 10% and
cement 4 inches concrete hollow 15 % coconut shell ash as partial
blocks. replacement to cement in 4 inches
concrete hollow blocks.

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 INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE

1.3 Statement of the Problem

The main problem of this study is to determine the compressive strength of coconut

shell ash as partial replacement for Portland cement in 4” concrete hollow blocks (CHB).

Specifically, it attempts to answer the following problem;

 What is the compressive strength and absorption of the Portland cement

concrete hollow blocks containing 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% coconut shell

ash?

1.4 Null Hypothesis

The compressive strength of concrete hollow blocks containing 0%, 5%, 10% and

15% of coconut shell ash as partial replacement to cement cannot be determine.

1.5 Scope and Limitations of the study

This study focuses only on the utilization of coconut shell ash as partial replacement

for cement in 4” thick concrete hollow blocks. The CHB samples contain weight percent of

0%, 5%, 10% and 15% coconut shell ashes.

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 Furthermore, this study is only limited on the determination of the compressive

strength 28 concrete hollow blocks with varying weight percent of coconut shell ashes after it

has been cured for 7, 14, and 28 days. The researchers will test the compressive strength of

the CHB using the compressive strength machine at the Department of the public works and

highways district II.

1.6 Significance of the study

The significance of the study is to lessen the waste of coconut shell as one of the

ingredients of concrete hollow blocks and lessen the waste of coconut shell in any places.

This study would also be beneficial to the following:

Environment - The result of this study will contribute to the environment which reduces the

increasing number of waste coconut shell.

Researchers – It helps develop their knowledge and gives valuable experience on what to do

in the research field.

Future researchers – The study’s conclusion and findings can serve as a guide for launching

a fresh investigation involving coconut shell ash.

Coconut planters - It can expand their market reach beyond just selling coconuts or coconut

products. They can diversify their income by participating in the supply chain for

construction materials using coconut shell ash.

1.7 Definition of Key Terms

The following are the key terms defined conceptually and operationally which

presents the definitions in this study to understand clearly:

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Coconut Shell – is the strongest part covered in coconut fruit. Coconut shell is located in

between the coconut flesh and coconut husk.

Coconut Shell Ash – It is obtained from Coconut Shell that is heated at a very high

temperature (between 300-500 degree Celsius) to achieve its physical properties as ash and

its cementitious properties as.

Compressive strength – is the capacity of a material or structure to withstand forces that are

pushing on it potentially causing material to compress or be crushed.

Compressive strength testing machine - is used to measure the compressive strength of a

material. The CTM is designed to apply a compressive load to the sample until it fails.

Concrete Hollow Block (CHB) – A hollow concrete block is a block made of concrete that

has hollow spaces between its walls.

Curing – is a process during which a chemical reaction or physical action takes place,

resulting in a harder, tougher or more stable linkage (such as an adhesive bond) or substance

(such as concrete).

Portland cement – is the product obtained by pulverizing clinker, consisting of hydraulic

calcium silicates to which some calcium sulfate has usually been provided as an interground

addition.

Pozzolanic – finely divided siliceous or siliceous and aluminous material that reacts

chemically with slaked lime at ordinary temperature and in the presence of moisture to form a

strong slow-hardening cement

Ventilated Oven - provides uniform and precise temperature control for functions such as

heating, baking, evaporating, drying, sterilizing and other industrial laboratory functions.

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Water - a substance composed of the chemical elements hydrogen and oxygen and existing

in gaseous, liquid, and solid states.

Water Absorption- is used to determine the amount of water absorbed under specified

conditions, usually by immersing the specimen in water for a specific period of time.

Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

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 This chapter presents a review of the materials that are related to the concepts

considered in this study. The first part deals with the literature related to the study.

Meanwhile, the second part deals with the deals with the comprehensive review of work

carried out by various researchers in the field of reusing waste materials, such as coconut

shell. And the last part is the related readings of the study.

2.1 Related Literature

2.1.1 Coconut shell

2.1.1.1 Coconut shell ash as a cementitious material in concrete

“Coconut shell ash as a cementitious material in concrete: A Review”

Jurnal Kejuruteraan

February 2021

Retrived From: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349711351

_Coconut_Shell_Ash_as_Cementitious_Material_in_Concrete_A_Revi

ew

Coconut shell is available in abundant quantity in local

agricultural fields and considered as waste product. On the

other hand, cement production emits a lot of toxic gases in the

atmosphere which causes environmental pollution and

greenhouse gases. Thus,

CSA might be utilized as a cementitious material in concrete

for sustainable development.

