Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education

Region I

Schools Division of Ilocos Norte

BANGUI NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Bangui

THE VIABILITY OF SNAIL SHELL (SUSO) AS AN ADDITIVE IN MAKING

CEMENTED POTS

Allena Babayan

Sigrid Baltazar

Gwyneth Dela Cruz

Zein Soliva

Julio III Benemerito

Submitted to:

Mrs. Prescilla Beth D. Dumlao

Research Teacher

January 2022
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This research paper is a product of the support and guidance of kind-hearted people who

educated and directed us on our journey of conducting this research. Us researchers, would

therefore, like to acknowledge with sincere gratitude the following persons:

Mr. Joel Manuel School Principal I/Officer-In-Charge for allowing the researchers

perform their study all the while overseeing the progress and providing necessary critiques that

help the researchers conduct good research.

Mrs.Precilla Beth Dumayas Dumlao, our research adviser, and statistician for her

valuable suggestions and assistance, positive outlook and patience that inspired the researchers.

Mr. Joel Manuel, for his kind-heartedness in helping the researchers in completing this

research as our English and Science critics.

The parents of the researchers, for their unconditional love, inspiration, support, and

teaching them the value of education. Their supportive classmates, relatives, and friends for their

love and understanding and for believing in them all the time.

Above all, the Almighty God, is their source of divine wisdom and strength in this study.
 CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM

Background of the Study

Cement is a finely milled mineral powder, usually grey in color. The most important raw

materials for the production of cement are limestone, clay, and marl. Mixed with water, cement

serves as an adhesive to bind sand, gravel, and hard rock in concrete. Calcium oxide is a key

ingredient in the process of making cement.

Snail Shell is a highly reactive calcium oxide used in a range of specialized concrete

applications. Snail Shell Ash is produced from the naturally available seashells, which are

collected from the nearby seashore. Snail Shell is a highly efficient pozzolana and reacts rapidly

with the excess calcium hydroxide resulting from OPC hydration, via a pozzolanic reaction, to

produce calcium silicate hydrates and calcium aluminum silicate hydrates. Snail shells which

represent the bio-shell waste of snails' remnants from restaurants, eateries, or snail sellers

constitute a serious degree of environmental threat with little or no economic value. Their

effective utilization can bring immense economic prosperity. They are very useful raw materials

in the treatment of wastewater and the purification of aqueous solutions.

A flowerpot is a container in which flowers and other plants are cultivated and displayed.

Historically, and still to a significant extent today, they are made from terracotta. Flowerpots are

now often also made from plastic, wood, stone, or sometimes biodegradable material. There are

holes in the bottom of pots, to allow excess water to flow out, sometimes to a saucer that is

placed under the flowerpot. The plant can use this water with its roots, as needed. Recently, some

flowerpots have been made with an automatic watering system, using a reservoir.
 This is why the researchers surmise it may be possible to make cemented pots while

using snail shell (suso) as an additive. Snail shell (suso) are known to have rough edges and

contortions of the shell might bind strongly with cement. The researchers aim to produce further

improved cemented pots associated with snail shell (suso). Snail shell (suso) have the same

compound such as calcium oxide with cement. An easier and economical way to make cemented

pots. Due to the similarities in the composition of a snail shell (suso) and cement hence, it is

authentic in manufacturing cemented pots.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the viability of a Snail shell (Suso) in making cemented

pots.

Specifically, it seeks to answers the following questions:

1. Is there a significant difference in the durability between cemented pot with Snail shell

(Suso) as an additive and casual cemented pot?

2. What mixture produces the most durable Snail shell (Suso) cemented pot?

3. What is the level of the potential of the Snail shell (Suso) as an additive in making

cemented pots in terms of?

a) Durability
Significance of the study

Students: Students will have a piece of good knowledge about Snail shell (Suso)

cemented pot and may be able to increase employment.

Teachers: This study helps to spread the knowledge of Snail shell (Suso) cemented pot

to the general public.

