THE USE OF DRIED SEWAGE SLUDGE AS A PARTIAL REPLACEMENT

TO CEMENT IN MANUFACTURING CONCRETE

HOLLOW BLOCKS

A Research study

Presented to the Faculty of

Batangas State University

Batangas City

In Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the

Practical Research II

By:

Alcantara, Jerome L.

Fidelino, Robert Owen M.

Manao, Clester Klein M.

 APPROVAL SHEET

This research study entitled “The Use of Dried Sewage Sudge as a

Partial Replacement to Cement in Manufacturing Concrete Hollow
Blocks” prepared and submitted by Jerome L. Alcantara, Robert Owen M.
Fidelino, and Clester Klein M. Manao has been approved and accepted as
partial fulfillment of the requirements for Chemistry 401.

MA. FATIMA T. MERCADO, RCh

Adviser

Accepted and approved by the Committee on Oral Examination with a

grade of _________.

PANEL OF EXAMINERS

FIRST NAME M. SURNAME,

Chairman

FIRST NAME M. SURNAME, FIRST NAME M. SURNAME,

Member Member

Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for

Research in Daily Life II.

_________________

Date
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The researchers would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the

significant persons who spare time and effort in support to the success of this
research work.

Mrs. Ma. Fatima Mercado, their chemistry instructor for confiding trust
and guiding the researchers for the study. Without her continuous optimism
concerning this work enthusiasm, encouragement and support, this study
would hardly have been completed.

Dr. Tirso A. Ronquillo, President of Batangas State University, for

giving us the golden opportunity for learning and self-development through
conducting our research.

To the parents who support them morally and financially as well as for
understanding the hectic schedules of the researchers in accomplishing this
research work.

Their special thanks and appreciations also go to their colleagues and

friends who have willingly helped them out by sharing idea, time and effort.

Foremost, the researchers want to offer this endeavor to God Almighty

for the wisdom He bestowed upon to them, the strength, peace of mind and
good health in order to finish and make this research paper and the whole
project successful.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

TITLE PAGE..................................................................................... i
APPROVAL SHEET........................................…............................... ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...................................................................... iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS..................................................................... iv
LIST OF FIGURES................................................................................ v
LIST OF TABLES..........................................................................… ... vi

CHAPTER
I. THE PROBLEM
Introduction......................................................................... 1
Backgroun of the Study........................................................ 3
Statement of the Problem................................................ 4
Theoretical Framework......................................................... 5
Conceptual Framework......................................................... 5
Hypothesis of the Study..............…..................................... 6
Scope and Limitations of the Study...................…................ 7
Significance of the Study..................................................... 7
Definition of Terms.........................................................… .… 8

II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Conceptual Literature............................................................ 10
Research Literature.......................................................... 15
Synthesis...........................................................................… 17

III. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Environment......................................................... 18
Research Design.................................................................. 18
Data Gathering Instrument.................................................... 19
Data Gathering Procedure.................................................... 20
Statistical Treatment of the Data......................................…... 20

REFERENCES ................................................................................ 22
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Title Page

1 The Conceptual Paradigm of the Study 6

2 The Data Gathering Procedure of the Study 22

 LIST OF TABLES

Figure No. Title Page

1 Degree of Correlation 21
 CHAPTER 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

This chapter deals with the presentation of the problem. Specifically, this
presents an introduction, the background of the study, statement of the
problem, theoretical framework, conceptual framework, hypothesis of the
study, scope and limitations of the study, significance of the study, and
definition of terms.

Introduction

In developed countries, concrete is the most used building material.

Concrete manufacturing, however, includes natural resources (water and
aggregates) and cement, the production of which is expensive due to the
energy needed. Sludge from a water treatment facility, which is used as a
substitute for cement for concrete manufacturing, is used to minimize the use
of the natural material. In order to minimize the reuse of resources that are
about to be checked for various percentages of substitution, this sludge has
disposal concerns. This can reduce the content of sludge and even the cost of
concrete significantly. Today human waste disposal has become a priority for
society. Problems with tremendous dry sludge content have been created by
the construction of treatment plants. It has been found that 35 to 85 grams of
solid sludge per day are produced by each individual. Sludge is a product that
is obtained during waste water treatment. Sludge characteristics vary
according to the area and the method of treatment. After undergoing different
steps such as stabilization, composting, anaerobic digestion, and thickening,
dewatering and drying, sludge is created. Such sludge contains the highest
amount of nitrogen and is is used primarily for agricultural purposes. Because
of the occurrence of pathogens in high numbers in the sludge, this activity is
considered unsatisfactory.

