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CHP 3 Without Intro
CHP 3 Without Intro
CHP 3 Without Intro
Methodology
This section introduced the detailed processes of how the research study was conducted.
There are four major consecutive phases included in this section such as; gathering of data,
sampling method, testing of samples, and lastly, evaluation of test result and statistical analysis.
These four phases tended to support and answer the aim and the specific objectives of the
research study.
The study aims to evaluate the compressive strength of the brick containing sugarcane
bagasse ash and clay soil of Sta. Cruz, Zambales for fence use. The study begins with the
determining the possible materials in brick making by reviewing related literature. Researchers
found that sugarcane bagasse ash is found to have pozzolanic property so it can be used as
substitute to construction material, and based on the recent studies, SBA is rich in Silica, which
is Silica is one of the major component in making brick because it serves as a bonding agent. The
clay soil was purchased in Brgy. Guinabon Sta. Cruz, Zambales while the sugarcane bagasse ash
was purchased in Brgy. Sto Niño Cabangan, Zambales. Clay soil that is purchased in Sta. Cruz
will undergo in different soil test Liquid Limit Test, Plastic Limit Test, and Proctor Compaction
Test whether the material is possible to use as a brick material. These materials are to be tested
whether the materials are forming a bond or not. Proper pulverization and sieving of clay soil
and ash are needed in order to attain the physical properties of the brick. After testing binding
property and grading the materials, the required proportions of the materials are selected and
then it is mixed together to mold a brick in definite shape. Researchers used 195 mm x 95 mm x
50 mm for the dimension of the brick. Researchers used the various content of sugarcane bagasse
ash such as 20 specimens without SBA, 20 specimens with 10% of SBA, 20 specimens with
15%, and also 20 specimens with 20% specimen. 80 samples are to be constructed and will
undergo tests including; 20 samples for Compressive Strength Test, 20 samples Absorption Test -
5-h and 24-h Submersion Tests & 1-h, 2-h, and 5-h Boiling Tests, and 40 samples for
Efflorescence Test. Procedures, apparatuses, and calculation are all based on the ASTM C-67. All
specimen was examined to evaluate the strength of the brick containing Sugarcane bagasse ash
and clay soil in accordance to the ASTM C-67 Standard Test Methods for Sampling and Testing
This research study begun with an idea about sugarcane bagasse ash having a pozzolanic
property which makes it ideal in combining with clay soil. The development of ideas has stages
such as : Reading previous studies in relation with sugarcane bagasse ash, checking of standard
data and testing methods in accordance with AASHTO, ASTM and DPWH Standards, and the
development of experimental design and testing. With the provided ideas and supporting
information from previous related studies, this would bring direction and clear idea for the
Step 1: Determining the adhesiveness of clay soil with sugarcane bagasse ash based on previous
studies
Portland cement resulted for a feasible study. Studies showed that sugarcane bagasse ash have
pozzolanic property which make it ideal in combining with clay soil. Sugarcane bagasse ash
found to improve some properties of paste, mortar and concrete including compressive strength,
Recent studies of bagasse ash combined with ordinary Portland cement with different
percentage ratio ranging from 5% to 30%. The replacement of sugarcane bagasse ash up to 10%
resulted in better compressive strength. Higher replacement ratio of sugarcane bagasse ash
resulted in a higher consistency and lower setting time. This study led us to conclude to have 0%,
10%, 15% and 20% ratio to test the optimum ratio for high compressive strength.
Previous studies conducted was similar to methodology done by local brick makers.
Required proportions of the materials were then selected with one sample having no sugarcane
bagasse ash as a comparing sample. materials are then mixed and mold a brick in definite shape.
the mix then would be applied with a hammering motion using steel rod in order to compact it.
after molding, the brick is removed and is remained at the same stage for drying. drying must be
done carefully at room temperature and then sun dried for at least five days so the required
Step 4: Determining the ASTM Standard for sampling and testing of brick
This research study for the compressive and flexural strength of clay bricks with
sugarcane bagasse ash is proposed to be used for fencing wherein the Association for Standard
Testing of Materials (ASTM), in which their content must be met. the detailed methods and other
requirements are given in the following: ASTM C-127 (Standard Test Method for specific
gravity and absorption of coarse aggregates), ASTM C-136 (Standard test for sieve analysis of
fine and coarse aggregates) The DPWH were also based on these American standards. This
standard data was the basis for the success and failures of the results of testing.