Community: The community will use local products such as Snail shell (Suso) in a

different way to make more far useful products other than to dispose of it.

Other Researchers: Fellow researchers will have a different point of view towards new

pot sources.

Scope and Delimitations of the Study

The study intends to determine the viability of a Snail shell (Suso) as an additive in

making cemented pots. This study will be conducted by the researchers in 2-3 weeks. This

study will be conducted at Barangay San Lorenzo, Bangui, Ilocos Norte. The researcher’s

purpose is to bring out what can suso shell manage as an additive in making cemented pots.

The researcher will only use the part necessary for this research which is the Snail shell

(Suso).

Research Hypothesis

1. There is no significant difference between the viability of snail shell (suso) as an additive

to cemented pots and regular cemented pots.

 2. There is a significant difference between the viability of snail shell (suso) as an additive

to cemented pots and regular cemented pots.

Definition of terms

Additive - a substance added to something in small quantities to improve or preserve it.

Aqueous - of or containing water, typically as a solvent or medium
Calcium hydroxide - a soluble white crystalline solid commonly produced in the form of slaked

lime.

Calcium oxide - a white caustic alkaline solid, commonly produced in the form of quicklime.

Calcium silicate hydrates - Metastable calcium aluminate decahydrate (CAH10) is typically

produced when calcium aluminates are mixed with water at temperatures below 20 °C. CAH10

forms hexagonal platelets of weakly crystallized material, making its analysis by X-ray

diffraction (XRD) extremely challenging.

Cement - a powdery substance made with calcined lime and clay.

Clay soil - a soil that contains a high percentage of fine particles and colloidal substance and

becomes sticky when wet.

Concrete - is a composite material composed of fine and coarse aggregate.

Durability - Durability is the ability of a physical product to remain functional.

Lightweight - one of less than average weight.

Limestone - a sedimentary rock composed principally of calcium carbonate (calcite) or the

double carbonate of calcium and magnesium (dolomite).

Marl - an unconsolidated sedimentary rock or soil consisting of clay and lime, formerly used as

fertilizer.

Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) - hydration involves mechanisms of dissolution and

precipitation in a complex chemical system composed of different mineral phases, resulting in

the formation of different hydrates.

Pot - a container in which plants are grown.

Pozzolana - a type of volcanic ash used for mortar or for cement that sets underwater.

Remnants - a small remaining quantity of something.

Snail shell - freshwater or marine or terrestrial gastropod mollusk usually has an external

enclosing spiral shell.

Viability – The possibility of something to work successfully.

 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Orlando Ketebu et al., (2017) conducted research on ashes of snail shells and clamshells

as a replacement for cement due to their pozzolanic properties at a percentage of 0% to 30% by

weight of cement. The maximum compressive strength obtained at 20% cement replacement

with snail shell ash is 20 MPa, and the strength obtained with clamshells is approximately 30

MPa at 25% cement replacement with clamshells. They stated that the compressive strength

decreased as the percentage of snail and clam shell ash increased, with optimum percentages of

20% and 25% for snail and clamshells. (Orlando Ketebu, 2017)

Seashells are considered in the form of powder by N. Devendran (2017), and some of the

shells are broken into pieces and used as a replacement for coarse aggregates due to their

toughness. The maximum compressive strength was obtained by replacing 15% of the cement

with Seashell powder and 15% of the coarse aggregates with Seashell pieces, and it is 35.4 MPa

compared to 33.1 MPa for nominal concrete. (Devendran, 2017) Snail shells are a restaurant

waste product that represents the spherical shape found in coastal regions. According to the

United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 16.1 million tons of snail shells are

produced each year (Food and Agriculture of the United Nations, 2018). ((FAO), 2018)

Cement is increasingly being used in the construction industry these days. It performs

exceptionally well in terms of bonding and strength to concrete structures. Although cement has

many advantages in concrete structures, it also has negative environmental effects (Chandra

