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Compressive Strengths of the Hollow Blocks with an Additive of Dog’s Manure

and Polystyrene

Preprint · April 2020

DOI: 10.35542/osf.io/buafh

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 Compressive Strengths of the Hollow Blocks with an Additive of Dog’s
Manure and Polystyrene

Monaliza Mae G. Beron a,*

Aiyana Jul A. Decena a,*
Justine Mae G. Fernandez a,*
Kisha Wynne C. Largo a,*
Juvelyn S. Maduay a,*
Demy Genne S. Ratilla a,*
Marie Louise Nicole U. Tuvilla a,*
Elly Brent Baldovino a,*
Francis Kenneth D. Canono a,*,#
a
University of the Immaculate Conception, Bajada, Davao City, Philippines
*
Contributed equally
#
Correspondence: franciscanono@gmail.com

Abstract

Utilizing the waste materials as substitution in construction would be the sustainable step of
conserving the resources to rectify alarming health risks and such that the dog’s manure polluting
the streets . The purpose of this study was to be able to utilized the dog’s manure into making it a
sustainable product that could further withstand the signs of times (specifically earthquakes). This
Qualitative-Quantitative study (Exploratory Research Design) investigation firstly interviewed
relevant participants that has something to say. In the results of the study, it was found out that
hollow blocks with an additive of dog’s manure and polystyrene are indeed effective in making
sustainable hollow blocks that could highly benefit the one’s who are in a tight budget.
Additionally, the results reflect that the more concentrated the mixture having greater amount of
manure present with the presence of polystyrene (which is a good insulator), the quality is more
highly commendable. Given these findings, the researchers recommend that there should be a deep
concern regarding this study since it has the bigger potential to be marketed offering an productive
quality at an affordable cost which is more cheaper than the hollow blocks available to the market.

Keywords: Pollution, signs of times, hollow block, exploratory research design, dog’s manure,
polstyrene (good insulator), potential

1. Introduction
Other than the food, water, and air, human beings need to have shelter to survive. And this
abode has to be durable to endure time; more importantly, given the geographical condition, it
should stand firm against calamities. It should also be eco-friendly for sustainability, and
affordable, especially for low-income earners. In the Philippines, foundation and walls of
residential structures are made up of wood, bamboo, some bricks, and more common in
subdivisions are concrete hollow blocks. Concrete hollow blocks are the most preferred
construction material because of its relatively low cost and availability in most places in the
country. It is also proven to have a high fire rating, non-combustibility, and fit for tropical settings
like the Philippines. It is therefore viable to say that designing and manufacturing hollow blocks
using other cheaper materials would be advantageous for most households in the Philippines,
especially that housing and construction here are getting expensive year after year.
Among the team’s initial investigation on researches conducted related to alternative
structural aggregates, organic matter for innovation in construction is promising (Durieux et al.,
1995).
Among the organic matter, the researchers have considered the dog's manure. More and
more people have developed a high regard for pets and have adopted some of their own; however,
undeniably, households have started expressing their concern about dog poop left on the streets
for some time. It is never pleasant to the eyes, its health risks alarming, and so the call for making
concrete actions to address this problem is necessary. Heeding this call, the researchers thought of
a bio hollow block made of cement, sand, molasses, polystyrene, and dog manure.
Globally, dog poop has pestered many cities all over the world. In America alone, there are
an estimated 83 million pet dogs, as of 2014, that produce 10.3 million dogs poop each year
(Freinkel, 2014). Conducted studies from American researchers have stated that 20 to 30 percent
of bacteria from urban watersheds came from dog poop. Not only in their water systems, but dog
poop could also lead to air pollution. This pollution was proven by studies of air samples in
Cleveland, Ohio, and Detroit, Michigan, revealing that 10 to 50 percent of the air bacteria came
from dog poop. According to Siler (2018), pet dogs produce approximately 21.2 billion pounds of
poop each year. Just like human poop, dog poop is full of nasty bacteria and even parasites. One
gram of dog poop can contain up to 23 million fecal coliform bacteria. It is a common carrier of
whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, parvo, coronavirus, giardia, salmonella, cryptosporidium,
and campylobacter. The risk to public health from a large number of dog stools present on streets
of urban areas is a matter of concern.
The researchers are aware of the health risks this study is proposing. Feces are made of
solid or semisolid remains of food that could not be digested in the small intestine. Bacteria in the
large gut further break down the material. Feces contain a relatively small amount of metabolic
waste products such as altered-bacteria bilirubin, and the dead epithelial cells from the lining of
the gut. To further convert these feces into hollow blocks, first, it must be subjected to heat to dry
it out. The wastes will be burned and will be mixed up with cement to create bio hollow blocks.
The innovation that the researchers would like to forward in this study is the use of polystyrene,
as one vital ingredient to make hollow blocks out of dog's manure. This material is assumed to
make the material a lot more durable than the hollow blocks that are sold commercially.
Polystyrene is made mostly of air, meaning it is a poor conductor of heat, but an excellent
convector. It traps the air in small pockets, blocking the flow of heat energy. This reduces both
conduction and convection and makes polystyrene an excellent insulator. On the other hand,
conductors such as metal are poor insulators because electricity flows through them. Polystyrene
is placed in wall cavities to keep the inside of buildings warm (Gillespie, 2018), which helps reduce
the risk of respiratory diseases, vascular complications, and myocardial infarctions (Olsen, 2001).
Davao City, the largest city in the country, based on land area, located in southeastern
Mindanao, has been recently challenged by a series of earthquakes since October 2019. With
excessive damage and anxiety, the set of quakes have caused to Davaoeños; it is but timely to
create low-cost hollow blocks. And to be able to hit two birds with one stone, the researchers used
dog manure as Davao City is not spared from excessive dog manure that contributes very likely to
unclean surroundings, air, and water pollution. The researchers believe that this would help to both
the economic and environmental problems of the city. It will be an affordable option to create
green and sustainable construction material while solving the perennial problem of dog poop
within the town.
The importance of the study is to be able to highly benefit the people who are inclined in
the building and construction, to the consumers and home owners who are unaware of the existence
of the compressive strength that highly matters to counter the signs of times most specifically when
choosing a much more durable hollow block compared to the conventional hollow block, and to
the people who are most likely exposed to a hazardous area that calls for a more durable and
accessible hollow block.