Conclusions of other related studies on bagasse ash with combination of cement showed
28 days whereas the 15% and 25% replacements have shown 3.4% and 12.6% reduction
respectively. the water penetration depth increases as the bagasse ash content of the concrete
increases and all the concretes with bagasse ash have a maximum penetration depth greater than
the controlled specimen. Since bagasse ash is considered as a waste material of Sugarcane mills,
its use as partial replacement material reduces the levels of CO2 emission by cement industry
In this phase, the sample is prepared from collecting of sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA)
waste and clay soil, preparation of the apparatus and materials and fabricating of forms, sieving
of ash and soil, soil testing, mixing of materials, sampling of bricks, drying of sample and curing
of sample in the oven. These steps will be done to have samples containing 0, 10, 15 and 20
In this step, sugarcane bagasse ash waste is collected in the sugarcane mill in the town of
Cabangan particularly in barangay Sto. Nino. Sugarcane bagasse, is the fibrous residue after
crushing and juice extraction of sugarcane. It is burnt in the mill as a fuel so as to run their boiler.
This bagasse ash is generally dump in ash pond which causes environmental problems also
research states that Workplace exposure to dusts from the processing of bagasse can cause the
chronic lung condition pulmonary fibrosis, more specifically referred to as bagassosis. So, there
is great need for its reuse, also it is found that bagasse ash is high in silica and is found to have
pozzolanic property so it can be used as substitute to construction material like bricks. Clay is
collected in the foothill of Santa Cruz, Zambales specifically in barangay Guinabon. During the
flood the soil from the mountain easily erodes because it is disturbed during mining or during
high tide in the river the soil is accumulate in the foothill. Use digging tool to collect the soil and
In preparation of apparatus, get the proper no. of sieve which is no.40 to be used to obtain
the size of soil needed. Purchase the screed for removing the excess clay during molding. Put the
soil inside the electric pulverizer then turned on the power button and wait until the soil crushed
This step is done in PRMSU CoE Laboratory Room, when the soil is already crushed
sieving using sieve no.40 and pan make sure that it has cover. Hold the sieve layer with hands
Investigate the clay soil of Sta. Cruz Zambales by conducting plastic limit test, liquid
limit test, and proctor compaction test in the PRMSU CoE Laboratory Room. Plastic limit is the
water content in percent of a soil at the boundary between the plastic and semi-solid-states. The
procedure is defined in ASTM Standard D 4318. From the 20g sample select a 1.5-2g specimen
for testing. Roll the test specimen between the palm and fingers on the ground glass plate to form
a thread of uniform diameter. Continue rolling the thread until it reaches a uniform diameter of
3.2mm or 1/8in. when the thread becomes a diameter of 1/8 in reform it into a ball. Knead the
soil for a few minutes to reduce its water content slightly. Repeat steps 2 to 5 until the thread
crumbles when it reaches a uniform diameter of 1/8 in. when the soil reaches the point where it
will crumbles and when the thread is a uniform diameter of 1/8in.,it is at its plastic limit.
Determine the water content of the soil. Repeat this procedure three times to compute an average
Liquid limit test is defined by ASTM standard test method D4318.It is conceptually
defined as the water content at which the behaviour of a clayey soil changes from plastic to
liquid. Place a portion of prepared sample in the cup of the liquid limit device at the point where
the cup rests on the base and spread it so that it is 10mm deep at its deepest point form a
horizontal surface over the soil. Form a groove in the soil using grooving tool, beveled edge
forward, through the soil from the top of the cup. When forming the groove, hold the tip of the
grooving tool against the surface of the cup and keep the tool perpendicular to the surface of the
cup. Lift and drop the cup at a rate of 2 drops per second. Continue cranking until the two halves
of the soil sample meet each other at the bottom of the groove. The two halves must meet along a
distance of 13mm (1/2in). Record the number of drops required to close the groove. Remove a
slice of soil and determine its water content. Repeat steps 1to 5 with a sample of soil at a slightly
higher or lower water content. Whether should be added or removed depends on the number of
blows required to close the groove in the previous sample. The liquid limit is the water content at
which it will takes 25 blows to close the groove over a distance of 13mm. Run at least five tests
increasing the water content each time. As the water content increases it will take less blows to
determining the optimal moisture content at which a given soil type will become most dense and
achieve its maximum dry density. These laboratory tests generally consist of compacting soil at
known moisture content into a cylindrical mold of standard dimensions using a compactible
effort of controlled magnitude. The soil is usually compacted into the mold to a certain amount
of equal layers, each receiving a number of blows from a standard weighted hammer at a
specified height. This process is then repeated for various moisture contents and the dry densities
Weigh 5 kgs. Clay using weighing scale then put it in the mixing area. Followed by
adding the amount of water according to ASTM 34% of the amount of clay. After weighing the
desire amount of materials needed mix it together using bare hands. This mixing process is for
For the sample with sugarcane bagasse ash added, weigh 5kgs clay using weighing scale
then put in mixing area. Weigh 10,15, 20 percentage sugarcane bagasse ash. Followed by adding
Bricks are moulded in a rectangular form having dimension of 195 x 95 x 50mm mould
made from phenolic. There are two types of moulding, the hand moulding and machine
moulding. Using hand moulding, the tempered clay is forced in the mould in such a way that it
fills all the corners of the mould. Extra clay is removed by screed. Moulds is then lifted up and
The wet bricks were left in the moulds to air-dry for over three days based on ASTM-67
at room temperature. Slow drying is necessary for bricks to prevent from cracking or internal
steam formation.