Sekhar Reddy Indukuri, 2019). Because the production of cement consumes a tremendous

amount of energy. Regardless of energy source, a significant amount of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is
released into the atmosphere. As a result, reducing cement use will reduce CO2 emissions into

the environment (Nakshatra, 2018) (Ramamohana Reddy Bellum, 2020). The cement industry

has been emitting approximately 0.83 kg of CO2 per kg of cement, resulting in a 12 percent

global cement release by 2020. (Ramamohana Reddy Bellum, 2020) Despite the fact that cement

emits CO2, it has a brittleness property that causes cracks in concrete structures. Brittleness of

cement composites is typically caused by the formation of hydration products such as Calcium

Silicate Hydrate Gel (C-S-H Gel), Ettringite (AFt), and Calcium Hydroide (Ca (OH)2 CH)

(Chandra Sekhar Reddy Indukuri, 2019)

 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This experimental design used in this study to determine the Viability of a Snail shell

(Suso) as an additive in making cemented pots. This procedure involves the manipulation of one

variable to determine if changes in one variable cause changes in another variable (Cherry,

2015), as cited by Cayabyab (2016). This method is the most appropriate because the researchers

determine the Viability of Snail Shell (Suso) as an additive in making cemented pots. This

research will use Complete Block Design in which two or more group are employed as

experimental groups and one is employed as control group.

Methods and Materials

A. Gathering and preparing the ingredients and materials

 1200 grams of snail shell (suso) powdered and 1200 grams of snail shell (suso) chunks
 8 liters of water
 6000 grams of cement
 Mixing Pot (container)
 Grinding Apparatus (ex; stone slab & rock)
 Mixing Apparatus (ex; spoon)
 Pot Mold
 Strainer
 4000 grams of sand
 Meter
 Oil
B. Making the Cemented pots

1) Clean the snail shells (suso).

2) Place the washed snail shells (suso) in an area with direct sunlight to help it dry and wait

until dry.

3) Collect the snail shells (suso) then place them in a stone slab and use a stone to crush the

snail shells (suso) to turn them into powder.

4) Apply small amounts of lubricant to the mold. This is to keep the mixture from sticking to

the mold making the removal of the mixture easier.

5) Collect the powdered snail shells (suso) and place them in a mixing bowl then add the

cement.

6) Gather sand and filter the fine ones using some kind of strainer.

7) Weigh the powdered snail shells and separate them accordingly, in light of the treatments’

specifications.

8) For the control group, mix the cement, fine sand and water in the mixing pot with a spoon,

and mix until fully blended.

9) Do the same process for the experimental groups. Add the specified amount of powdered

snail shells to the initial mixture, considering their respective specifications.

10) Place the mixture in a Pot Mold and let it dry under the sun for 48 hours.

C. Testing the Snail Shell (Suso) as an additive in making cemented pots

 Gather up the pots needed for the testing (regular cemented pots, cemented pots which

used the Snail shell (Suso) as an additive).

  Asses the outcome of both pots that have been dropped on the tiles, cemented floor and

sand; regular cemented pots, cemented pots which used Snail shell (Suso) as an additive.

Collection Of Data

On the first day, the production will be the main focus in which we will determine how

much of which will be added to the mixture. There will be 3 batches containing different

mixtures and 1 batch that will not contain any powdered snail shells, all of which will have the

independent variable of 1 liter of water. After 7 days, the researchers will gather the pots and will

let it fall one by one from 2 feet high. After which, they will rate it based on the descriptive

interpretation.

