Mechanical Properties of Water Hyacinth Stem Fiber and Leaf Ash As Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregates and Cement

Emilio Aguinaldo College
School of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology

Gov. Drive, Mangubat St., Brgy. Burol Main, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite 4114 Philippines
Tel. Nos. (046) 416-4341-42 loc. 148 ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED
www.eac.edu.ph/cavite QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER
HYACINTH STEM FIBER AND LEAF ASH AS
PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF FINE
AGGREGATES AND CEMENT

Keywords: Water Hyacinth, Water Hyacinth Leaf Ash (WHLA), Water
Hyacinth Stem Fiber (WHSF), Green Concrete, Alkali Treatments
PREPARED BY:
EDER, RUEIN P.
LEDESMA, EHNRICO JAMES M.
SILUNGAN, NINA LORAINE V.
ENGR. NEONEL DONAIRE
Research Adviser
Tel. Nos. (046) 416-4341-42 loc. 148
www.eac.edu.ph/cavite ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED
QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
The growth of the construction industry worldwide is growing at a faster rate,
and there is a massive increase in demand for building materials, and one of the most
commonly used building materials is concrete. Concrete is a building material
composed of asphalt, fine aggregates (sand) and coarse aggregates mixed with water
that is time-hardening. Problems have arisen in recent times as a result of constantly
mining the supply of aggregates. According to Jafferi (2016), there are few factors
that the world needs an eco-friendly concrete. First, there are over 5 billion cubic
yards of concrete manufactured globally, taking immense physical resources to
produce cement and aggregates that greatly affects the ecosystem. Another is that one
ton of concrete is commensurate to one ton of carbon dioxide released into the air or
the so-called "greenhouse gas" that contributes to global warming. And lastly, the
concrete industry uses over one trillion gallon of water each year globally, which
decreases the supply of water that is supplemental to the needs of people. To
overcome this problem, to some degree it is necessary to find a remedy for the
conventional concrete, and the alternative is to use what we consider "organic
concrete" or “green concrete.”
Green concrete are composed of concrete wastes that are eco-friendly. In its
processing, it uses less energy and emits less carbon dioxide than traditional concrete.
It is also a type of concrete that is similar to traditional concrete, but it requires a
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minimum amount of energy and does the least harm to the environment. The aim of
using concrete products that are environmental friendly is to make the system more
efficient. Green concrete is very often manufactured and also cheap to produce, as
most of them use waste products as a partial substitute for fine aggregates.
Fiber Reinforced Concrete is a concrete with a fibrous material that improves
the quality of its structure. This comprises small isolated fibers that are dispersed
uniformly and placed arbitrarily. The fiber strengthens break stability and maintains
the member's structural integrity after breaking as it is an element to further improve a
structure's durability.
Water Hyacinth is an aquatic crop and is a highly problematic invasive
species, that threatens to propagate to a degree that is thought to cause harm to the
environment, human economy or human health, and if not managed, water hyacinth
can cover lakes and ponds which completely block sunlight from entering indigenous
aquatic plants that often die. The mechanisms of degradation deplete oxygen absorbed
in the liquid, sometimes killing fish and the plants also provide a perfect mosquito
shelter.
Various researches were conducted to increase the mechanical properties of
the concrete; locally available materials were usually added to this concrete such as
natural fibers and ash. But in order to convert organic into inorganic, they will
undergo Alkali treatments. In this study, Water Hyacinth stem fiber and leaf ash are
the materials to be replace as a portion of fine aggregates.
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A. Objectives of the Study
Water hyacinth is one of the major problems in some bodies of water,
especially rivers, which blocks the passageway of sunlight to the aquatic animals.
Eliminating this Water Hyacinth is hard since it is growing and multiplying very fast
and the production of the sand and cement are limited only. The main objective of this
study was to determine the mechanical properties of concrete with different proportion
of water hyacinth fiber and leaf ash.
Especially it aimed to:
1. Determine the workability of the fresh concrete;
2. Determine the mechanical properties such as Compressive Strength,
Flexural Strength and Tensile Strength of Water Hyacinth Stem Fiber
and Leaf Ash in different proportions of as follows:
2.1. Mixed with 2% Water Hyacinth Stem Fiber and 20% Leaf Ash
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3. Determine the most efficient mix design ratio and compare it to the
conventional concrete mix design.
B. Conceptual Framework
INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT
Water Water Hyacinth Green Concrete
Hyacinth Stem Harvesting, Drying, with the most
Fiber and Leaf Cutting, Physical Test, efficient mix
Ash, Cement, Mixing, Moulding, design ratio
Sand, Gravel Concrete Samples composed of
and Water Testing, Compressive Water Hyacinth
Strength Testing, Stem Fiber and
Split-Tensile Strength Leaf Ash
Testing,
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C. Significance of the study
The result of this study intends to be beneficial for:
Civil Engineering Students
This would serve a guide for students to acquire new knowledge and to open
future ideas through the use of innovative study of water hyacinth material to reduce
waste, have a durable material and to have an economical product using green
concrete for construction.
Community
This would enable communities nationwide to be enlightened and to promote
an eco-friendly and community-based management on wastes.
Environmental Foundations/Government
This study would serve as information promotes an eco-friendly concrete that
will serve as a solution to the waste management problem and lack of fine aggregates
resources.
D. Scope and Limitation
The study focused on the technical evaluation and analysis of the properties
and proportioning of the materials used in producing concrete specimens. The study
was conducted at an accredited testing center. The water used in this study was
gathered from a river, pond or lake. This is also limited to the evaluation of data of the
compressive, flexural, and split tensile of concrete mixed with different amount using
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2, 4, and 6 percent of water hyacinth fiber that will be cut 15mm and 20% of leaf ash
as a partial replacement of fine aggregates and cements to concrete. The researchers
will be producing four treatments that will be replicated 12 times for the cylinder and
3 times for the beam. The cylinder size is 4 x 8 inches and a 150 x 150 x 500 mm
rectangular beam.
E. Definition of Terms
The following terminology were used in this study and defined to help other
readers:
Compressive Strength. The capacity of a material or structure to withstand
loads tending to reduce size, as opposed to tensile strength, which withstands loads
tending to elongate. In other words, compressive strength resists compression,
whereas tensile strength resists tension. In the study of strength of materials, tensile
strength, compressive strength, and shear strength can be analysed independently.
Flexural Strength. Flexural strength is a measure of the tensile strength of
concrete beams or slabs. Flexural strength identifies the amount of stress and force an
unreinforced concrete slab, beam or other structure can withstand such that it resists
any bending failures.
Split-tensile Strength. The tensile strength is defined as the maximum tensile
load a body can withstand before failure divided by its cross sectional area. This
property is also sometimes referred to Ultimate Tensile Stress or UTS.
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Slump test. It is assessing the consistency of fresh concrete. It is used,
indirectly, as a means of checking that the correct amount of water has been added to
the mix.
Coarse Aggregates. A loose aggregation of rock fragments. Gravel is
classified by particle size range and includes size classes from granule- to boulder-
sized fragments. Those particles that are predominantly retained on the 4.75 mm (No.
4) sieve and will pass through 3-inch screen.
Aggregates. Material used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed
stone, slag, or recycled crushed concrete.
Fine Aggregates. Fine aggregates generally consist of natural sand or crushed
stone with most particles passing through a 9.5mm sieve. Fine aggregates generally
consist of natural sand or crushed stone with most particles passing through a 3/8-inch
sieve.
Fiber. Any of the thin parts like thread that form plant or artificial material,
especially those that can be made into cloth or a mass of such parts twisted together.
Water Hyacinth ( Eichhorniacrassipes). A free-floating tropical American
water plant that has been introduced elsewhere as an ornamental and in some warmer
regions has become a serious weed of waterways.
Mould. A hollow container used to give shape to molten or hot liquid material
(such as wax or metal) when it cools and hardens.
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Alkali. It is a simple hydroxide or ionic salt that is soluble in water from an
alkali metal or alkaline earth metal component.
Acetic Acid. It is a basic, two-carbon monocarboxylic solution. It has a
function as a protic solvent, a control of food acidity, an antimicrobial plant
preservative, and a metabolite of Daphnia magna. It's an acetate's conjugate acid.
F. Review of Related Literature
1. Water Hyacinth
According to Comedis et.al. (2017), the experiments that may be Water Lily or
Water Hyacinth have a negative impact on our climate. Water Lily can be a dangerous
because of the excess growth and to become obstruction or blockage in the rivers.
The scenario it can lead source of flooding in the flow of drainage and etc. And the
one negative effects that the algae bloom of a Water Lily which can attract the
Mosquito that can cause sickness cause dengue. The main purpose of this research is
to make recycled. Instead water lilies as negative environmental pollution.
Table 1 summarizes the basic characterization of WH crassipes according to
Lara-Serrano et al. (2016). The pH of all plant portions was similar and equivalent to
4.6. The mineral content of the plants analyzed varied from 12.4 to 26.8 wt. each, with
the TR samples having higher inorganic substances than the YL samples. This may be
attributed at the respective locations to the water quality. The results reported for the
same species by others are of the same magnitude: 21.5% by Mako et al. (2011), 17%
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in leaves (Saha and Ray 2011), 19% by Promdee et al. (2012), 22.9% by Fileto-Pérez
et al. (2013), and 12.4% in leaves by Sotolu (2012).
Table 1. Characterization of WH crassipes
Proportions of the water hyacinth sections: the mean proportions of the water
hyacinth parts are shown in Table 2. The average values are 7.25, 4.75 and 0.43 mm
for the size, width and thickness of the leaves. At 5 percent probability level, the mean
values of the upper, middle, and lower diameter were significantly different. Variance
analysis was significant (p<0.05 percent) for the length of the leaves, stalks and roots.
For harvesting, separating, sizing and sorting equipment, the dimensions of the water
hyacinth parts are essential according to the research of R.M. Davies et at. (2011).
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Table 2. Geometrical properties of freshly harvested Water hyacinth (WH)
Characteristics of Water Hyacinth
While indigenous to South America's Amazon Basin, water hyacinth has created a
variety of problems when it develops thick, impenetrable mats above the surface of
fresh water. The plant has profuse and permanent negative impacts in over 50
countries in the tropical and subtropical regions (Téllez et al.,2008; Villamagna &
Murphy, 2010; Patel, 2012). It is neither easy to manage the distribution of water
hyacinth nor simple to reverse. The herb not only affects ecosystems, but also