However, no detailed research has been performed which has shown that
there is an increase in the risk of acquiring pathogens-related diseases in the
raw sludge when proper handling and non-entry to the land is observed
following application. In agriculture and horticulture, re-use of composted
 2

sludge as a soil conditioner returns biomass, nitrogen, phosphorus and

elements necessary for plant growth back to the soil. There is a need for less
chemical fertilizers and organic carbon helps improve the soil structure for soil
aeration, water percolation and root growth. Compared with the more soluble
chemical fertilizers, nitrogen and phosphorus are also released progressively
for plant uptake. The potential for leaching nutrients from rainfall run-off to the
ground or surface water is much reduced. Nevertheless, pathogens and heavy
metals will restrict sludge reuse. Workers handling the sludge can minimize
pathogens to levels that do not pose health risks, possible health risks from the
spread of helm in the eggs and from horticultural products infected by
pathogens. The same conditions can be met by stabilized sludge, which has
been dewatered and dried on sand beds to achieve a low moisture content. It
is hard to eliminate heavy metals and hazardous chemicals from sludge. The
goal of waste water management for sludge intended for reuse in agriculture or
horticulture should be to prevent these chemicals from entering waste water or
sludge.

Sludge treatments facilities are almost not existing. The treatment process
is ended by disposing the partially treated wastewater to the sea or by flooding
agriculture land and dispose the water sludge in the sand areas around plants
without any treatment. These disposal methods are forbidden in most
European countries and United States due to the dangerous effects to human
health and pollution of marine and costal. Consequently, these problems
concerning the environmental impact of the traditional sludge disposal ways
which used in the developing countries can be mitigated by searching for a
new and easy disposal options with low cost other than disposal the sludge on
land or disposal it into the sea or using it as a fertilizer for agriculture. Thus,
many researchers worldwide spotlight on reusing sludge, and treated
wastewater in construction technology. Finally, this work was directed toward
scrutinize the feasibility of using the dry and wet sludge resulting from
(WWTPs) with different percentages for non-reinforcement concrete mix and
how it will affect the main characteristics of the concrete mix like (Compressive
Strength, Workability…), compared with the different percentages of the dry
and wet sludge. The successful use of sludge will help in reducing the
 3

environmental and health problems related to the bad handling of sewage

sludge at wastewater treatment plants and the scarcity of land area needed for
disposal.

Background of the Study

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority [PSA], (2018), in 2015,
almost 24.22 million of households construct a housing unit for that year in the
Philippines. Moreover, it was stated by the PSA that the most common
construction material used for the outer walls is the concrete hollow blocks with
a 49.2% of housing population. Haider (2018) reiterated that the use of
concrete hollow blocks in housing constructions are well-known because of its
inexpensive cost that would reduce the construction expenses without
sacrificing the architectural quality.

Concrete Hollow Blocks (CHB) are the ones being used in building and
housing construction as a material for the walls and fencings. The CHB’s
durability, compressive strength and affordability made the demand of these
hollow blocks to increase in number (Tajin, 2018). Concrete hollow block
cannot be made if there is an absence of cement. Due to a high demand in
concrete hollow blocks as how Tajin (2018) stated in his study, the supply of
raw materials that are to be used in manufacturing concrete hollow blocks
must also increase in number (Guedes, 2019). Hence, there must be an
increase in cement.

Sewage sludge is a waste product generated from the wastewater

treatment process at the treatment plant. It is defined as any solid, semisolid,
or liquid residue produced during sewage treatment process. Replacing
cement with sewage sludge ash is more significant to reduce the amount of
waste material from sewage treatment plants.
 4

In this study, the researchers would like to test the potential of utilizing
sewage sludge as a partial replacement to cement. Moreover, this study
focused on producing an alternative construction material using the sewage
sludge to lessen the environmental issues.

Statement of the Problem

This study mainly aimed to create a hollow block that contains combined
sewage sludge as a partial substitution to cement.