1.1 Statements of the Problem

The essential purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of a hollow block with an
additive of dog's manure and polystyrene, with regards to industrial buildings, residences, and
such. Specifically, it aims to answer the following questions.
1. What are the specifications in making hollow blocks? In line with its specifications, what
are the advantages of adding dog’s manure and polystyrene to the original mixture of hollow
blocks?
2. What are the features of a hollow block with an additive of dog's manure and polystyrene?
3. What is the effect of adding dog’s manure and polystyrene to a conventional mixture (50%
cement and 50% sand) of a hollow block?
4. Is there a significant difference in compressive strengths of different concrete hollow blocks
in the following mixtures compared to a typical mix;
a. 65% cement, 25% manure, and 10% polystyrene;
b. 70% cement, 20% manure, and 10% polystyrene;
c. 80% cement, 10% manure, and 10% polystyrene; and
d. 50% cement and 50% sand (Conventional Mixture).

1.2 Conceptual Framework

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Concrete Hollow Block Mixtures:
a. 65% cement, 25% manure,
Process
and 10% polystyrene
b. 70% cement, 20% manure,
Compressive Strengths
and 10% polystyrene
c. 80% cement, 10% manure,
and 10% polystyrene
d. 50% cement and 50% sand
(Conventional Mixture)

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the Study

 Concrete hollow blocks are typically composed of sand and cement. Cement is the most
expensive material in the company's construction production. Hollow blocks are currently one of
the essential materials, especially that urbanization is at its peak. In this study, the researchers were
able to examine new materials for testing the compressive strength of hollow blocks. Dog’s manure
and polystyrene as additives were mixed and tested to increase the compressive strength of hollow
blocks with different concentrations. According to a published article by NowThis, a group of
eighth-graders in Manila had shown that dog's manure helped increase the compressive strength
of hollow blocks. On the other hand, the motivation behind adding polystyrene is that the material
significantly contributes to compressive strength since it was characterized as a good insulator if
it will be mixed as an additive (Cowin, 2017).
Figure 1 shows the conceptual framework which reflected the materials needed for the
production of hollow blocks. Moreover, it is shown that the study attempts to determine the
difference in the compressive strength between a conventional hollow block and the innovative
hollow blocks in this study.
In probing for solutions to regulate or eliminate the alarming increase of dog poop polluting
the streets, the researchers likewise yearned for a viable and sustainable option for housing
construction. The figure shows the preparation of conducting the experimentation consisting of the
following steps: a collection of dog's manure, adding of polystyrene, and wrapping it up through
the cementation proper, as the input. On the other side, was the process intended for doing the
experimentation. The researchers' primary purpose is to find out which one is more durable to use
between commercial hollow blocks and hollow blocks with dog manure and polystyrene as
additive. It would be beneficial for the community to differentiate, through their individual
compressive strengths, the durability between these types of hollow blocks with the overall aim to
generate inexpensive bio hollow blocks.