challenges economic development and human well-being (UNEP, 2012). Climate
change, worryingly, can allow higher latitudes to disperse water hyacinth (Rahel &
Olden, 2008; Patel, 2012). Intensified inspection, prevention and maintenance steps
are required to maintain unproblematic levels of water hyacinth. It is important to
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implement robust management strategies and action plans given the complexity of
control options and the capacity for climate change to help spread water hyacinth. A
multidisciplinary strategy should be designed to ensure that the weed's future threat is
understood by the highest political and institutional grades. There should be initiatives
that involve government entities, shareholders, regional bodies and local community
in the war against water hyacinth. Fixing this problem will not only raise livelihoods,
it will also improve the environment.
Water hyacinth has the following systematic characteristics, morphological,
developmental, biological and ecological (Gopal, 1987):
 A perennial plant with an average size of 40 cm but with a height of up to
1 m;
 Have a high rate of vegetative growth and multiplication;
 Produce seeds that remain sustainable for very long periods;
 Have fairly broad ecological amplitude;
 Stems and leaves contain air-filled tissue that gives the plant considerable
buoyancy.
 Doubling the population in 15-18 days through asexual vegetative
reproduction;
 Every mother plant produces 4 daughter plants capable of reproduction
after 2 weeks; 348 Water Hyacinth
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 Production is strongly enhanced in nutrient-rich, eutrophic water bodies
with high nitrate and phosphate content;
 Sowing no known natural enemies for seeds;
 It grows up to 2 m thick in mats; and
 It consists of long, suspended roots, rhizomes, stolons, leaves,
inflorescences, and clusters of fruit when mature.
Physical Obstruction
River hyacinth also covers streams that hamper agriculture, fishing, tourism, and
hydropower. Because of its rapid rate of replication and dissemination, it obstructs
waterways. When rivers are diverted or water pipes are plugged, the thick mats
interrupt socio-economic and agricultural operations. Ship and vessel transportation,
links to leisure space, agriculture, and hospitality are some of the interrupted
behaviors (Ndimele & Jimoh, 2011; Patel, 2012). Implication of fishermen of
hyacinth infestation is physical obstruction with routes for entry to fish landings.
Masses of weeds that floods obstruct water channels are whipped or swept away. The
fishermen will move the ships across twisted weed mats. We spend up to 30 minutes
traveling through a length of 100 m a nine meter (m) canoe. Fishermen who run
basket traps to catch tilapias, lung fish in the marginal swamps, and those who set up
gill nets are threatened by large water hyacinth mats. This interference leads the set
fishing gear to fail. After 1989, when the physical barrier was first detected on Lake
Kyoga in Uganda, economic losses in terms of lost time and energy and broken
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fishing gear have risen. The floating mats can limit some economically important fish
species ' access to spawning, nursery and feeding grounds (Villamagna & Murphy,
2010).
In Lake Victoria, fish capture levels in the Kenyan segment dropped by 45 percent
owing to water hyacinth mats blocking access to fishing grounds, slowing market
access and growing fishing costs (effort and materials). The subsistence of about
900,000 people has been skewed in the Wouri River Basin in Cameroon; the large
Abo and Moundja Moussadi creeks have been made impassable by the weed
contributing to a complete halt in all socio-economic activities culminating in a rural
exodus (Mujingni, 2012). In Nigeria, transportation and fishing have become an
almost impossible task (Ndimele, 2012). The weed has affected navigation in rivers. It
also closed the outlets for drainage and prevented the flow of water to crop fields.
This triggers annual paddy failure by active destruction of the grain, inhibiting
germination of rice, and interfering with harvesting. Dense development is hampering
fishing with boat propellers. In drainage systems, water hyacinth reduces liquid
movement by 40 to 95 percent, which can lead to severe floods. Bwene and Bonjo
communities in Cameroon's Wouri River Basin frequently suffer from rainy season
flooding owing to weed blockage of rivers around the villages (Mujingni, 2012; Patel,
2012).
2. Water Hyacinth Leaf Ash (WHLA)
Properties of WHLA
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According to Salao experimented et.al (2015), that properties about Water
Hyacinth Ash determined the specific gravity that 1.72 WHA and the water absorption
is 5.62%. The calculated amount of the specimen WHA needed to add different
mixtures and treatments to obtained right amount of the water and to achieve the ratio
of 0.5.
Based on the study of Murugesh et.al (2018) the parameter is used to perform
the specific gravity test for cement, coarse aggregates, fine aggregates and WHA as
per IS2386. I.S.SIEVES find that the fineness test for fine and coarse aggregates. The
results obtained are shown below.
Table 3. Test Report of their Material
The diagram below shows the average compressive forces per application of the
three specimens. The control, which is T1 (100 percent OPC), shows the highest
compressive strength value, 2.77 MPa, due to its lack of WHA. T2, containing 10%
WHA acquired a 2.05 MPa compressive strength. T3, which contains WHA of 15%,
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acquired MPa of 1.47. The compressive strengths of 1.30 MPa and 1.20 MPa were
achieved by T4 containing 20% WHA and T5 with 25% WHA. The last four studies
have shown that the higher WHA results in decreasing the compressive strengths.
Salao et.al (2015).
Figure 1. Effect of WHA on mean compressive strength of 28 days curing.
The amount of water hyacinth ash can be affected the samples like densities and
compressive strength. There is a significant difference between the treatments, thus,
the null hypothesis was rejected. They concluded that increasing the amount of a
water hyacinth ash as partial cement replacement in concrete mix, will be decreases
the density of a the masonry blocks making them lighter. The same conclusion,
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process and data also in terms of the compressive strength – the higher the amount of
ash used to replace cement; the lower is the capacity of the masonry blocks.
The study cited to Rica Avegail Ade, et.al. (2018) have been done to evaluate
water hyacinth ash in the replacement of cement. The study conclude about the
different proportion of water hyacinth ash replacing cement of the data of the
properties of workability, compression, and split tensile strength of concrete will
affected. Concrete cubes and cylinders with different percentage (0, 10%, 20% by
weight of cement). The casted specimens are removed from the mould, cured and
tested for 7, 14 and 28 days. The tested result were compared with conventional
concrete and the different ratio of water hyacinth ash replaces cement concrete in
comparing the concrete and WHA replacement concrete, the ultimate strength
achieved at 10% for M30 grade (1:0.75:1:5).
Renewable Materials as Partial Cement Replacement
Water hyacinth is one of river courses and water life's most hostile rivals.
Government authorities used to manually harvest the crop and burn it outdoors. This
approach is known to be the less detrimental to neighboring nature, but it is greatly
involved in air pollution.
A research conducted by Ahmed, Makhlou, Hodhod, and El-Sayed et.al (2018),
includes a study of the pozzolanic and chemical properties of WHA, and an
experimental comparative study of the mechanical properties of mortar and concrete
containing WHA with different replacement ratios as well as a reference ratio of silica
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fume. The plant was collected manually by government authorities and burnt
outdoors. It is known that this approach is less harmful to neighboring nature, but it is
heavily involved in air pollution. To classify the concrete structure, scanning electron
microscope and x-ray spectrum examination were used. The thesis also contains an
observational analysis on WHA concrete's resilience. The study argues that water
hyacinth ash improves concrete's mechanical properties and strength.
Based on Raheem and Sulaiman's (n.d.), the analysis results showed that sandcrete
block density decreases as the Saw Dust Ash rises but increases as the healing days
rise. Often, as the curing age increases, the compressive strength of concrete blocks
improves but declines as the amount of SDA rises.
Study findings found that the inclusion of Water Hyacinth Ash & Insoluble
Residues (WHAR) during the synthesis of the zeolitic product improved its 12-fold
adsorption potential and efficiency for Cadmium Cd (II) ions and methylene blue
(Mbugua, Mbuvi & Muthengia, 2014).
According to Dr. Jeff Thomas & Dr. Hamlin Jennings (n.d.), professors at
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, the materials for cement that contain more
than minor (or in some cases trace) amounts of metallic elements such as magnesium,
sodium, potassium, strontium, and various heavy metals cannot be used, as these will
not burn off in the kiln and will negatively affect the cement. The reactivity, which is
a feature of both the chemical structure and the fineness, is another factor.
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In relation to this, the present study of Mahmood, Malik, and Hussain (n.d.)
reported that the ash of water hyacinth (eichhornia crassipes), was used to remove six
metals from aqueous solutions through biosorption. It was reported in the findings of
the study conducted by researchers (Laruan, Bonares Abdulkasan, & Ruiz, 2013), that
the compressive strength of concrete hollow blocks with 20% and 40% rice husk ash
having 100 psi and 48 psi for strength respectively, are relatively lower than that of
the OPC concrete hollow blocks having a strength of 241 psi.
In summary, the study reveals that partial substitution of OPC with CSA using a
W / C ratio of 0.5 is appropriate for both heavy weight and light weight concrete
development. From the studies conducted by Obilade and Taku (2014), the following
results revealed that the optimal application of saw dust ash (SDA) as a partial
substitute for cement is 0-15%. It also revealed that the concrete's compacting variable
values declined as the SDA percentage rose. The concrete bulk densities declined as
the SDA replacement percentage increased and the concrete's compressive 15
capacities decreased as the SDA replacement percentage increased. This investigation
reveals that in oil palm shell lightweight aggregate concrete processing there is a
strong possibility for using palm oil fuel ash as a partial cement substitute. Replacing
palm oil fuel dust, which is about 20%, may create lightweight concrete appropriate
for structural usage (Muthusamy and Nur Azzimah, 2014).
According to Pitroda et al. (2012), as concrete is mixed with fly ash, the
compressive strength reduces. As the amount of fly ash raises compressive strength
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and reduces the intensity of the break. Use fly ash in cement can save the costs of
recycling for the coal & thermal industries and produce a "greener" concrete for
building. The cost analysis indicates that the percentage reduction of cement reduces
concrete prices, but at the same period still increases in capacity. This work suggests
that fly ash can be creative supplemental cementitious building material, but designers
will make judicious decisions.
In an experiment of Krishnan et.al. (2017), the collected samples of WH are
washed and cleaned with potable water to remove dirt and impurities. Then the
samples were cut uniformly into a small pieces and dried for over a week. The dried
specimen is preserved for 6 hours in an oven at 800 degrees Celsius to transform the
organic material into an inorganic product. A milling process was used to ground the
samples. A sieve of diameter 150micron passed the grounded specimen. The specimen
from the 150 micron sieve was used as the cement replacement material.
In addition, Singh et.al. (2007), experimented the Bamboo Leaf Ash Blended
Oregon Cement. Indian J. Eng. Mater. Sci. 14. Pozzolanic content was determined to
be Bamboo Leaf Ash (BLA) collected at 600oC.Hydration activity of 20 with percent