Table 1: Powdered Snail Shells

Treatment Tiles Cemented floor Sand

Pot number 1 Pot number 2 Pot number 3

Mixture A
(750 g of cement+500 g of snail shells) 3 3 3

Mixture B
(750 g of cement+400 g of snail shells) 2 3 3

Mixture C
(750 g of cement+300 g of snail shells) 3 1 3

Control Mixture
(750 g of cement+ 0g of snail shells) 3 2 3
Table 2: Chunks Snail Shells

Treatment Tiles Cemented floor Sand

Pot number 1 Pot number 2 Pot number 3

Mixture A
(750 g of cement+500 g of snail shells) 3 3 3

Mixture B
(750 g of cement+400 g of snail shells) 3 2 3

Mixture C
(750 g of cement+300 g of snail shells) 3 2 3

Control Mixture
(750 g of cement+ 0g of snail shells) 3 3 3

Rate Descriptive Interpretation

If the crack isn’t visible or it’s not damaged at all, then we can
1
tell that it’s the most durable one.
If the upper part or lower part of the pot is damaged but it can
2
still serve its purpose, then that would be two points.
If the pot is really damaged to the point that you can’t use it,
3
then that would be 1 point.

Statistical Treatment
 One-way ANOVA using (a software) with least significant difference of 5%. To further

analyze the significant difference, the Scheffe’s test formula.

' ( X 1− X 2 ) ²
F=
SW ²(n ₁+n ₂)
n₁ n ₂

Where:
F’ = Scheffe’s test
X 1 = Mean of group 1
X 2 = Mean of group 2
n1 = Number samples in group 1
n2 = Number samples in group 2
2
SW = Within mean squares

To interpret the average rate, the descriptive interpretation was utilized.

Rate Descriptive Interpretation

8-9 Very High Potential

7-6 High Potential
5-4 Potential
3-2 Low Potential
0-1 No Potential
Research Paradigm

SNAIL
SHELLS
(SUSO)

DRYINGC PHASE

GRINDING STAGE

CEMENT POWDERED
AND/OR SNAIL
SHELL (SUSO) WATER

MIXING
STAGE SAND

MOLDING STAGE

DRYING STAGE

Figure 1. Paradigm of the

study
 CHAPTER IV
ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter presents the analysis, presentation and interpretation of data gathered in this

study. It presents the results of the evaluation checklist.

Table 1: Average Rate on the Durability of Powdered Snail Shell (Suso) As An Additive In
Making Cemented Pots Evaluated by the Researchers
Treatment Average Interpretation
Mixture A 9 Very High Potential
Mixture B 8 Very High Potential
Mixture C 7 High Potential
Control Group 8 Very High Potential

Table 2: Average Rate on the Durability of Chunks Snail Shell (Suso) As An Additive In
Making Cemented Pots Evaluated by the Researchers
Treatment Average Interpretation
Mixture A 9 Very High Potential
Mixture B 8 Very High Potential
Mixture C 8 Very High Potential
Control Group 9 Very High Potential

Table 1 and 2 shows the average rate on durability and the potential of the Snail Shell

(Suso) as an additive in making cemented pots as evaluated by the researchers. The tables show

that both Powdered and Chunks Mixture A have the highest potential on durability as preferred

by researchers with the highest average rate of 9 and 9 respectively with an interpretation of very

high potential. Although the Mixture C also had a very high potential with an average rate of 7
and 8 but the evaluators scored it as their least while the Control Group have different

interpretation with average rate of 8 for Powdered but 9 only for chunks. Also, Mixture B is

second to lowest with average rate of 8 and 8 respectively with an interpretation of very high

potential.

The evaluators rated the Powdered Snail Shell (Suso) cemented pots with a total average

of 32 while the Chunks Snail Shell (Suso) cemented pots rated 34 which is higher by 2.

To have a comparison of the evaluation of the researchers on the potential of on its

durability of the Snail Shell (Suso) As An Additive in making Cemented Pots the following

graph is presented

Graph 1: Average Rate on Durability of the

Snail Shell (Suso) As An Additive In Making
Cemented Pots
9 9 9
8 8 8 8
9

8 7

6
Average Rate

0
Mixture A Mixture B Mixture C Mixture D

Powderized Chunks
Table 3: Analysis of Variance on the Durability of Powderized Snail Shell (Suso) As An
Additive In Making Cemented Pots Evaluated by the Researchers

Sources of Degrees of Sum of Mean F-value

Variation Freedom Squares Squares
Computed Tabular
Between 3 0.666667 0.222222
Groups
Within 8 4 0.5
0.444 4.066
Group

Total 11 4.666667

Table 3 shows that there is no significant difference between the four mixtures in their

durability since the computed f-value of 0.444 with 3 and 8 degrees of freedom is less than the

tabular f-value of 4.66 at 0.05 level of significance. This implies that the four powderized

mixtures have the same potential in their durability. Hence, there is no need to further analyze

the data using the Scheffe’s test.

