Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region 2
Schools Division of Isabela
AURORA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Aurora, Isabela

“The Efficacy of Pulverized Rubber as an Additive in Making Concrete

Hollow Blocks”

Princess Karel R. Guillermo

12- Confucius

Jonnabelle Gamino
Subject Teacher, Practical Research 1
 CHAPTER I
Introduction
A. Background of the Study
Accumulation of discarded scrap rubber are non- biodegradable and have been a

major concern. Even after a long period of land fill treatment unmanaged waste rubber poses

environmental and may trap water, and have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and

bacteria, and are excellent habitats for snakes and rodents. They present a real fire hazard,

producing toxic fumes with health implications. As an alternative to discard tires in dumps

and landfills, the by present solutions are to manage tire waste, which include the promotion

of retreading rates to increase the average life of tires.

Waste rubber is becoming a major problem today. Worn out tires and other rubber

products have become one of the largest and technically challenging problems in waste

management. Its durability, flexibility, strength and elasticity are qualities that make rubber

ideal as a material to manufacture tire, the same qualities make it difficult to breakdown and

recycle. Presently it is reported that 900 million to 1 billion rubbers are scrapped annually

throughout the world and other waste rubber accounts for an additional 3 million tons. When

disposed in dumps a rubber particle takes over 27 years to decompose, and tires take over 80

years to discompose naturally (Doddurani, Thenmozhi & Vadivel, 2019).

Hollow block is one of the important materials used for the construction of temporary

and permanent structures. Based on the usage, hollow blocks are manufactured at various

sizes. Transforming rubber scraps and waste into useful products is the most

environmentally sound form of recovery. This involves shredding the scraps into pulverized

rubber shreds. Pulverized rubber is a general term or an expression given to recycled rubber

that is generated from scrap tires. The dynamic performance of the rubber concrete is of high
importance because of its high resilient nature, as the rubber particles that are included in the

concrete have a positive effect on the dynamic performance (Fawas, Gerges & Issa, 2018).

The researcher came up a study entitled “The Efficacy of Pulverized Rubber as an

Additive in Making Concrete Hollow Blocks” to provide a solution for this worst limitation

of concrete, especially the brittleness and very low tensile strength of hollow blocks. Making

concrete a ductile material would also improve the impact strength and toughness of the

concrete. Another issue would be to seek ways of making the concrete environmentally

friendly through the choice of materials while retaining the core advantages of the concrete.

B. Research Question

1. Is the product acceptable in terms of:

a. Durability

b. Tensile Strength

c. Toughness

d. Availability of materials

2. Which is cheaper?

a. Pulverized Rubber as an Additive in Making Concrete Hollow Blocks

b. Commercial Hollow Blocks

C. Significance of the Study

The result of the project is significant and beneficial to the following considerations:

1. Environment- The product is a big help to the environment as this study will lessen

the waste and scraps caused by rubbers. Transforming rubber scraps and waste into useful

products is the most environmentally sound form of recovery.

2. Community- The product can help the locals in the community, hollow block helps

in saving construction material, hence the use of hollow block reduces the construction cost.

Also, this study provides alternative livelihood for the locals.

3. Future Researcher- This study would make it easier for future researchers to develop

the ways in saving our environment and take steps to solve the problem in rubber wastes.

D. Scope and Limitation

This study entitled “The Efficacy of Pulverized Rubber as an Additive in Making

Concrete Hollow Blocks” aims to test acceptability of Pulverized Rubber as an Additive in

Making Concrete Hollow Blocks in terms of appearance, durability, tensile strength,

toughness and availability of materials. The researcher will also compare the cost of

Pulverized Rubber as an Additive in Making Concrete Hollow Blocks and Commercial

Hollow Blocks. The study will be conducted at Victoria, Aurora, Isabela, from

_______to_______.

This study will be focusing only on making hollow blocks using pulverized rubber as

an additive. Its main purpose is to test the efficacy of Pulverized Rubber as an Additive in

Making Concrete Hollow Blocks.