CONCEPT NOTE
Title of the Study:
“Development of Impact Damage Resistant and Water Resistant for
Sustainable Alternative Eco-friendly Blocks Using Recycled Plastic Bottles and
Rice Husk”
Background/ Rationale
The continuous rise in plastic pollution and agricultural waste poses a serious
environmental threat. plastic bottles, being non- biodegradable, accumulate rapidly in
landfills and [Link], rice husk, a by - product of rice milling, is often discarded
or burned, contributing to air pollution. By combining these materials; Plastic waste and
rice husk, it can be used for creating eco-friendly bricks and blocks for building
constructions. Plastic bottles offer structural strength, while rice husk provides
insulation and durability. The combination of plastic bottles and rice husk develop a
sustainable, impact resistant, water resistant construction materials like block and
bricks. This research contributes to eco-friendly building practices and the circular
economy by turning waste into valuable resources.
Objectives of the Study
1. To develop eco-friendly construction bricks and blocks with improved
impact resistance using recycled plastic bottles and rice husk within the duration
of the study.
2. To help reduce plastic waste by utilizing discarded plastic materials in
the production of construction blocks throughout the research process.
3. To compare the performance of the developed eco-blocks with
conventional cement blocks in terms of durability and impact resistance based
on observed physical characteristics and practical testing.
4. To produce low-cost construction materials by using locally available waste
materials as an alternative to traditional components by the completion of the
study.
Research Questions/ Hypothesis
Research Question 1:
Is it compatible for rainy season and high temperature season?
Hypothesis 1:
The eco-block is compatible with both rainy and high-temperature seasons due to its
resistance to moisture and heat.
Research Question 2:
How strong is the eco-block to sustain various intensities of earthquake?
Hypothesis 2:
The eco-block can withstand low to moderate earthquake intensities but may show
reduced performance under high-intensity earthquakes.
Research Question 3:
How strong and sustainable is the eco-block compared to traditional hollow blocks?
Hypothesis 3:
Eco-blocks are equally strong and more sustainable than traditional hollow blocks due to
their recycled components.
Research Question 4:
What are the other advantages and disadvantages of eco-block compared to traditional
hollow blocks?
Hypothesis 4:
Eco-blocks offer advantages such as lower environmental impact and cost efficiency,
but may have disadvantages in uniformity and long-term durability compared to
traditional hollow blocks.
Methodology
The methodology involves collecting and cleaning recycled plastic bottles, which will
then be melted to serve as the primary binder. Rice husk will be burned under
controlled conditions to produce rice husk ash, which acts as a lightweight filler and
pozzolanic material. The melted plastic and rice husk ash will be combined in varying
mix ratios and poured into molds to form construction block prototypes. After cooling
and hardening, the blocks will be demolded and subjected to laboratory tests to
evaluate their compressive strength, thermal insulation, water resistance, and overall
durability. The resulting data will be analyzed and compared against conventional
concrete blocks to assess the feasibility and performance of this sustainable alternative.
Expected Outcomes, Contribution to Knowledge, and
Community
This study is expected to produce durable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly
construction blocks made from recycled plastic and rice husk ash. By transforming
waste materials into valuable building products, the research promotes sustainable
waste management and helps reduce environmental pollution. The developed blocks
could serve as an affordable alternative to traditional concrete, making them ideal for
low-cost housing and community infrastructure, especially in rural or underdeveloped
areas. Additionally, the findings can contribute to the advancement of green
construction technologies and encourage greater adoption of eco-innovative materials
in the building industry.
Members:
Cañaveral, Frinz Laurenz H.
Mesina, Kevin B.
Oña, John Mark O.
Rebeta, Gerbi O.