BLA mixed ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was tested using different experimental
techniques and it was observed that the compressive strength quality of 20 with
percent BLA mixed cement mortar at 28 days of hydration was quite similar to that of
OPC mortar.
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According to Govandan et.al (2018) Water Hyacinth Ash was used for the
execution of WHA mixed cement with mixed cement with bond replacement in the
proportion of 0 percent, 5 percent, 10 percent, 15 percent and 20 percent with
M25(1:1:2) analysis concrete included with the admixture of smaller silica and
contrasted cement. At 7, 14 and 28 days of recovery, the compression strength test is
done. It has been found from the exploratory analysis that the optimal quality
replacement of Water hyacinth to bond for M25 concrete is 15 percent shown in the
table.
Table 4. Compressive strength results
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Table 5. Tensile Strength Results
3. Water Hyacinth Stem Fiber (WHSF)
Properties of Natural Fiber (WHSF)
In a research article by Myrtha et al.,(2007), Table 6 displays the mechanical
properties obtained for 50 percent of organic polypropylene filled fibers and their
recycles. Adding natural fibers to the material decreases tensile strength and split
stress, thus improves structural elasticity modulus. With almost all the loaded polymer
framework, this is the common observation. Table 6 indicates the combined tensile
strength. The decrease in structural tensile properties was caused by poor matrix fiber
dispersion. Micro-fibril in fiber was strongly connected owing to the binding of fiber
hydrogen, which renders fiber impossible to spread quickly. From the same table it
indicates that the plastic source did not affect the tensile strength of fiber filler
composites. The similar results were shown by both polypropylene and its reuse.
Table
6: Mechanical properties of natural fibers-composites
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Table 7 showed water absorption and swelling thickness values of polypropylene
filled fibers and their recycling. The values of polypropylene's water absorption and
thickness swelling and its hydrophobic recycling in nature are marginal as it did not
absorb water after 24 hours of immersion. Hence, it can be assumed that the
hydrophilic fiber and not the hydrophobic polypropylene and its recycling caused all
the water absorption and thickness swelling of the composites. The quality of kenaf
water absorption is 1.3%, less than other fibers. Kenaf and banana thus sustain better
physical attachment than others. On the other side, the liquid absorption rate for
polypropylene packed with water hyacinth is 3.7% greater than that of other
composites. The ability to absorb water is related to the thickness of the cell wall. The
thicker the wall of the container, the better the water absorption of the material. The
cell wall thickness of water hyacinth was clearly shown in Table 8 to be 1.6 μm, much
thinner than that of EFB and banana fiber. As a result, water hyacinth absorbs water
easily compared to other fibers.
Table 7: Water absorption and thickness swelling of natural
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fibers-composites
Table
8: Thickness of cell wall
Chemical Characteristics of Water Hyacinth Fibers
A study conducted which aims to determine the chemical properties of water
hyacinth fibers have arrived to results. It presented and determined the pH, ash, 1%
alkali solubility, extractives, lignin, holocellulose, tanins, and calorific values. The
results showed a relatively high, in contrast, for lignin and tannin is low. In addition,
the pH level results a moderately acid and the soluble substances easily dissolved in
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alkali or organic solvents. The major components present in this plant were potassium,
calcium and silicon. The calorific value was approximately 14.4 MJ/kg as determined
(Javier et al.,2016).
Table 9. Chemical composition of
decorticated ………..water hyacinth fiber.
COMPONENT %
Ash 9.52
Lignin 3.78
Holocellulose 83.94
α-Cellulose 61.63
Hemicellulose 16.26
Another study conducted reveals the chemical characteristics of water hyacinth
fibers shown in table 9 above. The results presented a very low percentage of lignin
(3.87%) and some hemicellulose (16.26%). Throughout the process of decortications,
the outcome revealed that large quantities of non-fiber component were removed from
the stalk of the water hyacinth. Furthermore, in a total of 100kg of water hyacinth
stalks harvested, a total of 2-3 kg recovered (Tumolva1 et al., 2015).
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Mechanical properties of water hyacinth fibers before and after immersion in water
In the study of mechanical properties of water hyacinth fibers the results showed
that the individual WH fibers treated with various alkali concentrations did not exhibit
significantly decreases of their moisture absorption. In addition, tensile and flexure
strength of the wet composites samples are lower than the dried samples. However,
increases volume fraction of the WH fibers in UPR matrix affected slightly on
enhancement mechanical properties of the composite samples (Hairulet al., 2014).
Water hyacinth absorption capacity
A research conducted aims to determine the effects of water hyacinth fiber content
on the performance moisture absorption capacity of starch based bio composites. In
the TSB matrix, water hyacinth content varied in 1, 3, 5 and 10% respectively. The
samples were placed in closed room with high relative humidity (RH) of 99% at 250C
with different duration for 30 and 960 min respectively. As a result, the moisture
absorption in the beginning was increased rapidly before it achieved a level state.
Furthermore, significant swelling of the sample occurred for further duration in 960
min. Therefore, the gradient of the swelling was decreased as the increased in the
fibers content in the TSB matrix (Abral, H.. Hartono, J.).
Mechanical Properties of Water Hyacinth Fiber in Concrete
The mixture ratio of liquid hyacinth fiber and binder of 4 samples consisting of
40:60, 45:55, 50:50 and 55:45 by weight was used in the preparation of the content
mixture used in the study. In testing, the length of the water hyacinth fiber was 5 mm.
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Hot compression system method was used in formation, while temperature used
research was 110 ° C 130 ° C and 150 ° C at constant pressure of 6 bar, respectively,
and compression took 20 minutes. The test result showed that, in the width of Bowl
Opening, the ware was squeezed into a large opening bowl I: Bowl Bottom: Height:
Thickness of 140:90:25:2 cm. The acceptable proportion of water hyacinth and binder
was 40: 60 by weight, using 150 MPa of temperature in ware formulation and 0.83 g /
cm3 of thickness, 141.66% of water absorption, 54.80 MPa of Tensile Strain Measure,
3.24 MPa of Flexural Strength Test. (Limboonruang and Phun-Apai et.al. 2018).
Moreover, cited at the study by Lei Chen et.al. (2011), investigated the fiber types
on the mechanical properties of lightweight aggregate concretes. Two types of
lightweight aggregates, namely extended polystyrene and ceramsite, were used for
polypropylene fiber, steel fiber and water hyacinth fiber. The compressive strength
and splitting tensile strength of concretes were tested. The results show that both the
compressive strength and the splitting tensile strength were improved by adding a
reasonable volume of steel fiber and polypropylene fiber into LWAC. The addition of
water hyacinth fiber had little effect on the compressive strength of LWAC, while a
little increase was observed in the splitting tensile strength.
Experimental studies on the properties of cement concrete with water hyacinth
fibres
The most Abundant used material all over the world is concrete, it suffers several
drawbacks such as low tensile strength, permeability to concrete and consequent
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corrosion to reinforcement. Water hyacinth is a free floating aquatic plant that infests
rivers, dams, lakes, and irrigation channels. It affects water flow, blocks sunlight
oxygen and sunlight and completely destroys the life cycle. If these plants could be
harvested for some beneficial uses, menace can reduce the large extent. In this study,
the feasibility of using water hyacinth fibres to improve the property of cement
concrete has been studied.
The materials and methods in getting water hyacinth fiber discussed in this paper.
The water hyacinth was collected from the Kurichi and Akkadam lakes. The collected
plants were washed with clean water to remove the muddy debris and impurities. The
stalks of the plant were cut and sundried. The dried stalks were further cut to pieces of
2.5cm length and fibres were extracted. As the fibres are organic in nature, they were
treated with 15% sodium Hydroxide solution to prevent degradation. The fibres were
further dried to remove the moisture content. The treated fibres were then added in
portion of 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% by weight of cement(K. Akil, P. Parthasarathy and D
Siva Shankar, 2017).
Makomele, et.al. (2018) assessed the feasibility of using a bio-admixture in SCC
development as a partial substitute for Auramix 400 synthetic superplasticizer. For
this reason, water hyacinth extract was used. Gas Chromatography-Mass Analysis of
the spectrometer showed levels of lingo cellulose, saturated and unsaturated fatty
acids that made it a retarder. Water hyacinth extract was applied at 0%, 10%, 15%,
20% and 25% substitution of Auramix 400, and the concrete's mechanical properties
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are calculated. The workability as calculated by the slump flow check and T500 were
within the required values of 500–700 mm and 2-5 s respectively, suggesting that the
water hyacinth extract can be used as a superplasticizer in a SCC mix. There was an
improvement in T500 and a rise in setting time as a substitute for superplasticizers.
This finding implied that the water hyacinth extract slows the hydration speed and the
cycle of hardening allowing the concrete flow longer and hence high flow ability and
filing power. The compressive strength decreased as the substitution of the
superplasticizer improved independent of the recovery duration. However, with an
increase in the amount of water hyacinth extract, liquid permeability improved.
According to Boban et.al. (2017), the potential use of water hyacinth fibres
(WHF) in the partial replacement of fine aggregate is studied. WHF was used as a
replacement for 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 wt fine aggregates. Up to the age of 28 days,
concrete cubes and cylinders are checked for compressive strength. Test results
indicate that concrete cubes with 0.5% WHF replacement for fine aggregate provided
compressive strength values that were comparatively high.WHF use in concrete was
shown to have improved water absorption properties, decreased toughness, and
increased compressive strength at higher temperatures.
Table 10 shows three replication of specimen of each treatment after the 28 th
day period of concrete hollow block. It shows that the strength of the concrete hollow
block is inversely proportional to the added water hyacinth fiber. It shows accurate
declination of the strength as the additive of water hyacinth fiber increases. But it also
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shows that even if the 6 percent of water hyacinth fiber gained the lowest strength, it
is still passed the requirement of Philippine National Standard for non – load concrete
hollow block.
Table 10. Compressive Strength on 28th day period of CHB
Water
hyacinth fiber lightweight concrete
A study that aims to invent a water hyacinth fiber lightweight concrete was
conducted. It is the incorporation of water hyacinth fiber to concrete matrix to make it
lightweight. This is made by process, per cubic meter of concrete content of 1.0 to 9.0
kilograms. Water hyacinth fiber thus formed lightweight concrete splitting tensile
strength than ordinary lightweight concrete.
In this study, therefore, they found out that incorporation of water hyacinth fiber
results in an economical, utilizing waste meet national energy saving requirements,
have higher compressive strength than other fiber reinforced concrete and has social
benefits as well. The results showed that the present invention of fiber lightweight
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concrete material can be used in building structures (XuYichang Lin HuaShu Golden