2. Methods

2.1 Research Design

This research utilized a mix of Qualitative-Quantitative methods, specifically exploratory
research design, which does not aim to give the last and convincing responses to the research
questions, yet investigates the research topic with varying degrees of profundity as claimed by
Singh (2007). Qualitative research centers around acquiring information through open-ended and
conversational correspondence, as stated by Bhat (2020); while, Quantitative research aims to
explain a definite phenomenon with the use of mathematical methods such as statistical tools. The
usage of the exploratory research design in this paper was to gain fundamental data and to
characterize the conditions of the research problem. Also, the study conducted a scientific
approach with a set of variables kept constant while the other set of variables were measured.

2.2 Research Locale

The streets of one of the barangays in Buhangin, Davao City, are characterized to be slums
that are visibly polluted by dog's feces, which made it a viable locale to gather the very important
material for this research. The study was examined, conducted, and evaluated inside the school
premises of a University in Davao City.
2.3 Materials
Dog manure is a vital ingredient needed for the conduct of this experimentation.
Polystyrene also heavily contributes to this experiment, because the assumption is that the material
will contribute to a better quality of the hollow block. Since there is an existing study about having
the combination of dog manure and cement as a good mixture, the addition of polystyrene to this
mixture was the innovation the researchers had made.
Polystyrene is good insulators, which are made mostly of air. This means it is a poor
conductor of heat, at the same time, an excellent convector. Ordinary hollow blocks have problems
of being a poor conductor of heat. With the use of polystyrene, this hollow block will be of good
quality, and since it is known to be a good insulator. Lastly, it is to put everything together through
cementing to make and form it in hollow blocks. The hollow load-bearing concrete block of
standard 400 mm x 200 mm x 200 mm size will weigh between 17 kg and 26 kg when made with
normal-weight aggregates. Standard weight units are made with such aggregates as sand, crushed
stones, and air-cooled slag (Cadalin, 2015).

2.4 Research Procedure

Gathering Information. Every needed information related to the study should be gathered
and analysed for a better understanding of the concept. It is only limited to a specific concept where
the researchers must focus.
Collection of Dog's Manure. The collection of dog's manure was done with proper handling
using plastic gloves and gathered together into a plastic garbage bag right from the streets in the
Buhangin area.
Incineration of the Gathered Dog Manure. The dog manure was burned directly under the
fire that resulted in manure ash. Subjecting it to incineration process, the manure was burned to
ensure the death of the common bacteria present in the dog's manure. This process was also done,
for applying significant heat to the material will prove the pozzolan-content on the composition.
Crushing of Incinerated Manure. The burned manure was then crushed to attain a fine
texture like that of a sand. This was also done for an easier mixing process.
Mixing all the materials. Appropriate amount of cement, sand, molasses, dog manure, and
water was alternately added following the different concentrations.
Molding the Hollow Blocks. Before putting the mixtures into the molder, the molder was
lubricated with molasses for an easier removal of the compacted hollow block. The different
mixtures of the concentration were then put into the molder one by one.
Drying and Curing of Hollow Blocks. Curing plays an essential role in concrete strength
development and durability. This is a process made through keeping the concrete damp by draining
water to the surface of the concrete) to safeguard it from the loss of moisture due to the external
factors such as the atmospheric temperature that could significantly affect the compressive strength
of the hollow blocks.