2.1.1.2 Chemical Properties of Coconut shell ash

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“Coconut Shell Ash as Partial Substitute to Cement in Concrete

Hollow Blocks”

J S Lumbab12, J Bongo1 , R M Moralde1 and G I Villaceran1

1Civil

Engineering Department, Cebu Technological University

Corner M.J. Cuenco Ave. & R. Palma St., Cebu City, 6000,

Philippines

Retried from: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/ 10.1088/1755-

1315/1184/1/012024/pdf#:~:tect=Coconut%20Shell%Ash

%compromises%2045.02,to%the%20concrete%20%5B9%5D

Coconut Shell Ash comprises 45.02% of SiO2 or silicon

dioxide, commonly known as silica. Silica in fine-grained form

holds a high pozzolanic activity; this makes silica a valuable

component of the binder when producing concrete. It imparts

strength to the concrete. Coconut Shell particles are found to

have high lignin and lower cellulose. The coconut shell has

46% lignin. Lignin adds to the workability of concrete as it is

more weather resistant. The cellulose content is 26.6%. Low

cellulose indicates less moisture absorption [8]. Based on, CSA

can be classified as a Class N pozzolan, which, by definition, is

a raw or calcined natural pozzolan that meets specified

requirements. It contains some di, reaching, opaline cherts and

shales, tufts and volcanic ashes or pumicites, and various

materials requiring calcination, such as clay and shale. The

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 maximum loss of ignition for a Class N pozzolan is 10%, and it

is noted that CS has a low LoI of 4.28%, which means that the

amount of unburned carbon in CSA is minimal. This is

beneficial for the concrete since a large percentage of losses

during combustion results in a decreased strength of concrete

because it reduces the pozzolanic activity.

2.1.1.3 Advantage of coconut shell

“Use of Coconut Shell Ash as Aggregate”

Lalit Kumar1, Kamal Kumar Pandey2, and Sabir Khan3

(Department of Civil Engineering, JIMS Engineering

Management

Technical Campus, Greater Noida, U.P., India)

Retrieved from:

https://www.indusedu.org/pdfs/IJSTRESS/IJSTRESS_1059_77

217.PDF

The coconut shell in the form of ash is a material which

can be as a substitute of cement. The research indicates that the

materials rich in amorphous silica can be used as partial

replacement of cement. Use of such material can lead

to increase the compressive and flexural strength.

2.1.1.4 Importance of compressive strength

Retrieved from: https://www.bigdreadymix.com/what-is-the-standard-

strength-of-concrete/#:~:text=Compressive%20Strength%20Of

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 %20Concrete&text=Considering%20this%20aspect%20of

%20concrete,requirements%20of%20a%20specific%20project.

Compressive strength is a widely accepted measure to access

the performance of a given concrete mixture. Considering this aspect

of concrete is important because it is the primary measure determining

how well concrete can withstand loads that affect its size. It accurately

tells you whether or not a particular mix is suitable to meet the

requirements of a specific project.

Concrete can excellently resist compressive loading. This is

why it is suitable for constructing arches, columns, dams, foundations,

and tunnel linings.

Concrete’s compressive strength is ascertained with cylindrical

specimens made of fresh concrete. It is then tested in compression at

various ages. The size and shape may also affect the indicated strength.

Additional tests are further conducted to obtain detailed information on

the competence of strength development.

Usually, the compressive strength of concrete varies from 2500

psi (17 MPa) to 4000 psi (28 MPa) and higher

in residential and commercial structures. Several applications also

utilize strengths greater than 10,000 psi (70 MPa).

2.1.1.5 Importance of Curing

“Importance of curing of fresh concrete”

Kerala's 1st Specialized Academy for Civil Engineers

March 12, 2020

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 Curing plays an important role in strength development and

durability of concrete. Curing takes place immediately after concrete

placing and finishing, and involves maintenance of desired moisture

and temperature conditions, both at depth and near the surface, for

extended periods of time. Curing is the process of controlling moisture

loss from concrete that has already been placed. Curing ensures

hydration of the cement, which in turn enhances it, s strength and

durability. Curing takes place immediately after placing the concrete

and deals with maintenance of the desired temperature and moisture

for extended periods of time. Properly cured concrete has an adequate

amount of moisture for continued hydration and development of

strength, volume stability, resistance to freezing and thawing, and

abrasion and scaling resistance.