Finally, the completely sun-dried bricks were placed in the drying oven to be done in the
PRMSU CoE Laboratory Room. It is important for the bricks sample to undergo drying in the
oven to remove the water accumulated by crystallization and to activate chemical reactions in the
ingredients of the clay. At a temperature of 6500C, organic matter in the clay is oxidized and
water crystal vaporizes. When the temperature is increased to 11000C, the particles of alumina
and silica bind together by fusion. At temp above 11000C, more glossy mass is formed. This
stage is known as vitrification. The process imparts hardness, strength and durability. The drying
oven was then shut down and bricks were left to cool down naturally. The slow burning of bricks
In this phase, the samples will undergo three tests that includes compression test, water
absorption test and the efflorescence test base on the output of Phase 2 which is the Sampling
method. Compression test will be conducted in the DPWH Zambales 1 st District Laboratory
Room using Universal Testing Machine, and both Water Absorption Test and Efflorescence Test
will be conducted in the PRMSU CoE-Laboratory room using triple beam balance, watertight
shallow pans or dish, and drying oven. This test, determines the strength of the brick with
sugarcane bagasse ash. Five bricks samples were cast having size of 195 mm x 95 mm x 50 mm.
6.1.1. Brick – The test specimens shall consist of dry half brick, the full height and width
of the unit, with a length equal to one half the full length of the unit ± 1 in. (25.4mm),
except as described below. If the test specimen, described above, exceeds the testing
machine capacity, the test specimen shall consist of dry pieces of brick, the full height
and width of the unit, with a length not less than one quarter of the full length of the unit,
with a length not less than one quarter of the full length of the unit, and with a gross
cross-sectional area perpendicular to bearing not less than 14 in. ² (90.3 mm. ²). Test
specimens shall obtain by any method that will produce, without shattering or cracking, a
specimen with approximately plane and parallel ends. Five specimens shall be tested.
6.3 Procedure:
6.3.1 Test brick specimens flatwise (that is, the load shall be applied in the direction of
the depth of the brick). Test structural clay tile specimens in a position such that the load
is applied the same direction as in service. Center the specimens under the spherical
attached at the center of the support head of the machine. The center of the sphere shall lie
at the center of the surface of the block in contact with the specimen . The block shall be
closely held in its spherical seat, but shall free to turn in any direction, and its p erimeter
shall have at least 1/4 in. (6.35 mm) clearance from the head to allow f or specimen whose
bearing surfaces are not exactly parallel. The diameter of the bearing surface shall be at
least 5 in. (127.00 mm). Use a hardened metal bearing block beneath the specimen to
minimize wear of the lower platen of the machine. The bearing block surfaces intended
for contact with the specimen shall have a hardness not than HRC60 (HB 620). These
surfaces shall not depart from plane surfaces by more than 0.001 in. (0.03 mm). When the
bearing area of the spherical bearing block is not sufficient to cover the area of the
specimen, place a plate with surfaces machined to true planes within ± 0.001 in. (0.03
mm), and with a thickness equal to at least third of the distance from the edge of the
spherical bearing to the most distant corner between the spherical bearing block and the
capped specimen.