Specifically, this sought to answer the following questions:

1. What is the maximum load capacity of the untreated hollow blocks?

2. What is the maximum load capacity of the treated block in terms of dried
sewage sludge as partial replacement to cement in relation to the
substitutional rate of the cements volume:
2.1. 25 % of dried sewage sludge and 75 % of cement:
2.2. 50 % of dried sewage sludge and 50 % of cement: and
2.3. 75 % of dried sewage sludge and 25 % of cement?
3. What is the compressive strength of the untreated hollow blocks?
4. What is the compressive strength of the treated block in terms of dried
sewage sludge as partial replacement to cement in relation to the
substitutional rate of the cements volume:
4.1 25 % of dried sewage sludge and 75 % of cement:
4.2 50 % of dried sewage sludge and 50 % of cement: and
4.3 75 % of dried sewage sludge and 25 % of cement?
5. Is there a significance relationship between the compressive strength of
the hollow blocks (untreated and treated) to the following curing period:
5.1 7 days cured;
5.2 14 days cured; and
5.3 28 days cured?
6. Based on the study, what can be developed?\
 5

Theoretical Framework

The Andreasen and Andersen (A&A) model (Cai, 2017) is the idea that
was used to reinforce the foundation of this research. This model talks about
optimizing the concrete mix's granular skeleton to achieve the best packing
density. This idea aims to minimize the void space between particles. Thus, a
concrete with a high compressive strength and density is achieved.

In the context of this analysis , in order to be a partial replacement for

cement in the development of concrete hollow blocks, dried sewage will be
used. Ensuring the right blend of mixtures is the best way to make this happen.
Therefore, this research will also perform experiments at various substitutional
concentrations of sand and curing ages.

The background of the study was provided by the Andreasen and

Andersen model, claiming that optimal packing can be achieved when the
particles move through sieves and several tests. This is something that was
achieved by this research during the study context.

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework presents the tests that will be undertaken by

the researchers.

The Figure 1 below illustrates how researchers will perform their research
on the use of dried sewage in making concrete hollow blocks as a partial
substitute for cement. In order to materialize the process component, the input
shows the raw materials that are required. It would also collect some data
about the said report. How they performed their experiment was shown by the
process part of the above chart.The product of our analysis in the output part
of the figure is cube blocks and a brochure with the results and suggestions
given on the use of dried sewage.
 6

 Information about the process of making concrete hollow

blocks.
 Preparation of raw materials to be used in the experiment:
INPUT Sewage Sludge, Sand, Water, and Cement
 Substituting 25%, 50%, and 75% dried sludge to concrete
blocks for three curing ages: 7, 14, and 28 days respectively.

 Conducting the experiment

 Finding the maximum load capacity of the treated and
untreated hollow blocks
 Finding the comprehensive strength of the treated and
PROCESS untreated hollow blocks
 Identifying the significant relationship between
comprehensive the strength and substitution rate
 Identifying the significant relationship between
comprehensive the strength and curing age
 Production of concrete hollow blocks

 Cube blocks that represents the different substitutional rates

OUTPUT and curing ages

Figure 1. The Conceptual Paradigm of the Study

Hypotheses

The following hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of confidence.

Ha1= There is a significant relationship between the compressive strength of

the concrete hollow blocks (untreated and treated) to the substitutional rate of
the cement’s volume.

H01= There is no significant relationship between the compressive strength of

the concrete hollow blocks (untreated and treated) to the substitutional rate of
the cement’s volume.
 7

Ha2= There is a significant relationship between the compressive strength of

the concrete hollow blocks (untreated and treated) to the curing age of it.

H02= There is no significant relationship between the compressive strength of

the concrete hollow blocks (untreated and treated) to the curing age of it.

Scope and Limitation

The study mainly focused in producing a design mix for creating a

concrete hollow blocks using dried sewage sludge as cement replacement. In
order to ensure the quality of hollow blocks, the untreated and treated hollow
blocks were tested based on its strength and durability factors. Furthermore,
this study also focused on knowing the significant difference of the
compressive strength of the concrete hollow blocks (untreated and treated) to
the substitutional rates and to the curing periods. This study is limited in
making sample cube blocks corresponding to its standard specifications such
as; length, width, maximum load and compressive strength of it. The
researchers aim to figure out if using dried sewage sludge as partial
substitution for making concrete hollow blocks would either make the
untreated and treated hollow blocks stronger or weaker in terms of
compressive strength. The study is limited in using 0%, 25%, 50% and 75%
substitutional rates for dried sewage sludge in making concrete hollow blocks.
This study was also limited to the use of dried sewage sludge, excavated from
the canal of Lutucan Integrated National High School located at Lutucan
Malabag, Sariaya Quezon. The study was conducted and materialized at Brgy.
Guis Guis Talon, Sariaya Quezon.