2.1.1.6 Water Absorption in Concrete Hollow Blocks

Retrieved from: (https://civilweb-spreadsheets.com/reinforced-

concrete- design/waterabsortion-of-aggregate)

The water absorption of the fine aggregate and the water absorption

of the coarse aggregates may differ significantly, particularly when they are

not coming from the same source or have not been stored in the same

conditions. The Water Absorption value for aggregates describes the

percentage increase in weight between the dry aggregates and the saturated

aggregates. Therefore, the absorption value is the amount of water which

the aggregates are able to hold. The average absorption shall not be less

than to 5% with individual unit of no. greater than 7%.

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2.2 Related Studies

2.2.1. Experimental Study on Partial Replacement of Cement with Coconut Shell

Ash in Concrete

Vignesh Kumar Nagarajan1 , S. Aruna Devi2 , S. P. Manohari3 , M. Maria Santha4 1

Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Kamaraj College of

Engineering & Technology, Virudhunagar, India 2, 3, 4UG Students, Department of

Civil Engineering, Kamaraj College of Engineering & Technology, Virudhunagar,

India. (March 2014)

Retrieved from: https://www.ijsr.net/archive/v3i3/MDIwMTMxMjYw.pdf?

fbclid=IwAR2mF7zO74xnurtJ5cM1mZlWiZyJAs34A9kQrSBCH3ANvq5kq9F69Em

0g38

Abstract:

The environmental impact of OPC is significant because its production emits

large amount of CO2. Utilization of industrial soil waste or secondary materials has

been encouraged in construction field for the production of cement and concrete

because it contributes for reducing the consumption of natural raw materials as

resources. The volume of wastes generated in the world has increased over the years

due to increase in population, socioeconomic activities and social development. One

of the most attractive options of managing such wastes is to look into the possibility

of waste minimization and re-use. The cost of cement used in concrete works is on the

increase and unaffordable, yet the need for housing and other constructions requiring

this material keeps growing with increasing population, thus the need to find

alternative binding materials that can be used solely or in partial replacement of

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cement. Agricultural waste material, in this case, coconut shells, which is an

environmental pollutant, are collected and burnt in the open air (uncontrolled

combustion) for three hours and that product is incinerated in muffle furnace at 800o

C for 6 hours to produce coconut shell ash (CSA), which in turn was used as

pozzolana in partial replacement of cement in concrete production. Concrete mortar

cubes were produced using replacement levels of 0 and 5 percent of OPC with CSA.

The Coconut Shell ash is used for the partial replacement of cement. Further, use of

coconut shell ash as a value added material as in the case of binary blended cement

concrete, reduces the consumption of cement. Reduction of cement usage will reduce

the production of cement which in turn cut the CO2 emissions. The time has come for

the review of progress made in the field of development of binary blended cement

concrete.

2.2.2 Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Waste as Partial Coarse Aggregate

Replacement for Concrete Hollow Blocks

Jasper Milo T. Dela Cruz1 , Anjelamari H. Dela Rea1 , Caryl Anne S. Magalong1 ,

Kristine Ann K. Poyaoan1 , Christian Michael P. Velarde1 , Christopher Malay2 1

Senior High School Students, 2 Faculty Member, International School, Lyceum of the

Philippines University-Cavite (May 2020)

Retrieved from:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292983360_Coconut_Shell_Ash_As_Partial

_Replacement_of_Ordinary_Portland_Cement_In_Concrete_Production?