6.3.4 Speed of Testing—Apply the load, up to one half of the expected maximum load, at
any convenient rate, after which, adjust the controls of the machine so that that the
remaining load is applied at a uniform, rate in not less than 1 nor than 2 min.
Where:
A = average of the gross areas of the upper and lower bearing surfaces of the
7.1.1 Brick – The scale or balance used shall have a capacity of not less than 2000 g. and
7.2.1 Brick – The test specimens shall consist of half brick conforming to the requirement
7.3.1 Procedure:
7.3.1.1 Dry and cool the test specimens in accordance with 4.4.1 and 4.4.2 and weigh
each one.
7.3.1.2 Saturation – Submerge the dry, cooled specimen, without preliminary partial
immersion, in clean water (soft, distilled or rain water) at 60 to 86°F (15.5 to 30°C) for
the specified time. Remove the specimen, wipe off the surface water with a damp cloth
weigh the specimen. Complete weighing of each specimen within 5 min after removing
Where:
7.3.2.2 Report the average absorption of all the specimens tested as the absorption of the
lot.
7.4.1 Test Specimens – The test specimen shall be the same five specimens used in the 5-h
or 24-h cold water submersion test where required and shall be used in the state of
7.4.2 Procedure:
7.4.2.1 Return the specimen that has been subjected to the cold-water submersion to the
7.4.2.2 Submerge the specimen in clean water (soft, distilled or rain water) at 60 to 86 °F
(15.5 to 30°C) in such a manner that water circulates freely on all sides of the specimen.
Heat the water to boiling, within I h, boil continuously for s pecified time, and then allow
to cool to 60 to 86°F (15.5 to 30°C) by natural loss of heat. Remove the specimen, wipe
off the surface water with a damp cloth, and weigh the specimen. Complete weighing of
each specimen within 5 min after removing the specimen from the bath.
7.4.2.3 If the tank is equipped with a drain so that water at 60 to 86 °F (15.5 to 30°C)
passes through the tank continuously and at such a rate that a complete change of water
takes place in not more than 2 min, make weighing at the end of I h.
Where:
7.4.3.2 Report the average absorption of all the specimens tested as the absorption of the
lot.
Where:
10.1 Apparatus:
10.1.1 Trays & Containers – Watertight shallow pans or trays made of corrosion-resistant
metal or other material that will not provide soluble salts when in contact with distilled
water containing leaching from brick. The pan shall be of such dimensions that it will
provide not less than a 1-in (25.4-mm) depth of water. Unless the pan provides an area
such that the total volume of water is large in comparison with the amount evaporated
each day, suitable apparatus shall be provided for keeping a constant level of water in the
pan.
10.2.2 The ten specimens shall be sorted into five pairs so that both specimens of each
10.3 Preparation of Specimens – Remove by brushing any adhering dirt that might be
mistaken for efflorescence. Dry the specimens and cool them as prescribed in 4.4.1 and
4.4.2.
10.4 Procedure:
10.4.1 Set one specimen from each of the five pairs, on end, partially immersed in
distilled water to a depth of approximately 1 in. (25.4 mm) for 7 days in the drying room.
10.4.2 Store the second specimen from each of the five pairs in the drying room without
10.4.3 At the end of 7 days, inspect the first set of specimens and then dry both sets in the
10.5 Examination and Rating – After drying, examine and compare each pair of
specimens, observing the top and all four faces of each specimen from a distance of 10 ft.
with normal vision. If under these conditions no difference is noted, report the rating as
conditions, report the rating as “effloresced.” Record the appearance and distribution of
the efflorescence.
In this phase the result from testing of sample are evaluated and tabulated where the data
testing technique used to determine the significant differences between the means of two or more
independent groups. The output of this phase shows the physical and mechanical properties of
brick sample containing SBA waste with specified percentages of ash comparing to a
conventional brick. Evaluation of test results from the sample will determine the most
economical brick having the best strength that meet the ASTM standards.
Step 17: Comparison of the commercial brick to the clay brick with SBA waste
The properties of the brick samples are observed for comparing the manufacturing brick
to the economical brick containing SBA waste. The important properties to be compared are
durability, color, texture, size variation, compressive strength, water absorption and the cost of
each brick sample. This step shows the physical and mechanical properties of the samples that
Step 18: Statistical Evaluation of Results and Cost Benefit Analysis of the economical brick
samples.