Haze, 2010).
An average fibre length of 15 mm to 20 mm gave excellent results in trials carried
out in Madagascar and Cd'Ivoire.
4. Green Concrete
The Constructor et.al (2018) said that Green Concrete is a thoroughgoing topic
which was originally invented in Denmark in year 1998. The "green" in Green
Concrete has nothing to do with its color, which basically reflects this concrete's eco-
friendly features.
Such kinds of blends are often cheap to produce, as the partly applied ingredients
are typically misused items that avoid waste. The volume of construction industries
around the globe are developing rapidly. This development growth uplifts the demand
for construction needs. Due to uninterrupted ways of gathering aggregates like
mining, the availability of these essential parts of concrete had caused problems in
these modern days. In dealing with this problem, there is needed to look for
replacements for some parts of the aggregates using the concept of the Green
Concrete. This is an innovation of considering misused materials as a partial additive
to aggregates.
There are also specific environmental criteria that green concrete structures must
fulfill: CO2 rates must be reduced by at least 30%. The remaining materials used as
aggregates shall be at least 20 percent of the cement, use of concrete industries own
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residual products, use of new types of surplus goods, formerly filled with land or
otherwise disposed of. CO2-neutral, waste derived fuels are to replace at least 10% of
fossil fuels in cement production.
Anita Bhatia, et al published a paper on green concrete in 2016, stating that green
concrete is very low use of energy and resources, no degradation of the atmosphere
and sustainable development. One can infer that addressing the above demerits will
aid with a potentially new environmentally friendly future to use green cement
concrete. Using waste material as an option, we will help reduce environmental issues
and conserve the resources that are already accessible to the future generation.
In 2016, Praveer Singh, et al studied about silica fume and concluded that cement
is becoming a scarce resource worldwide due to day-to-day demand growth.
Throughout recent years, the use of silica fume as a pozzolana component has
expanded because it improves the properties of both fresh and hard concrete when
combined in certain ratios. Using silica fume correctly increases acidic waters '
strength assault and enhances cement conditions.
In 2016, Tae Hyoung Kim, et al was researching the CO2 emissions from concrete
and concluded that concrete, a common building material, is known to produce large
amounts of environmentally hazardous waste during its processing, installation, repair
and demolition phases. In a cement development, the CO2 produced impacts
acidification and global warming.
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Kasi Rekha et al researched brick wastes in 2015 and concluded that recycled
brick aggrigate concrete is used to produce low-grade recycled aggregate that is ideal
for concrete manufacturing. The findings revealed that at elevated temperatures,
recycled brick aggregate concrete worked stronger than granite aggregate concrete.
Recycled brick aggregate concrete's fire resistance is better than granite aggregate
concrete's fire resistance.
Dhiraj Kumar Tiwari, et al studies on green concrete in 2015 and concluded that
green concrete capable of sustainable development is distinguished by the use of
industrial waste to minimize natural resource use and electricity and environmental
emissions. The use of green concrete is an efficient way of reducing contamination of
the atmosphere and enhancing a concrete's resilience in severe conditions. Green
concrete has good resistance to thermal & explosion.
In 2015, Xian LI, et al performed concrete studies with fine aggregate substitution
of demolished brick waste and found that recycled brick aggregate distinctly has
different properties from recycled concrete aggregate.
5. Alkali Treatments
According to Palomo, Blanco, Granizo, &Puertas, et.al (1999), the chemical
process in which the aluminosilicate material precursor such as fly ash, rice hush ash,
volcanic ash, etc. is combined with alkali activators to produce geopolymers. Most
common alkali activators used for geopolymerization are sodium hydroxide (NaOH),
potassium hydroxide (KOH), and silicate solutions (Swanepoel&Strydom, 2002). The
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geopolymerization process includes breaking down or dissolution of solid
aluminosilicate materials in a hydroxide or silicate solution, formation of silicon-
based and aluminum-based oligomers, and polycondensation of oligomers to form
geopolymer material (Hwang & Huynh, 2015). The type and concentration of alkali
activators have a direct impact on the geopolymerization process and the mechanical
properties of the geopolymer (Konno, Nanry, & Kitamura, 2002). Increasing the
alkalinity or concentration of hydroxide or silicate activators speeds up the dissolution
of aluminosilicate which also increases the rate of geopolymerization. (Diaz-Loya,
Allouche, & Vaidya, 2011).
A study conducted by Kamaldeep Kaur, et al. investigated the effect of alkaline
activator to the compressive strength of a rice husk ash based geopolymer. The
researchers used 70.6 x 70.6 x 70.6-millimeter specimens with varying ratios of alkali
activator to the geopolymer binder (AAB ratio) and with varying molarity or
concentration of the alkali activator solution for the testing of compressive strength on
the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 28th day after curing. Based on the results of the tests,
increasing the AAB ratio on the mixture also increases the compressive strength of the
geopolymer specimen. Likewise, increasing the concentration of the alkali activator
(NaOH) also increases the compressive strength of the geopolymer specimen. It was
then concluded by the researchers that the compressive strength of the geopolymer
varies directly with respect to the molarity of the alkali activator and AAB ratio
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because the alkaliactivator improves bonding strength between the particles by
promoting dissolution of RHA binder (Kaur, Singh, & Kaur, 2018).
Alkali activator should have compatibility with the chemical properties of the
precursor. Efficient chemical binding occurs if right mix or ratio of activator and
precursor is used. Furthermore, many changes take place in the reaction such as
unreacted particles, and binding of product. Alkali metal cations governs the binding
stage, alkali metals play a vital role in immediate crystallization and hardening of the
mix. In addition, parameter such as alkali-activator and water content protect the mix
to possible termination of reaction through a process called dissolution. Different
classification of fly ash has a variety of reactivity for silicon and aluminum; the same
silicon and aluminum content for each fly ash does not directly impact the rate of
activation with alkali compound (Duxon, et al., 2007).
Water has a huge role during synthesis of geopolymer. Water takes part on many
processes during geopolymer synthesis such as dissolution, polycondensation etc.
Changes of water amount possibly affect the balance between reaction since water is
good for the dissolution and hydrolysis while proven harmful to polycondensation
(Zuhua, Xiao, & Z., 2009). In addition, less water content has a major influence on
strength gain of geopolymers which resulted to more compact structures and high
strength gain. (Xie & Obada, 2014).
Quantity of aggregate affects the resulting compressive strength because of
insufficient activator. The activator is essential to coat up and protect the aggregate
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against dissolution of this fly ash or slag particles. Aggregates composition
outnumbering the activator results to a weak mix. High amount of activator should
accompany the high amount of aggregates used, aggregates and alkali activator are
directly proportional (Temuujin& van Riessen, 2010).
Alkaline treatment or mercerization is one of the most widely employed chemical
treatment for natural fibers of thermoplastics and thermosets reinforcement. The
important alkaline treatment alteration is the disturbance of hydrogen bonding in the
formation of the network, thereby increasing the roughness of the layer. This
treatment removes a certain amount of lignin, wax, and oils that cover the fiber cell
wall's external surface, depolymerizes cellulose, and exposes crystallites of short
length. Adding aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to natural fiber promotes hydroxy
group ionization to alcoxide: FiberOHþNaOH ! FiberONaþH2O
Alkaline processing therefore directly affects the cellulosic fibril, the degree of
polymerization and the extraction of lignin and hemicellulosic compounds. For a
certain period of time, fibers are soaked in NaOH solution for alkaline application.
Ray et al. and Mishra et al. prepared jute and sisal fibers for 2 h to 72 h at room
temperature with 5 percent aqueous NaOH solution. Morrison et al. tried similar
therapies to treat flax fiber. These researchers observed that, at the cost of crystalline
cellulose, alkali led to an increase in amorphous cellulose material.
Alkaline treatment was stated to have two results on the fiber: it improves surface
roughness resulting in better mechanical interlocking; and it increases the amount of
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cellulose visible on the surface of the fiber, thus increasing the number of potential
reaction sites. Alkaline therapy therefore has a lasting effect on flax fibers '
mechanical actions. Van de Weyenberg et al. recorded that alkaline therapy improved
tensile properties (both intensity and module) for flax fiber-epoxy composites by up to
30 percent and associated with pectin elimination. The structural, effect fatigue and
complex mechanical activities of fiber-reinforced composites were also significantly
improved by alkaline treatment. Jacob et al. tested the influence of NaOH
concentration (0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 10%) on the processing of sisal fiber-reinforced
composites and found that the highest tensile strength was the product of NaOH
treatment at room temperature of 4%. Mishra et al. claimed that sisal fiber-reinforced
polyester composite treated with 5 percent NaOH had greater tensile strength than
composites treated with 10 percent NaOH. This is because increased delignification of
natural fiber happens at higher alkali intensity resulting in a softer or weakened fiber.
The composite's tensile strength dropped dramatically after some optimum
concentration of NaOH.
CHAPTER II
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METHODOLOGY
This study was conducted at Calatagan, Batangas and the experimental
specimens will be tested at Sunmix Corporation. In this chapter, materials and the
method that will be going to use in this research will be discussed. Experimental
method will be used to determine the mechanical properties of Water Hyacinth Stem
Fiber and Leaf Ash in concrete.
A. Research Design
Completely Randomized Design (CRD) will be used in this research as the
experimental method to compare the reaction variables, especially the compressive
strength which is going to be observed in this study with the properties of
conventional mixture of the concrete. The researchers will use the weight method for
the partial replacement of fine aggregates in the mixtures. In order to consider the
concrete mixture as green concrete, 20% of cement will be replaced by Water
Hyacinth Leaf Ash in a 4x8 inches cylinder in all treatments and 2, 4, and 6 percent of
Water Hyacinth Stem Fiber cut into 15mm length are going to replace the sand in the
concrete mixture. The researchers will be producing four treatments that will be
replicated (12) fifteen times for the cylinders and 3 times for the beam. There will be
0% of Water Hyacinth (Control T1), 2% of Water Hyacinth Stem Fiber (WHSF) with
20% of Water Hyacinth Leaf Ash (WHLA) (T2), 4% of WHSF with 20% WHLA
(T3), and 6% of WHSF and 20% WHLA (T4), a total of 48 specimen for compressive
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test and split-tensile and a total of 12 specimen each for flexural test, a total of 60
specimens all in all. The variable and treatments that the researchers will use in this
study are presented in the Table 11.
Table 11. Materials used per Concrete Mix