2.5 Statistical Tools

The research findings and to supply credibility to this study's conclusion and
methodologies, the researcher performed a statistical method using both descriptive and inferential
statistics. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data and is comprised of the following
statistical tools: the mean and the standard deviation. The mean then projects the central value
representing the three average of the entire data set and the standard deviation to measure the extent
of the deviation. The researchers used the inferential statistical tool of Variance Analysis to
conclude what is described in the data alone. The T-test is a collection of statistical models and its
associated estimation procedures used in a sample to analyze the differences between group means.
The study provided three controls consist of: (1) 65% cement, 25% dog's manure, 10%
polystyrene, (2) 70% cement , 20% dog's manure, 10% polystyrene and (3) 80% cement, 10%
dog's manure, 10% polystyrene. Also, the analysis of variance was used to test the significant
difference between each sample of the study.

2.6 Ethical Consideration

Ethical consideration is essential in this research for it serves as a guide for the researchers
to give equal importance to the morality of the study to show how they are able to innovate hollow
blocks by using dog manure, by adding up an excellent insulation feature characterized by the
presence of polystyrene, that is sustainable enough. The study poses potential risks, particularly to
the researchers who will be conducting the experimentation, but in order to address
this, the researchers followed prescribed biosafety protocol, handling procedure, and waste
management. Regarding the biosafety protocol, the researchers observed the rules and regulations
of proper management of the expected product. Regarding handling procedures during the
experimentation, the researchers wore adequate gear (i.e., hand gloves and face masks) for
protection and safety. Prior to the gathering of materials and the conduct of the experimentation, a
formal permission letter from school officials was sought. The letter likewise provided a more
precise explanation of the research's nature and procedure. The researchers, at all points of the
study, assured that safety measures had been followed, and cleanliness have been maintained in
conducting the experiment. The researchers also sought secondary data for substantiation of the
propositions forwarded in this study. They were appropriately acknowledged and enclosed in the
reference section to avoid plagiarism. In all instances, the researchers were mindful of potential
risk factors and practical solutions to respond should any harm arise.

3. Results and Discussion

Purpose of Innovation
Below are the recommendations of the participants on what is the essence of making some
relevant innovations of building sustainable and highly compressive strength hollow blocks. These
are the key points to highlight when thinking about the main objectives of creating innovations on
the hollow blocks.

High Durability. Participant One (P1) pointed out a discussion about the necessity of
creating some advancements continuously into leveling up the Pounds per Square Inch (PSI)
standard of hollow blocks must firstly identify the purpose. He observed that;
“So if you have purpose on your hollow blocks then you can invent, So the
importance of it is what is it's purpose?”
It is not even done out of doing it just for the sake of innovation. He also
highlighted that:
“But ofcourse the first question that would come up in your mind is what is it's
capacity it is because the design depends on the hollow block ---- but partition is
not only the purpose of it. That is why jackbelt is not used in common households
because it's only purpose is for partition.”
 The Participant two (P2) also added that;
“It is (ahm) critically important to use higher compressive strength hollow blocks
in construction. This is since --ano its’ best with compression and that it should
adequately support the oodles given by the structural members above.”

it and should resist from breaking.“

Real life Industry (2018), concrete hollow blocks are utilized for the ground of
encompassing its durability, low cost, speed of construction, and eco-friendliness aside from the
other components. Hollow blocks are basically tied up into making the structural and building
foundations mighty and durable.

Required Strength of Hollow Blocks. Participant Three (P3) specified out a discussion
about what Pounds per Square Inch (PSI) of a hollow block are to be considered strong and be
introduced to engineers. He said that;
“1000+ PSI, 700 on the size 4 one (for machine-made)."

In comparison, Concrete Hollow Blocks are mostly pressure-rated from 200 to 500 PSI.

Essential Component of Hollow Blocks

Underneath are the statements of engineers, civil and industrial, about what is the vital
feature and characteristics of a concrete hollow block that one should first consider upon checking
the quality of the hollow block to be purchased and used. These are the main points that they have
expressed about the essential constituent of a high-quality concrete hollow blocks.

Quality Block. Participant One (1), a Civil Engineer, shares out his knowledge on the first
and most vital component of hollow blocks. He clearly stated that:
“So ang hollow blocks number one nyan, ay syempre yung strength niya ‘kay? Uh,
minsan may mga hollow blocks na pag binuhat mo siya magbasag na ba siya ‘kay?
So tinitingnan din natin, although it is used only for partition pero tingnan dindapat
ang strength. So ang tinitingnan pa ng isang engineer ay yung quality din ng blocks”

“So in hollow blocks, the number one of course, is its strength ‘kay? Uh, though
sometimes there are hollow blocks when you carry it, it will be crushed easily ‘kay?
So we should thoroughly check it first, although it is used only for partition you
should check out its strength also. So other engineer will also check the quality of
the blocks.”