This step summarizes the data and information from the results of the brick samples. A
one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) is an effective way to compare the means of each
samples. The data are tabulated from 0, 10, 15 and 20 percentage ratios of SBA with clay soil
mixture. The results from different test performed in water absorption, compression test and
efflorescence test are also tabulated. These are computed through statistical analysis which
provides an approximation or a null hypothesis that may be either proved or disproved of the
data. The results are shown wherein the F is compared to F-critical and P-value with a level of
significance that is default to 5% or 0.05. If between variation is much larger than the within
variation, the means of different samples will not be equal. If the between and within variations
are approximately the same size, then there will be no significant difference between sample
means.
In terms of cost benefit analysis, each of the brick sample are compared to its total
expected cost with the total expected benefits. The result will represent the estimated strength
and weaknesses of the sample which shows the best strength and benefits while having the most
A graphical representation of test result shows the compressive strength of each brick
sample having 0, 10, 15 and 20 percentage ratios of SBA. The data tabulated from the graph
have 5 samples every mixture which will average the results. In this step, the investigation and
observation of the result will answer the aim and objectives of the study
The test results from the brick samples should meet the ASTM requirements including its
compressive strength, water absorption and its maximum saturation. The table shows the grades
that classify the brick according to their resistance to damage by freezing when wet. The three
grades should meet the ASTM C62-12 Table requirements in its physical properties that are
shown below.
Research Design
The research employs experimental design to evaluate the compressive strength of bricks
contains Sugarcane Bagasse Ash Waste and clay soil. Where experimental research design is any
research conducted with a scientific approach, where a set of variables are kept constant while
the other set of variables are being measured as the subject of experiment. There will be 10
samples in every test that will conduct and 5 samples in every percentage of Sugarcane Bagasse
Ash. The compressive strength of a clay bricks without Sugarcane Bagasse Ash is compared to
Research Setting
This study will be conducted in various locations, laboratories and testing sites where we
can gather data, statistics, materials and methodologies used locally. As for the gathering of
ideas, internet gives loads of information and achieves of articles and related studies. We also
visited sugarcane mills located in Cabangan and Brgy. Guisguis, Sta. Cruz to collect raw
materials. Laboratories in PRMSU COE department and Zambales Provincial Engineering Office
Research Respondents
The respondents in our study are the authors of articles, journals, related research studies,
thesis, books and other related reading materials. Achieves posted on the internet contributed by
our respondents given us great help to further understand clay bricks and its features. Further
readings suggest that sugarcane bagasse ash waste have pozzolanic properties which makes it
possible to be an admixture to clay brick. This determines the optimum usage of sugarcane
bagasse ash in clay bricks production. With the information and recommendation provided and
supported by recent related studies and with the standard qualifications of ASTM C-67 and
AASHTO standards, we determined the percentage ratio of sugarcane bagasse ash, water ratio
and curing period for clay bricks. Test methods and different methodology are also present with
the said reference. From the data collected, there will be evaluation and adoption of concepts
with sugarcane bagasse ash. The conclusions and recommendations can be further use and apply
to gain the optimum mix that will give high compressive strength.
The instruments used in the gathering of data are reading documents like published
articles, journals, theses and other reference manuals from the internet to provide necessary data
sugarcane bagasse ash are digging tools, electric pulverizer and sieve tools. For soil testing of
clay sample, it uses weighing scale, cylindrical mould, grooving tools and a Cassagrande
apparatus to classify their plastic and liquid limit. Screed, Scraper, weighing scale and a mould
oven is used with a certain degree of temperature for its curing process.
properties of brick samples. It uses a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) to measure the
maximum compressive strength of the brick. Triple beam balance is also used to determine the
initial and final weight of sample conducted in water absorption test. For efflorescence test, the
brick sample is placed in a shallow flat bottom dish and covered with glass cylinder.
The researchers gathered data from collecting the sugarcane bagasse ash to curing of
observation the important data acquired. Experimentation is also useful in gaining the best result
Statistical Treatment
The appropriate statistical treatment that will be used in our study is the One- Way
Anova, which determine whether one level of the individual variable (say 10% of Sugarcane
Bagasse Ash by weight) is different for another (say 15% of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash by weight)
for each of the character of interests (Compression Test, Water Absorption Test, and
Efflorescence Test). The test result of of every sample will determine what percentage by weight
of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash has the highest Compressive Strength, Water Absorption and
Efflorescence.