Table 4: Analysis of Variance on the Durability of Chunks Snail Shell (Suso) As An

Additive In Making Cemented Pots as Evaluated by the Researchers

Sources of Degrees of Sum of Mean F-Value

Variation Freedom Squares Squares
Computed Tabular
Between 3 0.33 0.11
Groups
Within 8 1.33 0.166667
0.596 4.066
Group
Total 11 1.666667
 The table 4 shows that there is no significant difference on the durability of the four

mixtures based on the analysis of variance since the computed f-value of 0.596 is less than the

tabular f-value of 4.067 at 0.05 level of significance. This implies that the four chunks’ mixtures

pots are of the same level of potential in durability as evaluated by the researchers. Hence, there

is no need for Scheffe’s test to further analyze the data.

 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

This chapter presents the summary of findings, conclusion and recommendation.

Summary

This study aimed at determining the viability of a Snail Shell (Suso) in making cemented

pots. Thus, the study used experimental research methodology. The researchers conducted the

experimentation in February 2022 at Barangay San Lorenzo, Bangui, Ilocos Norte and gathered

their data from 3 batches containing different mixtures and 1 batch that will not contain any

powdered snail shells with the use of an evaluation checklist devised by the researchers. The

potential of Snail Shell (Suso) was analyzed using the simple mean and the difference between

the means was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Scheffe’s test. After the

statistical treatment was applied it was found out that the viability of a Snail Shell (Suso) as an

additive has a high potential in making cemented pots.

Conclusion

Based on the summary of findings of this study the viability of Snail Shell (Suso) as an

additive to cement has a very high potential in durability of making cemented pots. Among the

four mixtures, both the Mixture A powdered and chunks (750g Snail Shell (Suso) and 500g

cement) is the most durable by the evaluators with a very high potential interpretation and the

Mixture C (750g of cement and 300g snail shell (suso). In terms of durability, the four mixtures
have a very high potential based on the evaluation. There is no significant difference on the

durability of the cemented pots of the four mixtures.

Recommendation

Based on the findings, conclusions made used on the reactions and the suggestions of the

evaluators, the researchers offer the following recommendations: Gardeners who find the price

of cement expensive must consider the Snail shell (Suso) as an additive to substitute some of the

total volume of the cement. Also, this may serve as a way of recycling snail shells from food

scraps to help reduce the amount of food waste. Vendors and even students are also

recommended to make Snail shell cemented pots as a commercial product to gain additional

allowance. On the other hand, researchers who want to redo this study, they should try on the

following suggestions: (a) the snail shell should be washed well to instill that the shells do not

produce any putrid odor, (b) it should be sun-dried for at least two (2) days, (c) make it more

durable by adding more cement to the mixture. The Snail shell (Suso) can also be used in other

pottery making for additional earnings. It is also better to consult an agriculturist for better crop

outcomes.
References
(FAO), F. a. (2018). Retrieved from researchsquare.com: Suseela Alla, SS. Asadi. Experimental
Investigation of Snail Shell-Based Cement Mortar: Mechanical Strength, Durability and
Microstructure, 27 October 2021, PREPRINT (Version 2) available at Research Square
[https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-993265/v2]

Chandra Sekhar Reddy Indukuri, R. N. (2019). Retrieved from researchsquare.com: Suseela Alla, SS.
Asadi. Experimental Investigation of Snail Shell-Based Cement Mortar: Mechanical Strength,
Durability and Microstructure, 27 October 2021, PREPRINT (Version 2) available at Research
Square [https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-993265/v2]