fbclid=IwAR2Y4m_VIDmksRCXpxKNsbfbePZEDy_iwCtrCoKOVQrYq2qUJOilg0

MY7G0

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 Concrete hollow block is a vital component in construction industry because

of its affordability, strength, and convenience. However, the excavation of

conventional coarse aggregates devastates the surroundings with massive

contributions to environmental pollution. Thus, a viable replacement using

agricultural wastes as an aggregate to concrete hollow blocks could lessen its impact

to the environment. The research aimed to identify the potentiality of coconut shells

and coir fiber as partial coarse aggregate replacement to concrete hollow blocks in

terms of compressive strength, water absorption rate, workability, and economic

value. A nominal mix design was applied by the researchers in the production of

cylindrical specimens having two curing days, 14 and 28, with proportions amounting

to 0 % (conventional), 15%, 30% and 45% coconut shell and coir fiber. Results

showed that all the cylindrical specimens passed the American Society for Testing

and Materials (ASTM) standards specifically in non-load bearing concrete. However,

the increasing coconut waste proportions increased the water absorption rate while

decreasing the compressive strength and workability. In addition, total cost of

production was reduced when coconut shells and coir fiber were used compared to the

expenses required in the conventional concrete. The findings prove to be useful in

both construction and agricultural industries by proving the viability of an agricultural

waste, coconut shell and coir fiber, as partial coarse aggregate replacement in making

concrete hollow blocks.

2.2.3 Rice Straw Ashes as Partial Substitute on Portland cement in 4 inches

Concrete Hollow Block: Outcome on Compressive Strength

Khim T. Karim, John Carlo J. Salac, Laetthner C. Sagaral, (May 2023)

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 Rice production is rising due to its high demand and in result, rice straw

wastes are also increasing. The agricultural waste is harmful to the environment

because of it long natural degradation and properties that can cause contamination.

They usually decomposed anywhere from 8 to 24 months when left in the

environment.

The researchers have taken this issue into consideration and conducted

research on utilizing local rice straw wastes as partial replacement in concrete hollow

blocks. Based on the results of the study, the higher the percentage of rice straw ashes,

the compressive strength increases. In comparison with the samples without rice straw

ashes, the compressive strength is higher.

2.3 Related Readings

2.3.1 DPWH Requirement for Portland cement

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 “Fundamentals of Concrete Technology. 2nd Edition”

Jose Reynaldo D. Cuna

Year 2019

Manila, Philippines

The material to be used shall conform to the applicable requirements of

item 700, Hydraulic cement. Only Type I Portland Cement shall be used

unless otherwise provided in the special provisions. Different brands or the

same brands from different mills shall not be mixed nor shall they be used

alternately unless the mix approved by the Engineer. However, the use of

Portland Pozzolan Cement Type IP meeting the requirement of AASHTO M

240/ASTMC 695, Specification for Blended Hydraulic Cement shall allowed,

provided that trial mixes shall be done and that mixes meet the concrete

strength requirements, the AASHTO/ASTM provisions pertinent to the use of

Portland Pozzolan Type IP shall ASTM provisions pertinent to the use of

Portland Pozzolan Type IP shall be adopted.

Cement which for any reason, has becone partially set or which

contains lumps of caked cement will be rejected. Cement salvaged from

discarded or used bags shall not be used. Samples of cement shall be obtained

in accordance with AASHTO 127.

2.3.2 ASTM C55, Standard Specification for Concrete Masonry Units

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 Retrieved from: https://ncma.org/resource/astm-specifications-for-concrete-

masonry-units/

ASTM C55 is the fixed designation for concrete building brick. The

number immediately following indicates the year of last revision (i.e., ASTM

C55-11 is the version of C55 published in 2011). ASTM C55 now only applies

to concrete masonry units with a maximum width of 4” (102 mm); a weight

that typically permit it to be lifted and place using one hand and intended use

in non-facing, utilitarian application.( NCMA TEK 01-01F, Revised 2012).

Specifications

METHOD: ASTM C55 for non-load bearing concrete hollow block

Strength Requirement

Individual 3.45 MPa(500 psi) Minimum

Average 4.14 MPa(600 psi) Minimum

Water Absorption 5% Minimum, 7% Maximum

2.3.3 DPWH Standard Specification for Item 1046 – Masonry Works

D.O 230 Series of 2016

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 Republic of the Philippines – Department of Public Works and Highways

Manila, Philippines

https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/sites/default/files/issuances/

DO_230_s2016.pdf

1046.1 Description

This item shall consist of furnishing of all necessary materials, tools,

equipment, and labor necessary to complete the execution of the masonry works using

concrete hollow bocks and Louver blocks as shown on the plans and herein specified.

1046.2 Material Requirements

1046.2.1 Hydraulic Cement

Hydraulic cement shall conform to the applicable requirements of item 700,

hydraulic cement.