Significance of the Study

This study aims to know the potential use of dried sewage sludge as a
partial replacement to cement in making concrete hollow blocks. The result of
the study would be beneficial to the following:

Civil Engineers, they would be able to know the possibilities of building a

solid yet environmental and sustainable infrastructure.
 8

Department of Public Works and Highways or DPWH, they would take

this to consideration in their future plans in public buildings.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources or DENR, they can

find a way to sustain green environment by using the sludge that they can see
in the sewage.

Future researchers, the result of the study will help them gain information
about the topic and it can also be their basis for their related studies in their
future researches. Moreover, it can also serve as a guide in conducting their
studies.

Definition of Terms

For better understanding of the terms used in the study, the researchers
provided conceptual and operational definitions for people who are otherwise
unfamiliar of the terms used.

Compressive Strength. Defined as the resistance to failure under the action

of compressive forces. Especially for concrete, compressive strength is an
important parameter to determine the performance of the material during
service conditions (Concrete Hollow Blocks, 2019).

Concrete Hollow Blocks. Hollow concrete blocks have one or more large
holes or cavities that either pass through the block (open cavity) or do not pass
through the block effectively (closed cavity) and have the solid material
measured from the total dimensions between 50 and 75% of the total volume
of the block. These holes or cavities minimize the block's total cross-sectional
area and thus the overall weight of the block structure. (Indian Standard – IS
2185 (Part-1), 2005)

Curing. Defined as providing adequate moisture, temperature, and time to

allow the concrete to achieve the desired properties for its intended us (Make
the Indestructible, 2018).

Load. Simply a force that a house frame needs to resist. The frame must be
designed to withstand eight of these loads, which include wind, earth, and
 9

snow—without catastrophic stress on the structure (Maximum Load Current,

2017).

Cement. A binding agent that sets and hardens to adhere to building units
such as stones, bricks, tiles, etc, is one of the most essential construction
materials. In general, cement refers to a very fine powdery material composed
primarily of limestone, sand or clay, bauxite and iron ore. (Hasan, n.d.)
Sewage Sludge. A byproduct of wastewater treatment and is processed
internationally. Municipal sewage sludge from the municipal wastewater
treatment process is known as sewage sludge in the literature. (Environmental
Material and Waster, 2016)
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW LITERATURE

This chapter deals with the review of related concepts and studies found in
previous literature. It also presents a synthesis of reviewed research literature.

Conceptual Literature

Housing Construction in the Philippines

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority [PSA], (2018), in 2015,

almost 24.22 million of households construct a housing unit for that year in the
Philippines. Also, they stated that the most common construction material
used for the outer walls is the concrete hollow blocks with a 49.2% of housing
population. Haider (2018) reiterated that the use of concrete hollow blocks in
housing constructions are well-known because of its inexpensive cost that
would reduce the construction expenses without sacrificing the architectural
quality.

Meanwhile, the Philippines considered as one of the most

disaster-prone countries that regularly affected by different disasters like
typhoon, flood, storm surge and volcanic eruptions (Diacon, 1999). One of the
main effects of these disasters are the destruction of many houses in certain
areas of a country. Most especially in urban areas, when a disaster arrived,
housing is typically the hardest hit (Comerio, 2004). It was seen that one of the
main reasons why a house is typically destroyed in a disaster is because of its
poor housing construction. With cheap priced materials comes less durable
and poor quality of housing construction. For these reasons, housing
constructions in the Philippines, especially those houses that are built by
middle class people are known to have a poor quality (Lachica, 2016). Poor
housing construction is one of the major factors why a building fails to inhibit
structural strength and capacity during the impact of disasters (Gautam,
Rodrigues, Bhetwal, Neupane, & Sanada, 2016). Manufacturing concrete
hollow blocks would resolve the issue of structural strength of housing units
because of its durability, likeability and cheap pricing (Ganiron, 2017).
 11

Concrete Hollow Blocks

Concrete Hollow Blocks (CHB) are the ones being used in building and
housing construction as a material for the walls and fencings. Most of it, was
used as a backup material or for wall protection. Coatings are often applied to
concrete block in order to prevent water penetration (Amit, 2016). Miller
(2018) stated that a typical concrete block weighs 38lbs-43lbs. Concrete
blocks may be produced with hollow centers to reduce weight or improve
insulation. The typical size of hollow blocks in the Philippines is 40cm x 20 cm
(width) x 4 in thickness 40 cm in length x 20 cm x 5 in thickness. The
production of hollow block consists of four basic processes, mixing, molding,
curing and cubing (David, 2002).

