CHAPTER III
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Location of the Study
The Polystyrene foam bits was produced at Brgy. Kibia, Matalam, North
Cotabato and Kidapawan City National High School while the sand was
purchased and dried at Brgy. Balabag, Kidapawan City. The Blocks where
molded at Brgy. Paco also in the city of Kidapawan as well as the Water
absoption test and observation. The comprehensive strength testing was
conducted at Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Office located
at Brgy. Lanao, Kidapawan City.
Materials
The materials and medium used in producing the Concrete Paving Block
includes polystyrene bits pulverize through the use of sand paper, water, cement,
weighing scale, shovel, molder and container (3,150mL).
Materials Preparation
The additive that was used is Polystyrene Foam bits that came from
newly-purchased appliances at Brgy. Kibia, Matalam Kidapawan City National
High School. For Pavement Block, materials used such cement was purchased
at hardware store near Brgy. Paco, Kidapawan City while the sand was
purchased at Brgy, Balabag in Kidapawan as well.
Experimental Treatments
Table 2. Experimental treatments
MIXTURE (part per volume)
TREATMENT Polystyrene Cement Sand Water
Foam
Treatment 1 0g 500g 1000g 350mL
Treatment 2 0.77g 500g 678.7g 350mL
Treatment 3 1.54g 500g 357.4g 350mL
Production of Concrete Paving Blocks
Materials have undergone inspection and further evaluation for it to be
suitable for the process .Wet sand is badly recommended for the mixing because
it can create uneven distribution of cement. Thus, the sand was strained to
separate the course aggregate in order to mold it finely and was dried for two (2)
days to make sure it is not wet and is purely dry and fine. The Polystyrene Foam
bits cement and cement were measured by its desired volume at a given ratio
and was mixed thoroughly. The treatment 1, treatment 2, and treatment 3.
Polystyrene Foam were mixed with cement properly and thoroughly with sand
with also in the given mixing ratio, then the water is poured slowly for the
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smoothness and control of surface wetness .The mixture is tested by forming a
ball in the hand to decide if it is ready for molding process, then if it’s perfect it is
ready to mold in a molder and after it, finish product was set for sun drying for
five (5) days and undergoes water absorptivity test for 24 hours and dried again
for five (5) days for compressive strength test.
Curing
Curing plays an important role on strength development and durability of
concrete. Curing took 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. 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.
Property Testing
Compressive Strength
The Compression Test was conducted at Department of Public Works
and Highways (DPWH) Office located at Brgy. Lanao, Kidapawan City. The
Blocks was placed at testing machine for axial loading. The load that caused the
sample to fail was determined by an Electronic Display of the Compression
Machine.
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Water Absorption
For water Absorption Test, the blocks were dried for five (5) days and was
weighed using a weighing scale. The blocks are then submerged in water for 24
hours in a container covered with plastic cellophane to prevent exposure. Then,
the blocks were removed from the water. The change in weight of the blocks was
the amount of water absorb by the blocks. Water Absorption is expressed as
increase in weight percent. Given the formula,
W% = ( Ws – Wo)/ Wo× 100% (equation 2)
Where:
W% - Moisture absorbed
Ws - Weight of sample after exposed to water.
Wo - Weight of sample before water absorptivity test
Experimental Design
The study was statistically analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance
(ANOVA) with three (3) treatments, consisting of different amount of Polystyrene
Foam bits. Each treatment was replicated three (3) times. For mean comparison
Least Significant Difference (LSD) was used.
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Schematic Diagram
Concrete paving Background of the
blocks using study statement of
Gathering of materials
Polystyrene Foam as the problem and
an additive for review of related
cement literature
Production of Material
concrete paving preparation
Curing
blocks
Analyzing of result and
Property testing Data interpretation of data
Gathering
Making conclusion
and generalization
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