1046.2.2 Aggregates

Aggregate shall conform to the applicable requirements of item 405, structural

concrete.

1046.2.3 Water

Water shall conform to the applicable requirements of item 714, water.

1046.2.4 Reinforcing Steel

Reinforcing shall conform to the applicable requirements of item 710,

Reinforcing steel and wire rope.

1046.2.5 Mortar

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 Mortar shall consist of sand, cement and water conforming to the requirements

of item 405, structural concrete, mixed in the proportion of one (1) part cement to

three parts sand by volume, and sufficient water to obtain the required consistency.

1046.2.6 Concrete Hollow Blocks and Louver Blocks

Width, height and length of concrete hollow blocks and louver blocks shall be

±3.20 mm from the specified dimension shown on the plans.

Table 1046.2.6.2 Non-Load Bearing Concrete Hollow Blocks and Louver Blocks

Non-load bearing concrete hollow blocks shall be clearly marked to prevent their use

as load bearing units.

a. Type I, Moisture-Controlled Units – units shall conform to the

requirements of table 1046.3 and 1046.4

b. Type II, Non-Moisture-Controlled Units – units designated as type II

shall conform to the requirements of table 1046.4.

Table 1046.3 Strength Requirements

Compressive Strength (Average Net Area

Min.) MPa(Psi)

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 Average 3 units 4.14 (600)

Individual Unit 3.45 (500)

Table 1046.4 Moisture-Content Requirements for Type I Units

Total Linear Drying Shrinkage, % Moisture Cement, Max, % of Total

Absorption (Average of 3 Units)

Humidity Conditions at Job Site of Point of

Use

Humid Intermediate Arid

Less Than 0.03 45 40 35

0.03 to less than 0.045 40 35 30

0.045 to 0.065, Max 35 30 25

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

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 This chapter presents the research design, source of data, data gathering procedures,

and statistical analysis employed in this study.

3.1 Research Design

This study will utilize experimental research design to obtain the study’s

objectives which was to determine the compressive strength of concrete hollow blocks

containing 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% coconut shell ash as partial replacement for Portland

cement.

The researcher will get the coconut shell from barangay Digkilaan, Iligan City.

The study will be done through the utilization of laboratory testing for its compressive

strength and water absorption after curing for 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days. By this strategy,

the researchers will be able to know the compressive strength and water absorption of

coconut shell ash as a partial replacement for Portland cement in making 4” thick CHB.

3.2 Research Procedure

Gathering and Preparation of Materials

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Proportioning of Coconut Shell
Ash
 Combination of Materials

Mixing and Casting

Curing

7 days 14 days 28 days

Testing

Gathering of Data

Figure 3.1 Flow Chart

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3.3 Production of Concrete Hollow Blocks with Coconut Shell Ash

The table shows the total of several samples of Concrete Hollow Blocks containing

0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% coconut shell ash.

Table 3.3.1 Present the distribution of the Concrete Hollow Blocks samples

Curing Period

% Coconut Shell Ash 7 Days 14 Days 28 Days TOTAL

0% 2 2 2 6

5% 2 2 2 6

10% 2 2 2 6

15% 2 2 2 6

Total 8 8 8 24

Table 3.1 Distribution of Concrete Hollow Blocks for Compressive Strength

Curing Period

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 % Coconut Shell Ash TOTAL

7 Days 14 Days 28 Days

0% 1 1 1 3

5% 1 1 1 3

10% 1 1 1 3

15% 1 1 1 3

Total 4 4 4 12

Table 3.2 Distribution of Concrete Hollow Blocks sample for Water Absorption

3.4 Preparation of Materials

The following are the steps in burning coconut shell into ash;

1. Start by collecting coconut shell.

2. After collecting the coconut shell, let it dry under the sun.

3. Burn the coconut shell by Placing it in a fire pit or in a container suitable for

burning with a temperature of 300-500 Degree Celsius to completely turn into ash.

4. Let the ash cool down in a normal temperature.

5. After cooling, store the coconut shell ash in an airtight container to prevent

moisture absorption.

3.4 Combination of Materials

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 The proportion of the mix is 1 part by volume of cement and 3 parts by volume of

sand. The addition of 5%, 10%, and 15% of waste coconut shell were used while partially

replacing the cement.