A concrete block has 3 kinds, mainly solid, hollow, and interlocking. A

solid concrete block is majorly used to make tough construction ranges like
dams, bridges, etc. While hollow concrete block is extreme light weight and is
used to make structural walls and portioning walls in housing construction. The
last type is the interlocking concrete block which is designed to be used in
different purposes such as decorative and load bearing (Chouhan and Krishna,
2018).

Characteristics of a Good Concrete Hollow Blocks

Indian Standard [IS] 2185 - Part 1 (2005) indicated that the classification
of concrete hollow blocks shall conform to the following grade, Grade A and
Grade B. Grade A shall have a minimum block density of 1500kg/m3.
Meanwhile, Grade B shall have a block density of 1100kg/m3. A good hollow
block has a lot of advantages such as; it would be low maintenance and has a
good thermal and sound insulation.

In order for a concrete hollow block to be made, curing is an essential

process. Onungwe et al. (2015) found in his study that there are certain curing
ages designated for the blocks to be able to inhibit a high compressive
strength and structural property. The curing ages he used in his study are 7, 14
and 28 days respectively. Based on the results, the blocks are stronger if the
curing method used is through water. Moreover, it is also seen in the results
that 28 days of curing period made the blocks inhibit a considerable strength
 12

than those that were cured for 7 and 14 days. Additionally, Bhavan
(1998) strengthened the previous study that is stated by Onungwe et al. (2015)
by stating that the longer curing of concrete blocks hasten the process of
hydration of cement and as a result, a substantial proportion of the strength
would be attained in 28 days under curing. Therefore, the longer the curing
period is, the higher load capacity and strength could be attained.

The CHB’s durability, compressive strength and affordability made the

demand of these hollow blocks to increase in number (Tajin, 2018). Due to a
high demand in concrete hollow blocks, the supply of raw materials must
increase to manufacture concrete hollow blocks. (Guedes, 2019). Hence, there
must be an increase in cement.

Cement as a Major Component of Concrete Hollow blocks

According to Mason, T. (n.d.) Concrete is the most commonly used of

all building materials in the world today, with cement manufacturing being
widespread. The historical history of cement, its production from raw materials,
its composition and characteristics, and the testing of those characteristics
have been documented. Construction cements share ceramic goods such as
brick and tile, abrasives, and refractories with some chemical constituents and
manufacturing techniques.

As a basic ingredient for concrete, mortar, stucco, and non-specialty

grout, Portland cement is the most common form of cement in general use
around the world. It was produced by Joseph Aspdin in the early 19th century
from other forms of hydraulic lime in England, and typically originates from
limestone. It is a fine powder formed in a kiln to form clinker by heating
limestone and clay minerals, grinding the clinker, and adding 2 to 3 percent of
gypsum. (Reid, H. (1868))

It is possible to classify the national standard and strength grades of

ordinary cement into: 32.5, 32.5 R, 42.5, 42.5 R, 52.5, 52.5 R and their age
should not be lower than the numerical value. Ordinary cement should have an
initial setting time of not more than 45 minutes, and a final setting time of not
less than 10 hours. 10 percent should not surpass the screenings left on the
0.08 mm square-hole sieve. And it has to qualify forA boiling stability. The
 13

cement loss of ignition should be less than 5.0%. (Science of Concrete

Admixtures and Technology (2016).

Dried Sewage Sludge as Partial Replacement to Cement

Sewage sludge is a waste product produced at the treatment plant from

the wastewater treatment process. To decrease the amount of waste material
from sewage treatment plants, the replacement of cement with sewage sludge
ash is more necessary. More than 550,000 tons of dry matter (DM) of sewage
sludge is generated in Poland each year, according to the Polish Main
Statistical Office (Polish Monitor 2016).