MIXTURE CEMENT WHLA GRAVEL SAND WHSF
NO. (%) (%) (%) (%) (%)

T1 100 0 100 100 0
T2 80 20 100 98 2
T3 80 20 100 96 4
T4 80 20 100 94 6
B. Research Locale
The concrete is going to be produced and will be cured at Sunmix Corporation.
The physical and mechanical properties of Water Hyacinth Stem Fiber and Leaf Ash
will be based on the previous studies. The Water Hyacinth plants were gathered from
a river in Brgy. Pinagtipunan, City of General Trias, Cavite and was dried and treated
in a dry place in the City of Dasmariñas and City of Imus, Cavite. The mechanical
properties of concrete mixed with Water Hyacinth Stem Fiber and Leaf Ash will be
determined at Sunmix Corporation such as compressive strength, split-tensile strength
and flexural strength. The research was conducted from December 2019 to March
2020.
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Methodological Framework
Phase One:
Development of Ideas Phase Two: Production Phase Three: Testing
of Concrete Samples and Analysis of
Concrete Samples
1.) Review of the
related literature to
11.) Testing of
gather data
concrete samples for
10.) Casting and curing Compressive
of concrete samples at Strength at 7, 14,
2.) Collecting and 7, 14 and 28 days and 28 days.
preparing of the
needed raw materials
9.) Concrete mixing 12.) Testing of