Materials used:

1. Portland Cement

2. Granulated/Coarse sand (passing sieve no. 4 and retained in sieve no. 10)

3. Coconut shell ash (sieve no. 9)

4. Water

3.5 Proportioning of the Concrete Hollow Block

The following shows the proportioning of the concrete hollow block with Coconut Shell Ash

1. Calculate the volume of 9 concrete hollow blocks

2. A 6”x 6”x 6” measuring box will be use foe measurement.

3. Mix the dry ingredients such as cement, sand, and the desired percentage of coconut shell

ash.

4. Add the water gradually while mixing the ingredients.

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CALCULATIONS:

6”×6”×6”= 216 in3 (Volume of 1 box)

5% CSA:

216 in3×0.05 = 10.8 in3 (Volume of CSA)

216 in3 – 10.8 in3 = 205.2 in3 (Volume of Cement)

(6”)(6”)(x) = 10.8in3

X = 0.3” (Height of Cement for 5% CSA mix)

10% CSA:

216 in3×0.10 = 21.6 in3 (Volume of CSA)

216 in3– 21.6 in3 = 194.4 in3 (Volume of Cement)

(6”)(6.8”)(x) = 21.6 in3

X = 0.6” (Height of Cement for 10% CSA mix)

15% CSA:

216 in3×0.15 = 32.4 in3 (Volume of CSA)

216 in3 – 32.4 in3 = 183.6 in3 (Volume of Cement)

(6”)(6”)(x) = 32.4 in3

X = 0.9” (Height of cement for 15% CSA mix)

During the measurement of cement and CSA, the different heights of the cement for

each percentage were calculated and marked inside the measuring box. The box was then

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filled with cement until the specified heights and the remaining volume was then filled with

CSA.

Percent of Amount of Sand Amount of Amount of Water content

Coconut Shell Cement Coconut shell

(in3) (in3)
Ash Ash (in3)
(in3)

0% 648 216 0

5% 648 205.2 10.8 108

10% 648 194.4 21.6 108

15% 648 183.6 32.4 108

Table 3.3 Proportioning mixture per Concrete Hollow Blocks

Percent of Total Amount of Total Amount of Total Amount of Water Content

Coconut Shell Sand (in3) Cement (in3) CSA (in3)

(in3)
Ash

0% 5832 1944 0

5% 5832 1846.8 97.2 972

10% 5832 1749.6 194.4 972

15% 5832 1652.4 291.6 972

Table 3.4 Proportioning mixture per 9 Concrete Hollow Blocks

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3.6 Method of Curing on Concrete Hollow Blocks with ASTM e55

The following shows the method of curing of Concrete Hollow Blocks with Coconut

Shell Ash. Submerged curing is done on the samples.

1. Place aside the sample after the mould is removed.

2. Let the Concrete Hollow Blocks with Coconut shell Ash dry for about 24 hours while

continually spraying them with water.

3. Prepare a large basin or tub for the Concrete Hollow Block with Coconut shell Ash.

4. Fill the large basin or tub with water just enough to submerge the Concrete Hollow Blocks

with Coconut shell Ash.

5. Place the Concrete Hollow Block with Coconut shell Ash according to their respective

percentages and cure it for 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days.

3.7 Absorption and Method Content Procedure

1. Dry the specimen in a ventilated oven to a temperature of 100 C to 115 C for not less

than 24 hours to a constant weight and obtain the dry weight.

2. Immerse completely the test specimen in a container with water for 24 hours.

3. Immerse completely the test specimen in a container with water for 24 hours.

4. Remove from the water and allow to drain for one (1) minute by placing them on a

9.5mm or coarser wire mesh. Wipe visible surface water with a damp cloth and

immediately weigh.

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3.8 Testing of Concrete Hollow Block with Coconut Shell Ash

The hardened property of the Concrete Hollow Block with Coconut Shell Ash was

analyzed for its compressive strength at 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days. It is subjected to a

compression test at the Department of Public Works and Highways District 2.

3.9 Gathering of Data

Obtain the compressive strength and water absorption of Concrete Hollow Block with

coconut coir ash result from the compression testing machine. Compressive strength is the

ratio of the maximum load applied on the Coconut Coir Ash Concrete Hollow Block to the

cross-sectional area of the sample. Compressive strength = Maximum Load Applied/Cross-

sectional Area.

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