After the 28-day curing cycle, the mechanical properties of hardened

cement pastes prepared using blended Portland cement-thermally treated
sewage sludge binders are not yet satisfactory, suggesting that a significant
portion of the sludge still acts as a filler only. In compliance with Pavlík, Z. Et.,
et. Al (2016). As a partial Portland cement substitute, the safe limit for the
practical usage of sewage sludge is 10 percent, primarily due to the relatively
high content of chlorides and alkalis. However this cap can be raised by using
water treatment to extract soluble salts from the raw sludge.

Thermal use of sewage sludge amounted to 1% in 2008, compared with

more than 15% in 2014. Dried sewage sludge in cement kilns may also be
thermally used (Wzorek 2012; Yilmaz et al. 2018). The Legislation of the
Minister of the Environment on municipal sewage sludge dated 6 February
2015 concerning municipal sewage sludge is the fundamental legal act for the
agricultural use of sewage sludge in Poland (Journal of Laws, 2015). The
assessment of sludge as fertilizer, organic matter content and macronutrients
(NPK) is commonly contrasted with the Solid Organic Fertilizer Guidelines
(Journal of Laws, 2008).

In Werther's view, J. With Ogada, T. (1999). The alternative thermal

processes for sludge combustion are the sludge disposal cycles. The
combustion processes are an essential part of the thermal processing of
sewage sludge. Sewage sludge has very high moisture and volatile matter
content compared to coals that can impact the combustion process. In order to
achieve greater elimination of bacteria, odor control and removal of hazardous
 14

substances and ensure human health and environmental safety, reinforcement

of these disposal methods will likely result in the implementation of advanced
sludge treatment technologies. (Kelessidis, A. & Stasinakis, A. Stasinakis, A
(2012).

Compressive Strength: The Measurement of Concrete Performances

The compressive of a concrete is mainly the output measurement used

in engineering sites. The compressive strength is measured via a
compression-testing system. In addition, the distribution of strain and stress in
hollow blocks depends heavily on the geometry of the block and the state of
confinement of each part inside itself. The sort of structure that each block has
leads to its compressive power. When the failure load is stated in units of
pound-force per square inch (PSI) in the US Customary Units of MegaPascals
(MPa) in the International System of Units, compressive strength is measured.
The standard score for the concrete compressive strength test can range from
2500 PSI (17 MPa) to 4000 PSI (28 MPa) for residential concrete and higher
for commercial structures. A concrete's compressive strength can be used to
assess that the concrete mixture meets the defined strength specifications
(Haider, 2018).

A study conducted by Lamidi and Ayelabola (2014) on a concrete's

compressive strength showed that depending on the number of curing days,
the compressive strengths and block densities increase. They also found that
the hollow blocks are at their peak compressive intensity at the 28th day mark
of the healing era. In their study, they used broken tiles as partial coarse
aggregates. They also concluded that the use of recycled materials as
components of blocks really has potential. Meanwhile in the sense of this
analysis, to render a concrete hollow block, dried sewage sludges are
substituted for cements. These also attempt to understand whether its
compressive strength will still comply with the standard specification.

The availability of the materials required to make cement hollow blocks

was addressed in this experimental study and how the dried sewage sludge
can have the potential to have it as a part of a concrete hollow block, the
concrete hollow blocks have different standards that integrate with ASTM
 15

(American Society for Testing and Materials), IS (Standard of India) and ISO
(International Organization Standard). Sludge manure fertilization increases
the chemical properties of the soil. These changes include increasing the
concentration of organic matter, nutrients and microbial biomass and
improving physical characteristics, such as water holding capacity (Roig et al.
2012). This study highlights new approaches to creating hollow blocks for
engineering innovation.

Research Literature

D. Fytili et al. (2008) presented past and future approaches in sludge

handling, mainly focused at thermal processes and the utilization of sewage
sludge in cement manufacturing. As per the paper, agricultural use is
considered to be insecure. In case of incineration scrubbing cost of produced
gases is more. Therefore, the alternative methods such as pyrolysis, wet
oxidation, and etc. have definite advantages over previously mentioned
methods.

J.Monzó et al. (2012) studied the effect of reusing of sewage sludge

pellets (SSP) obtained from drying sludge process and sewage sludge ash
(SSA) obtained from incineration of waste water sludge, in building materials
manufacturing. Experimental results indicated the feasibility of the partial
replacement of cement by 15 and 30% by SSA in mortars.