3.) Checking ASTM and measurement of concrete samples for
standards for workability Flexural Strength at
Supplementary 28 days.
Cementitious materials
8.) Proportioning 13.) Testing of

4.) Developing the of mix designs concrete samples for
mix design of Split Tensile
concrete using Water Strength at 28 days.
Hyacinth Stem Fiber
and Leaf Ash as
partial replacement 7.) Collecting of
of fine aggregates. materials and
14.) Analysis of
equipment such as
Mechanical
cement, aggregates
properties of
(sand & gravel),
concrete samples.
5.) Determining the concrete cylinder
Testing Methods moulds for the
production of
concrete samples
6.) Developing 15.) Determining
C. Data Gathering
experimental design Procedure the efficient mix
and testing designs or ratio
methodology replacement.
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The data used in this study were acquired from the internet for information about
water hyacinth and most recent study related to water hyacinth stem fiber, leaf ash and
green concrete; fine aggregates and related topics from engineering books; and past
engineering student’s thesis for the information about mixing, proportioning, curing
and testing of concrete.
I. Determining the Properties of Fine Aggregates
Fineness
To know the fineness modulus of the fine aggregate, ASTM C136 (Standard
Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates) will be followed.
Specific Gravity and Water Absorption of Fine Aggregates
ASTM C128-93 (Standard test method for specific gravity and absorption of
fine aggregates will be used in this research). This test method involves assessing bulk
and apparent specific gravity and delicate average absorption. The Bulk Specific
Gravity is the term commonly used to measure the volume filled by the aggregate in
different mixtures including aggregate like cement concrete from Portland, which will
be proportioned or measured on an actual volume basis. When the aggregate is damp,
the bulk specific gravity calculated on the saturated surface-dry basis will be used. For
addition, when the aggregate is dry or presumed to be dry, the bulk-specific gravity
calculated on the oven-dry basis will be used for computations.
II. Determining the Properties of Water Hyacinth Leaf Ash
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Physical and Mechanical Properties of WHLA
The physical and mechanical properties such as specific gravity, water
absorption, unit weight and density are based according to the past studies on WHLA.
Preparation of WHLA
The Water Hyacinth plants were harvested manually from a river in Brgy.
Pinagtipunan, General Trias City, Cavite.
These were the preparations that were done to produce Water Hyacinth Leaf
Ash:
1. Leaves of Water Hyacinth were chopped into pieces and weighed using the
weighing scale.
2. The leaves were sun-dried for 3-5 days or until the moisture content is
eliminated.
3. The leaves were weighed to determine its dried weight.
4. The moisture content of the Water Hyacinth was obtained by subtracting
the dry weight from moist weights.
5. The dry leaves were burned using denatured alcohol in a man-made pit in
Calatagan, Batangas.
6. The Water Hyacinth Leaf Ash were collected and stored in a safe cool dry
place where it is away from any physical disturbance.
III. Determining the Properties of Water Hyacinth Stem Fiber
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Physical and Mechanical Properties of WHSF
The physical and mechanical properties of WHSF such as specific gravity, unit
weight, water absorption and mass density are determined through the past studies and
experiments on WHSF.
Preparation of WHSF
These were the preparations done to get the water hyacinth stem fiber:
1. The roots and leaves of the water hyacinth were removed since only stem
of water hyacinth can produce fiber. Water Hyacinth stem and fiber were
cut into two pieces in parallel direction.
2. Cutter was used to peel its wet fiber and rolled by a pin roller.
3. The Water hyacinth fiber was sundried for 3-5 days or until the moisture
was eliminated.
4. Unnecessary substances were removed manually during sun drying.
5. The extracted fiber was cut into 15mm length.
6. The fiber was kept in a safe place in the City of Dasmariñas, Cavite where
it is away from physical disturbance.
IV. Alkali Treatment of Water Hyacinth Stem Fiber
In order to convert WHSF organic into inorganic fiber, these steps will follow
according to Benyahia et. al. (2013):
1. WHSF was soaked in 7% NaOH solution for 24 hours. 15:1 ratio was
maintained.
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2. The fiber was rinsed with water until there’s no Alkali solution left
sticking into it.
3. It was compensated with diluted acetic acid and washed again with water.
4. The fiber was dried for 2-3 days to eliminate the water content on it.
Make sure that the fiber is completely dry before preparing to a mixture.
V. Preparing the Concrete Mix
Control T1 (100% cement, 100% sand, 0% Water Hyacinth fiber and Ash)
The design mixture in this study was acquired in ACI 211 with the result of
1:3.27:2.48 and a water ratio of 0.575. A laboratory test report on aggregates
conducted at Sunmix Ready Mix Concrete and the data gathered were the input for
determining the concrete mix design. The table below shows the summary of the
design mix used in the study.
Table 12. Concrete Design Mixture
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In accordance with ACI 211, the weight of water was 90.62 kg/m^3, cement of
330.43 kg/m^3, coarse aggregate of 1079.43 kg/m^3, fine aggregate of 818.36
kg/m^3, Water Reducer (Superplasticiser) of 0.913 kg/m^3 which is 3% weight of the
cement will be implemented on the design mixture. The water cement ratio was 0.575
to attain the 27.5Mpa strength.
In determining the weight in kilograms of materials per concrete mixtures, the
volume of the 4x8in cylinder was computed and multiplied by 12 which is the number
of trials per treatments for the total volume of cylinders. The total volume of the
beams by multiplying the volume of 150x150x500mm beam by 3. Adding the total
volume of the cylinders to the total volume of the beams and multiplied to the result
given by ACI 211. The weight of materials per concrete mixture that will be used in
this study are 17.6846kg of cement, 43.7986kg of fine aggregates, 57.771kg of coarse
aggregates, and 4.85kg of water for the control. The summation of the weight of all
materials is shown in the table 13.
In preparing the mixture, a super-plasticizer will be added to increase the
strength of the concrete mixture. The control (T1) of cylinder concrete will be
replicated 12 times that will evaluate after 7, 14, and 28 days of curing and the beam
concrete will be replicated trice for the flexural strength after 28 days of curing.
ASTM C31/C31M (Standard Practice for Making and Curing Concrete Test
Specimens in the Field) will be followed in this study. Prepare the moulds; place it
with flat even surface. Pour the concrete mixture into the mould and consolidate it by
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rodding the cross section of the old 25 times evenly. Tap the outside of each mould
with mallet. Do this for 10-15 times evenly. This helps to remove any holes and
bubbles created by rodding. Scoop more concrete mix and repeat the rodding and
tapping. Scrape off excess concrete and move the molds to a safe location.
Treatments
The procedure in the Control (T1) is the same as in the treatments but only this
time, the amount of cement will be decreased into 20% and will replace it with
WHLA. The cement and WHLA weight for the treatments will be 14.1476kg and
3.537kg respectively. This is applicable in all treatments.
Furthermore, the sand of T2 will decreased into 2% and will replace with
WHSF same as T3 and T4 with 4% and 6% of WHSF respectively. Each treatment of
cylinder concrete will be replicated 12 times that will evaluate after 7, 14, and 28 days
of curing and the beam concrete will be replicated trice for the flexural strength after
28 days of curing. The water cement ratio will still the same as 0.575. The total weight
of WHLA and WHSF that are needed in this study will be 10.611kg and 5.256
respectively.
Table 13. Weight in Kg will be used per Concrete mixture
MIXTU GRAVEL CEMENT WHLA SAND WHSF Water SUPERP
RE NO. LASTIC
IZER
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T1 57.771 17.6846 0 43.799 0 4.85 0