Devendran, N. (2017). Retrieved from researchsquare.com: Suseela Alla, SS. Asadi. Experimental
Investigation of Snail Shell-Based Cement Mortar: Mechanical Strength, Durability and
Microstructure, 27 October 2021, PREPRINT (Version 2) available at Research Square
[https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-993265/v2]

Nakshatra, S. (2018). Retrieved from researchsquare.com: Suseela Alla, SS. Asadi. Experimental
Investigation of Snail Shell-Based Cement Mortar: Mechanical Strength, Durability and
Microstructure, 27 October 2021, PREPRINT (Version 2) available at Research Square
[https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-993265/v2]

Orlando Ketebu, S. .. (2017). Retrieved from researchsquare.com: Suseela Alla, SS. Asadi. Experimental
Investigation of Snail Shell-Based Cement Mortar: Mechanical Strength, Durability and
Microstructure, 27 October 2021, PREPRINT (Version 2) available at Research Square
[https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-993265/v2]

Ramamohana Reddy Bellum, M. K. (2020). Retrieved from researchsquare.com: Suseela Alla, SS. Asadi.
Experimental Investigation of Snail Shell-Based Cement Mortar: Mechanical Strength, Durability
and Microstructure, 27 October 2021, PREPRINT (Version 2) available at Research Square
[https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-993265/v2]

ijiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/43.pdf

Flower pot Facts for Kids (kiddle.co)

APPENDICES
APPENDIX B

Materials

1200 Grams of Snail Shell 1200 Grams of Snail Shell 8 Liters of Water
(suso) Chunks (suso) Powdered

Grinding Apparatus
6000 Grams of Cement Mixing Pot (container)
(ex; stone slab & rock)

Mixing Apparatus (ex; Strainer

Pot Mold

spoon)

4000 Grams of Sand Meter

Oil
Procedure

1) Clean the snail shells (suso).

- Was thoroughly as to remove any possible bacteria that can cause

odors.

2) Place the washed snail shells (suso) in an area with direct sunlight to

help it dry and wait until dry.

- This will make the snail shells brittle therefore easier to crumble and
powderized.

3) Collect the dried snail shells (suso) then place them in a stone slab and

use a stone to crush the snail shells (suso) to turn them into powder.

- Remember to make a separate batch of crumbled snail shells.

4) Apply small amounts of lubricant to the mold. This is to keep the

mixture from sticking to the mold making the removal of the mixture

easier.

5) Collect the powdered snail shells (suso) and place them in a mixing

bowl then add the cement.

- This applies the same to the crumbled/chunk snail shells.

6) Gather sand and filter the fine ones using some kind of strainer.

- Add the fine sand to the mixtures according to what was specified in

the treatments’ specifications

7) Weigh the powdered snail shells and separate them accordingly, in light

of the treatments’ specifications.

8) For the control group, mix the cement, fine sand and water in the mixing

pot with a spoon, and mix until fully blended.

9) Do the same process for the experimental groups. Add the specified

amount of powdered snail shells to the initial mixture, considering their

respective specifications.

10) Place the mixture in a Pot Mold and let it dry under the sun for 48 hours.
APPENDIX B

Table 5: Evaluation on the Durability of Powdered Snail Shell (Suso) As An Additive In

Making Cemented Pots
MIXTURE A MIXTURE B MIXTURE C CONTROL GROUP

TILES 3 2 3 3
CMENTED 3 3 1 2
FLOOR
SAND 3 3 3 3

Total 9 8 7 8

Mean 3 2.6 2.3 2.6

Table 6: Evaluation on the Durability of Chunks Snail Shell (Suso) As An Additive In

Making Cemented Pots
MIXTURE A MIXTURE B MIXTURE C CONTROL GROUP

TILES 3 3 3 3
CMENTED 3 2 2 3
FLOOR
SAND 3 3 3 3

Total 9 8 8 9

Mean 3 2.6 2.6 3