Design Of Concrete Hollow Blocks Using Buntal Fibers (Corypha Elata) As Admixture

Concrete hollow blocks are widely used in construction due to their versality and durabity. However. However, there is a growing concern regarding the environmental impact of using conventional concrete materials.The incorporation of natural fibers, such as buntal fibers, as an admixture in concrete has gained attention as a potential sustainable solution. This study focuses on the challenges of affordable housing in Brgy. Bignay 1 Sitio Mangga, Sariaya Quezon, where many houses remain partially constructed due to the high cost of conventional hollow blocks and concerns about the durability of concrete hollow blocks. To enhance the concrete hollow blocks' characteristics, this study added buntal fiber (Corypha Elata) as an admixture. It also attempted to experiment to ascertain the impact of buntal fiber on the mechanical and physical characteristics of concrete hollow blocks. To design the concrete hollow blocks with buntal fiber (Corypha Elata) as an admixture, the researchers utilize four (4) distinct mix designs with a ratio of 1:6 cement, sand, and 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% buntal fiber (Corypha Elata) cut into 5 to 7 cm lengths with a diameter of 0.15-0.50 mm. the fabricated fiber blocks was cured for the specified curing periods of seven, fourteen, and twenty-eight days. To ascertain the efficacy of buntal fiber in concrete hollow blocks, this project study employed the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard for compressive strength, water absorption test and density test. The generated samples are examined. The results gathered and analyzed have helped identify the suitability of buntal fibers (Corypha Elata) as an admixture to concrete hollow blocks.It was compared to sample 1 with 0% buntal fiber (Corypha Elata) in the series of tests. The overall results of the fiber blocks in sample 2 that were cured in 14 days governed by a load of 1740 psi in compressive strength, with a water absorption result of 5.41%, and a density of 2574 kN/m3. It implies that this design of fiber blocks are more advisable because it is more durable and effective in terms of its load capacity and characteristics. it is also cost-efficient compared to conventional concrete hollow blocks. This hollow blocks served as a non-load-bearing wall in Brgy. Bignay 1, Sition Mangga, Sariaya Quezon.