T2 57.771 14.1476 3.537 42.923 0.876 4.85 0.5354
T3 57.771 14.1476 3.537 42.047 1.752 4.85 0.5354
T4 57.771 14.1476 3.537 41.171 2.628 4.85 0.5354
VI. Slump Test
Concrete Slump Test is a measurement of concrete's workability, or fluidity.
Using the Slump Test Method the concrete quality will be determined. The Slump
Test will be important to know if the added water to the mixture of the concrete is
passed or failed. According to the ASTM C143 – Testing of Fresh Concrete in the
Field this will be our guide in testing. All samples of mixtures for each of volume of
fiber will be tested to determine the correct ratio.
VII. Curing of Specimen
Curing is the method which prevents the concrete from loss of moisture
required for hydration until the strength is attained. The concrete will be cured after 24
hours by submerging the concrete with water. Every specimen is submerged into the
water until it reaches the 7, 14 and 28 days curing time.
VIII. Mechanical Properties Test
Compressive strength test will be conducted in concrete after 7, 14 and 28
days and Flexural and Split-Tensile Strength will be conducted after the 28th day. Each
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specimen will be labeled for easy identification. The Universal Test Machine will be
used to determine the strength of the concrete.
Compressive Strength
When the curing period of each sample is complete, it will now proceed to the
testing machine. The sample will be placed on the lower bearing block aligned with
the bearing block's center of thrust. Until the fault is achieved, a compressive load of
25 ±.05 MPa / s is applied continuously. Report the carrying maximum load.
Flexural Strength
Upon reaching the 28th day of curing, the sample will then proceed to the
testing machine. The sample is placed on the flex device. A load is continuously
applied at a constant rate until the maximum load is reached.
Tensile Strength
The researchers will then place it on the universal testing machine once the sample
has hit the 28th day of curing. Continuously add a load at a constant rate until the
error is reached. Report the holding maximum load.
D. Research Instrument
The materials that will be used in preparing the concrete are the Portland cement,
sand, coarse aggregates, water and the water hyacinth stem fiber and leaf ash. Na0H
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solution (Alkali Treatment) was used in treating the fiber and ash. Man-made pit and
denatured alcohol were used in preparing the leaf ash. Tamping rod, 4x8 in cylinder
moulder, beam moulder, mortar mixer, shovel will be used in preparing a sample
treatments. Bucket, digital weighing scale, scissors, cutter, pin roller and ruler was
used in determining the properties of water hyacinth. 3/8 inch, No. 4, No. 8, No. 16,
No. 30, No. 50 and No. 100 sieve sizes was needed in determining the fineness of the
aggregates. The Universal Testing Machine will be used in determining the strength of
the concrete.
The sand and Portland cement will be provided by Sunmix Corporation. The water
hyacinth plants were will be collected from a river in Brgy. Pinagtipunan, General
Trias City, Cavite.
E. Data Analysis
Analysis of Variance Method (ANOVA) will be used to collect and analyze
the data obtain in the experiment. To find the equation of the curve that best describes
the relationship of each variable, the program Curve Expert Professional will be used.
These are the programs that are going to be used in this research to determine the
significant difference between treatments and the effect of WHSF and WHLA to the
concrete mixture in terms of its Mechanical properties.
Determining the Efficient Mix Designs or Ratio Replacement
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On conclusion of the data analysis, the researchers are now ready to decide
whether the water hyacinth stem fiber and leaf ash green concrete is efficient than the
traditional concrete mix model and if so, what ratio will be better.
CHAPTER III
RESULTS
This chapter discusses the results obtained from the experiment. It shows the
properties and the variables that this research had investigated in both textual and
graphical presentation of the data gathered.
Properties of Aggregates
The properties of aggregates were determined by Sunmix Corporation. The
company tested the properties of aggregates and gave the complete documents needed
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for this experiment to the researcher. By performing several tests for fine aggregates,
the fineness modulus was found out to be 2.59 according to ASTM C136. The unit
weight was obtained to be 1651 with a water absorption of 2.81% and a moisture
content of 4.63. The study will be using a 9.525mm nominal maximum size of coarse
aggregates. A unit weight of coarse aggregates was determined to be 1672.13. The
moisture content and the moisture absorption of coarse aggregates was 3.61 and
2.27% respectively.
Properties of Water Hyacinth Leaf Ash
In the Salao experimental et.al. (2015) the properties of water hyacinth ash
was determined. It was concluded that the specific gravity is 1.72 and the water
absorption is 5.62%. Using ACI concrete mix design, the water cement ratio used in
this study was 0.575.
Properties of Water Hyacinth Stem Fiber
According to the research article of Myrtha et.al (2007), the mechanical
properties of WHSF was determined. The tensile strength (MPa), break strain and the
modulus of elasticity (MPa) was 14.72, 1.75%, and 1106 respectively. The water
absorption of 3.18 % was determined also by the given study.
Note: Due to COVID19, the researchers were not able to continue the
experiment. All the materials are all set and waiting for the concrete mixing for
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treatments. As soon as the facilities are available, the researchers will pursue to
finish the experiment and give a complete results and discussions for this study.
Thank you for your understanding.
CHAPTER IV
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APPENDICES
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GATHERING OF WATER HYACINTH
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SEPARATION OF LEAVES AND STEM
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WEIGHING OF WATER HYACINTH
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DRYING OF WATER HYACINTH
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MANUAL SHREDDING AND CUTTING OF WATER HYACINTH
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TREATING OF WATER HYACINTH STEM FIBER
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DRYING OF TREATED STEM FIBER
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PRODUCTION OF WATER HYACINTH LEAF ASH
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Emilio Aguinaldo College