Guangyin et al. (2013) studied the ways to reuse dewatered sludge

and municipal incineration bottom ash. Results showed that DS and MSWI
bottom ash both can be used for the production of controlled low strength
materials. Leaching test revealed that leachable substances in the leachate
are quite less and the product formed is environmentally friendly.

Małgorzata et al. (2016) studied the use of sewage sludge in the

production of lightweight aggregates. Mixture of sewage sludge and clay was
used to prepare lightweight aggregates. Two samples were made as per their
sintering temperature, 1100 °C and 1150 °C respectively. Both the prepared
aggregates were than compared with commercially available aggregates. It
was found that the prepared aggregates were lighter than commercial
 16

aggregates and, also with increase in sintering temperature porosity of

aggregate increases. In other words, aggregate with higher sintering
temperature is lighter. A part from this, compounds formed in the aggregates
were those available in nature and hence, there is no risk of leaching of heavy
metals from the prepared aggregates.

Limaa, and Zulanasb (2016) Investigated that Sludge has a severe

negative impact on the environment, which will only become worse as the
need for purified drinking water increases in the years to come. Using 5%
sludge content in concrete aggregate will have a significant impact on sludge
amounts in the environment, possibly eliminating sludge disposal into the
environment for good.

ShuIng et al. (2006) made a partial replacement in concrete using

sewage sludge ash. The results between Sludge, Sludge as hand cement
were compared after some tests were carried out. The 5% SSA replacement to
cement in concrete has an increase in compressive strength of concrete up to
10% and lower water absorption when compared to normal samples.

Bui Le et al. (2014) studied the potential of lightweight aggregates

produced from wastes and its application in lightweight concrete. LWA were
prepared from wet sewage sludge and reservoir sediments, and was used as
coarse aggregates in preparing lightweight concrete. The unit weight of
concrete prepared by using LWA as coarse aggregates reduced more than
18%, which results in considerable weight loss. Also, the compressive strength
is in the desirable limit. Hence, the use of reservoir sediment showed a positive
effect on the overall properties of LWA and also on lightweight concrete.

Alqam and Jamrah (2011) Investigated the use of water treatment

sludge for cement replacement in the production of paving tiles for external
use. They utilized sludge-cement replacement percentages of 10%, 20%, 30%,
40% and 50% and concluded that all tiles produced are non-vitreous, with a
water absorption that is around 10%. The breaking strength results showed
development with age, and that, with the exception of 50% sludge-cement
replacement. All of the tiles produced comply with the minimum breaking
strength of 2.8 MPa required by the standards.
 17

Rabie (2016) found that when different percentages of dry or wet

sludge were used in cement weights, the significant strength loss was found to
be null. The wet sludge and dry sludge having approximate strength of 13.76%
and 7.73% respectively shows that the former has more adverse effect than
later on compressive strength and reduced strength development.

David (2009) replaced the cement and fine aggregate using Sewage
Sludge Ash. The density and compressive strength of concrete were
determined. Some Pozzolanic properties of Ordinary Portland cement
matches with the Sewage Sludge Ash. The SSA will be grounded with ball mill
and used as cement replacement. The replacement study shows that when
SSA is replaced to cement in 10% in concrete, the compressive strength
remains same for both.

Synthesis

According to J.Monzo et.al (2012) they can reuse the sewage sludge to
make pellets and ashes. Cement is one of the main component in making
concrete hollow blocks. The sludge ash can use to replace cement and fine
aggregates (David, 2009). David make a study of it and came up with a
conclusion of sewage can replace 10% of cement in making concrete. Alqam
and Jamrah (2011), Bui Le et. al (2014), Shulng et.al (2006), and Malgorzata
et.al (2016) said that sewage sludge can be used as an alternative for cement
in the production of paving tiles, lightweight concrete, lightweight aggregates,
etc. Rabie (2016) stated that there is an impact to the cement if the sludge
were dry or wet.

According to the related literature presented there is a huge possibilities

that sewage sludge can be use to make a concrete hollow blocks. There is
only a specific percentage of sludge that you can use to be a replacement to
cement according to the studies. Collections of the said literature and studies
are related to the use of sewage sludge to its full potential. It would ensure that
the research is accompanied by open and legitimate scientific literature and
maintains the efficiency and reliability of the references as well as the present
study.
 Chapter III

Research Methodology

The research methods used for conducting the analysis are discussed
in this chapter. It offers an overview of the collection, presentation and review
of the relevant data and information. The researchers identified the research
design selected for the research. In addition, it also clarified the selection of the
study locale. The researchers also discussed the instruments and techniques
used to collect and analyze information and data. In addition, the statistical
treatment used was also accounted for. Finally, the legal issues that were
taken into account in the review were also addressed.

