Mel Mark Ligtas

BSCE – 1
CES 1101
Synthesis of Student Research Conference

The recent Civil Engineering student research conference at the University of San Carlos
Talamban Campus in Cebu City brought together the innovative work of aspiring engineers. One
compelling research project addressed the critical issue of housing project backlogs for the
underserved segment in Central Visayas. The team, consisting of Rhona Fuentes, Rex Tapungot,
and Jaymarc Adlao, delved into the challenges of overpopulation, limited land access, and the
slow speed of construction leading to housing backlogs. The primary objective was to
incorporate lean principles into the design of a modular system, aiming to enhance the efficiency
of mass housing projects. Specific objectives involved identifying factors causing delays in
construction timelines and analyzing conventional and modular methods through simulations.

Rex Tapungot's theoretical framework guided the research process, emphasizing the
identification of time-thieves and bottlenecks. The team conducted simulations on three
construction schedules, comparing conventional construction with Singapore's modular system
and a designed modular system. The results showcased the efficacy of the designed modular
system in addressing housing project backlogs, representing a significant stride towards
optimizing construction processes in the Philippines.

Another noteworthy research project explored the "Effects of Wood Ash as a Soil
Stabilizer on Shear Strength and Bearing Capacity." Spearheaded by Val Daniel Cabral, Jaren
Dave Marfil, and Dolores Joie Sulit, the study addressed the pressing issue of Construction &
Demolition (C&D) waste and its impact on weak soils. Focusing on Brgy. Sudlon II, Cebu City,
the researchers aimed to determine the maximum shear strength and bearing capacity of soil
mixed with varying percentages of Wood Ash. The methodology involved a range of soil tests,
including sieve analysis, liquid limit tests, and consolidation triaxial shear tests. The research
concluded with promising findings, demonstrating the potential of Wood Ash as a soil stabilizer
and recommending further investigations into its application in different soil types.
 In a different research endeavor, students Hsia Julyane Rosabelle T. and Zachary Bene
Juyo tackled the geotechnical aspect with a "Two-Dimensional Risk Assessment on a Cut Slope
in Barangay Sudlon II, Cebu City." The study aimed to determine the factors of safety of a cut
slope using various methods, including Bishop's Simplified Method, Spencer's Method, and the
Morgenstern-Price Method. Laboratory tests were conducted, and both deterministic and
probabilistic stability analyses were employed. The research concluded with recommendations
for considering additional factors such as water table, seismic forces, and vegetation in future
slope stability assessments.

The conference also featured a research investigation on the "Compressive Strength and
Bearing Capacity of Clayey Soil Reinforced with Rice Straw." The team, consisting of Aidan
Troy A. Gomez, Renzzo Mari A. Rosero, and Albern D. Varga, aimed to classify soil samples
and determine the optimal length of rice straw for soil reinforcement. Their conclusions
highlighted an inverse relation between rice straw length and soil properties, with smaller lengths
demonstrating enhanced compressive strength and bearing capacity.

In conclusion, the University of San Carlos Talamban Campus Civil Engineering student
research conference showcased the dedication and ingenuity of first-year students. The diverse
range of research projects addressed pressing issues in construction and geotechnical
engineering, offering promising solutions and avenues for future exploration. These endeavors
not only contribute to academic knowledge but also highlight the students' commitment to
finding practical and sustainable solutions to real-world challenges in the Philippines.