School of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER

HYACINTH STEM FIBER AND LEAF ASH AS

PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF FINE

AGGREGATES AND CEMENT

Hyacinth Stem Fiber (WHSF), Green Concrete, Alkali Treatments

LEDESMA, EHNRICO JAMES M.

SILUNGAN, NINA LORAINE V.

ENGR. NEONEL DONAIRE

The growth of the construction industry worldwide is growing at a faster rate,

commonly used building materials is concrete. Concrete is a building material

that is time-hardening. Problems have arisen in recent times as a result of constantly

yards of concrete manufactured globally, taking immense physical resources to

decreases the supply of water that is supplemental to the needs of people. To

conventional concrete, and the alternative is to use what we consider "organic

concrete" or “green concrete.”

It is also a type of concrete that is similar to traditional concrete, but it requires a

Fiber Reinforced Concrete is a concrete with a fibrous material that improves

the member's structural integrity after breaking as it is an element to further improve a

Water Hyacinth is an aquatic crop and is a highly problematic invasive

Various researches were conducted to increase the mechanical properties of

the materials to be replace as a portion of fine aggregates.

A. Objectives of the Study

Water hyacinth is one of the major problems in some bodies of water,

of water hyacinth fiber and leaf ash.

Especially it aimed to:

1. Determine the workability of the fresh concrete;

2. Determine the mechanical properties such as Compressive Strength,

Flexural Strength and Tensile Strength of Water Hyacinth Stem Fiber

and Leaf Ash in different proportions of as follows:

conventional concrete mix design.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Water Water Hyacinth Green Concrete

Hyacinth Stem Harvesting, Drying, with the most

Fiber and Leaf Cutting, Physical Test, efficient mix

Ash, Cement, Mixing, Moulding, design ratio

Sand, Gravel Concrete Samples composed of

and Water Testing, Compressive Water Hyacinth

Strength Testing, Stem Fiber and

Split-Tensile Strength Leaf Ash

C. Significance of the study

The result of this study intends to be beneficial for:

Civil Engineering Students

concrete for construction.

This would enable communities nationwide to be enlightened and to promote

an eco-friendly and community-based management on wastes.

This study would serve as information promotes an eco-friendly concrete that

D. Scope and Limitation

as a partial replacement of fine aggregates and cements to concrete. The researchers

Compressive Strength. The capacity of a material or structure to withstand

tending to elongate. In other words, compressive strength resists compression,

whereas tensile strength resists tension. In the study of strength of materials, tensile

strength, compressive strength, and shear strength can be analysed independently.

Flexural Strength. Flexural strength is a measure of the tensile strength of

any bending failures.

Split-tensile Strength. The tensile strength is defined as the maximum tensile

property is also sometimes referred to Ultimate Tensile Stress or UTS.

Slump test. It is assessing the consistency of fresh concrete. It is used,