Research environment

At Barangay Dalampasigan, Guis-Guis Talon, Sariaya, Quezon, the

researchers preferred to make hollow blocks because the people there are
adequately skilled in carpentry and masonry. In addition, the materials needed
to create hollow blocks are stored there. To ensure the safety of testing
materials and the accuracy of the findings, these places are chosen. In
addition, people in those areas are sufficiently competent to obtain research
data. The research was conducted for laboratory testing of hollow blocks at the
Department of Public Works and Highways Area IV - A, Quezon 2nd District
Engineering Office in Lucena City.

Research Design

In this research, the manipulation of an independent variable is involved.

The rates of dried sewage sludge and cement are an independent variable in
this study. In this sense, three treated configurations have been made (25 %,
50 %, and 75 % dried sewage sludge substitute rate) to decide which mixture
has the highest compressive strength and maximum loading power. There is
an untreated 0 percent dried sewage sludge replacement and it serves as the
study's regulated variable. The curing time for treated or untreated hollow
blocks is 7,14 and 28 days, respectively. To ensure the precision of the
 19

outcomes, each setup was doubled. Therefore a total of 24 blocks were

created for the three healing ages. The relationship between the replacement
rate, compressive strength and the healing ages will further be explored in this
research design.

When using dried sewage sludge in a concrete mix, the researchers

seek to understand the density and compressive strength of the concrete
hollow block. The main objective of the study is to reduce, reuse and recycle
the dry sludge as a partial hollow block replacement and to test the efficiency
especially the strength of the hollow blocks. So the researchers are using an
original set of data and a quantitative experimental research.

Data Gathering Instrument

To collect the data , the researcher uses an instrument. Concrete Hollow

Blocks were casted and has a replacement of sewage sludge (25%, 50%, and
75%) and being cured for 7,14, and 28 days. Blocks were tested under
compression testing machine. The load was applied was applied by increasing
rate of 140kg/cm^2/min until the resistance of the samples to increasing load
breaks down. Maximum load taken by the samples was recorded and failure
was noted. Three blocks were tested on each category. The Compression
Testing Machine is a tool to test the compressive strength of each samples.
The study provided three category consists of: (1) 25% dried sewage sludge,
75% cement, (2) 50% dried sewage sludge, 50% cement, and (3) 75% dried
sewage sludge, 25% cement. Also, the analysis of variance was used to test
the significant differences between each sample of the study.
 20

Data Gathering Procedure

Performed different Results were analyzed The data were

setups of CHB with statistically using tabulated for better
varied substitutional Pearson’s Formula. comparison
rates of cement.

The blocks were Blocks were examined The data answers the
molded for 24 hours. in the compression research questions.
machine.

The blocks were cured Ask for permission to A conclusion were

for 7, 14, and 28 days the DPWH staff for made.
respectively. the laboratory testing.

Figure 2. The Data Gathering Procedure of the Study

The above figure illustrates the process that is being performed to

acquire the data required to arrive at a conclusion during the course of the
analysis. The figure shows a step-by-step process that began with the
output of different CHB configurations with different cement substitution rates
and ended with a conclusion.

Statistical Data Treatment

The means and standard deviation of the results from the data collected
from this study are determined by the SPSS statistical treatment that the
researchers used. To see the linear dependence between two variables, the
investigators used the Pearson Correlation Coefficient Formula. There were
two tests performed in this study: 1.) Compressive strength and the different
replacement rate of hollow concrete blocks (0 % untreated) and (25 % dried
sewage sludge: 75 % cement, 50 % dried sewage sludge: 50 % cement, and
75 % dried sewage sludge: 25 % cement). 2.) Compressive strength of
 21

concrete hollow blocks (untreated and treated) and various healing ages for 7
days, 14 days, and 28 days. The data are based on the results of the product
testing and are subjected to the use of the Pearson Correlation Coefficient
Formula to analyze the relationship of the substitution rate and its average
compressive strength, even the curing ages and its average compressive
strength.

Table 1. Degree of Correlation

 22

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