The quality is not the only one to be considered in a good hollow block but he also added
a small yet essential detail stating:
“Pero normally sa hollow blocks, kailangan hindi siya makinis kasi once na i-apply
mo yung mor— yung plastering works mo,yung plaster mo—cement, hindi siya
kakapit masyado pag makinis siya.”
 “But normally in hollow blocks, it should not be smooth because once you will
apply the mor— your plastering works, your plaster— cement, it will not stick
thoroughly if it’s smooth.”

The Participant Three (P3) has a strong statement regarding the essential component of
hollow blocks saying:
“Ah, compressive strength and thickness.”

The Participant four (P4) also mentioned a piece of important information:

“Ahm strength. It’s important, pinapa test mo talaga yung product mo.
You go to third party testing, parang may nag a-assay ipadala mo yung
hollow block na ginawa mo and then they will try to destroy it para
malaman nila yung compressive strength, so meron silang testing
equipment.”

“Ahm, strength, it’s important. Your product must really undergo a

test. You go to third party testing, wherein it looks like it has an a-
assay in which you deliver the hollow blocks that you made and then they
will try to destroy it for them to know its compressive strength, so they
have the testing equipment.”

Anupoju, S. (2016) mentioned that compressive strength of concrete hollow blocks or

concrete masonry units are required to know the suitability and durability of these in construction
works for various purposes. Different tests are conducted on Concrete Hollow Blocks (CHB) and
concrete masonry unit to satisfy all the requirements. Concrete can be converted into precast
masonry units such as hollow and solid, normal and light weight concrete blocks of suitable size
to be used for load and non-load bearing units for wallings.

Type of Hollow Blocks. Participant One (1), a Civil Engineer, give out his thoughts that
discusses his preferability and choice of hollow blocks. He stated that:
“Dito ---kasi ay depende yun sa purpose. Pag non-load bearing ibig sabihin
wala masyado syang load na dadalhin o kung hindi yung dadalhin niya lang
talaga kundi load ng yung load itself niya pero kung kailangan niyo load
bearing may iba na gumagamit ng load bearing kay ang kuan nila para
matibay noh. (Uhm) pero kung sa normal structure natin sa bahay ang
nagdadala lang ng load diyan ay yung beam tsaka columns yan ang frame na
kahit tibagin mo yung hollow blocks wall hindi yan hindi yan matitibag kasi
hindi ka nagdedepend sito sa frame yun.”

“Here—because uhm it depends on the purpose. If it is non-load

bearing it means that there is not much load to carry or if not the only thing that
it could carry is the load itself but if you need load bearing then it is fine to
make it strong. (Uhm) but when it comes to normal structure in our house , the
one who carries the load is the beam and columns because it acts as frame
that even if you will try to destroy it, the hollow blocks wall it will not be ruined”
 It was heavily pinpointed that the type of hollow blocks is directly proportional to the
structural designs and such. This was also assented by Participant 2 (P2);
“Personally, I prefer solid concrete blocks and is also a load-bearing one
compared to the common hollow blocks. But then again, it does really depends on
its design and usage.”

According to a published article of Britannica, load-bearing walls support mainly heavy

structures such as floors, furniture, and people. On the other hand, non-load bearing walls carry
only the weight they possess.

Tests Hollow Blocks Need to Undergo

Necessity of Procedure. Participant One (P1) opened the discussion that it is not necessary
to really test out the hollow blocks. He stated that;
“Ahhh hindi naman lahat tinetesting actually bago imarket hindi actually yung
mga sa bahay bahay nga lang gumagawa sila tapos minamarket nila pero may iba
na katulad ng DPWH maari ibang kailangan mong itest eh. Anong test nila may
laboratory naman yung testing nila ahhh compressive strength ok yung texture
ng material kasi yung klase rin ng materials hindi naman yun dapat
haluhaluin pero sa normal na ano dito sa probinsya. Siyempre yung
naeexperience natin, halo halo na lahat yung semento at buhangin hollow
blocks na, so hindi lahat tinetest. Okay?”
“There is no need for the hollow blocks to undergo testing, just like the
ones used for housing, also in DPWH there may be varying testing processes.
Usually, the hollow blocks produced in the provinces do not undergo tests.
The materials like cement and sand are all mixed so it does not need to undergo
tests. Okay?”

It is not a practical move to t-test the hollow blocks out when there would be no plans of
marketing it. The Participant Two (P2) also added that;
“Before the hollow blocks should be marketed, it should pass the
standard requirements for density, water absorption, and most especially its
compressive strength."

The Participant three (P3), on the other hand, enumerated some tests that
the hollow blocks may undergo basing from his line of work as an industrial engineer.
“Umm, flexural stress, compressive strength, ahh impact resistance, moisture
content, dry shrinkage rate, um what else aahh hanging load, fire resistance, sound
insulation, and I think if it is eco-friendly.”

Singh (2017), stated that the different tests a hollow block may undergo are the following;
dimensions, density, compressive strength, water absorption, drying, shrinkage, and moisture
movement. Consequently, water absorption and compressive strengths are usually the essential
tests for a hollow block.
The purpose of this test is to determine the behavior or response of a material while it
experiences a compressive load by measuring fundamental variables, such as strain, stress, and
deformation. By testing material in compression, the compressive strength, yield strength, ultimate
strength, elastic limit, and the elastic modulus, among other parameters, may all be determined. In
other words, compressive test is to classify the material behavior under a load Mecmesin Limited
(August, 2019).

Table 1. Mean Compressive Strength of Concrete Hollow Blocks

65% cement, 25% manure, and X-Area mm2 Max Load Strength Compressive
10% polystyrene Mixture (kN) (Mpa) Strength (PSI)
Concentration 1 22,135 98.3 4.4 638
Concentration 2 22,135 132.5 6.0 870
Mean Compressive Strength 754
70% cement, 20% manure, and X-Area mm2 Max Load Strength
10% polystyrene Mixture (kN) (Mpa)
Concentration 1 20,630 70.2 3.4 493
Concentration 2 20,630 65.5 3.2 464
Mean Compressive Strength 478.5
80% cement, 10% manure, and X-Area mm2 Max Load Strength
10% polystyrene Mixture (kN) (Mpa)
Concentration 1 19,820 88.5 4.5 653
Concentration 2 19,820 73.8 3.7 537
Mean Compressive Strength 595
Conventional Mixture X-Area mm2 Max Load Strength
(kN) (Mpa)
Concentration 1 20,821 17.0 0.8 116
Concentration 2 20,821 13.3 0.6 87
Mean Compressive Strength 101.5
Legend: Standard Non-load Bearing = 350 PSI

Compressive Strengths Mean Scores of Hollow Blocks

Unlike non-load bearing Concrete Hollow Blocks (CHB) that has a strength capacity of
350 PSI, load-bearing CHB is defined to as a wall that bears a load resting upon it by conducting
its weight to a foundation structure in which it also serves as the main support of the structure same
with the columns and beams. As cited by Istruktura PH (2015), load-bearing CHB can carry 750
PSI of strength and has a capacity of 1000 PSI that could act as a substitute for columns when
being cured for 28 days. According to Zemajtis, J. (2019), curing plays an important role in
strength development and durability of concrete hollow blocks. Curing takes 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. The
length of adequate curing time is dependent on the following factors: mixture proportions,
specified strength, size and shape of concrete member, ambient weather conditions, and further
exposure conditions. Mixes are usually specified with a design strength - the compressive strengths
are tangled up with the period of time, typically 28 days to achieve its target compressive strength.
However, the samples above were only subjected to four-days curing given the fact that the
researchers work for the given time-frame.
 The results presented in Table 1 with the mixture of 65% cement, 25% dog manure, and
10% polystyrene shows the compressive strength of the first concentration with two given samples
that generated a mean average of 754. According to Global Shelter Cluster (2014), the tips for
making quality hollow blocks are the following; selecting raw materials, proportions of materials,
mixing, pouring and compaction, curing storage and transportation. Quality may vary if the tips
are unobserved.
The results presented in Table 1 with a mixture of 70% cement, 20% dog manure, and 10%
polystyrene shows the two samples with a recorded mean value of 478.5 PSI and was observed to
withstand heavier loads.. Comparing the result of the first concentration listed in Table 1 that has
754 PSI, there is a wider dispersion among these values. It can be noted that this mixture has lesser
compressive strength registered when matched up to the first concentration that has 65% cement,
25% dog manure, and 10% polystyrene in the mixture. According to Frasson Jr., (2012), results
may differ depending on the number of ingredients added in the mixture for the ratio is different
by weight and that the components of the ingredients don't have the same density.
The results presented in Table 1 with a mixture of 80% cement, 10% dog manure, and 10%
polystyrene, this mixture has given a much higher comprehensive strength of 595 PSI as compared
to the second mixture with 70% cement, 20% dog manure, and 10% polystyrene that has a lower
mean value of 478.5 PSI. As stated by Ying Ling (2014), the concrete strength of the hollow block
is affected by many factors such as quality of raw materials, cement ratio, fine aggregate ratio, age
of concrete and compaction concrete, and temperature, causing them to lower its compressive
strength. This signifies the fact that having a much higher mean value compared to the previous
concentration with a mixture of 70% cement, 20% dog manure, and 10% polystyrene are caused
by internal and external factors that the researchers highlighted upon citing that the concrete
strength of the hollow blocks.
The results presented in Table 1 with a 50% cement and 50% sand (Conventional Mixture)
shows the compressive strength of the fourth concentration of the hollow block where in this
mixture generated the lowest mean of 101.5 PSI. When the hollow blocks were cured for only 3-
7 days, two-thirds to thirds to three quarters (15% - 20%) of its design strength would be attained.
This only signifies the fact that the compressive strength of the said sample was directly
proportional to the curing period of the hollow blocks (Krishna, 2018).

Compressive strengths of concrete hollow blocks

Figure 4 shows the graph of the compressive strength of the different concentrations - 65%
cement with 25% dog manure and 10% polystyrene, 70% cement with 20% dog manure and 10%
polystyrene, and 80% cement with 10% dog manure and 10% polystyrene. As shown above, the
first mixture of 25% dog manure generated an average PSI of 754, which respectively gained the
highest.
The second mixture with 20% dog manure generated an average PSI of 478.5, which
resulted as the least average PSI out of all three mixtures with dog manure after the third mixture
with 10% dog manure, which generated an average PSI of 595.
Different mixtures vary in PSI due to the additives and components of the hollow blocks.
Dog manure is an organic material that contains phosphorus (Sundberg, 2015). According to a
study at the University of Southern Denmark, phosphorus binds so well on cement. Organic
materials that are crushed and subjected to heat have pozzolanic materials such as the dog manure
used in this study. Moreover, the average PSI of the different concentrations may vary due to
technical procedures and handling such as mixing, transportation, and compaction.
 Compressive Strengths of Concrete Hollow Blocks
Produced from Four Different Concentrations
800

700 70% Cement, 20% Manure,

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS

600 and 10% Polystyrene

Mixture2
500 80% Cement, 10% Manure,
400 and 10% Polystyrene
754 Mixture2
300 595 Conventional Mixture
478.5
200

100 Column1
101.5
0 0
Sample A Sample B Sample C Sample D
Dog Manure Concentration (%)

Figure 4. Mean Differences of Compressive Strengths of Four Samples

Upon following all the necessary procedures being observed by the researchers in this
study, it was clearly showed in this graph that there is a significant difference between the sample
with different concentrations of dog's manure and polystyrene and the conventional mixture. The
experimentations were both done simultaneously, even the fact that the knowledge about the
minimum compressive strength of the non-load bearing hollow blocks in a way that testing out
comparisons may give out accuracy and avoid some discrepancy in the results. Right after
comparing the mixtures with different concentration of each sample with an additive of dog's
manure and polystyrene compared to conventional mixture, it was clearly showed that samples
with the dog’s manure and polystyrene produces a much higher compressive strength in a span of
4 days curing attaining a more than twice the minimum non-load bearing compressive strength
which is 350 PSI and passing the minimum compressive strength of the load-bearing hollow blocks
with 750 PSI. This only signifies the fact that the samples with an additive of dog manure and
polystyrene are much more efficient in production since it takes a much higher PSI in a short curing
period of time.

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