Properties of Mahogany Carpel Ash in Concrete

College of Computer Studies, Engineering and Architecture

La Salle University – Ozamiz

Dando, Richelle Ghay A.

 Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The world develops together with the civilization, culture and technology as part of human
nature. Due to the increasing awareness to protect our environment, more and more defensible
approach are being introduce, propose and discover the best feasible alternative materials that is
accessible for the daily lives of man. Concrete is a mixture of cement, gravel (coarse aggregate),
sand (fine aggregate) and water. Concrete dries hard and strong, long life lasting, better
performance and continues to be the most influential construction material today and in the
approaching time ahead. The influence of concrete industry on environment is significant. Still,
the use of concrete is limited because of it has a very high compressive strength but with a very
low tensile strength. The use of either industrial by-products with scrap value or waste materials
can result in major conservation of energy and raw materials. Some by products in industries such
as fly ash and granulated blast furnace slag are used as a supplement in cement for concrete.
Moreover, by utilizing wastes in useful manner, the environmental pollution is also reduced to a
great extent.

In the field of construction, mortar is a building material that plays an important role. It is
a necessary component in structural construction worldwide due to its characteristics such as good
adhesion property, relatively low cost, durable and easily workable. Through filling and sealing
the irregular gaps between structure units that forms a single performing unit, mortar binds
building blocks such as stone, steel or tile. Besides, it also adds patterns or decorative colors in
masonry walls. Mortar has various compositions suitable for its particular field of expertise. In the
emergence of technology, mortar is continuously being developed to improve specific properties
and increase applications on the field. Mortar is generally a material made up of mixing the sand,
binder (cement) and water together. The water is used for the hydration of the cement.

Simultaneously, some Filipinos attempt to have firm, stout structures at a cheaper

construction and material costs. Different studies were introduced and being conducted about this
matter to look up for answers to the raising economic matters. To have an economical sturdy
structures, looking for a qualified partial replacement for cement as a supplement in concrete
reinforcing material that is efficient and affordable is prior. And to improve the strength of
concrete, multiple materials are applied. Mahogany is a tropical tree with a symmetrical
appearance and best-known for its valuable heartwood. The tree is also appreciated as a beautiful
and useful street tree. The application of mortar as a construction material is a rapidly growing
innovation in the construction sector in various countries. It is used generally as a binding agent
that coats concrete structures and provides overtime strength. The demand for mortar that is
directly proportionate to the requirement for cement is high as countries continue to develop but a
large scale cement production can destroy the environment by emitting carbon dioxide into the air.

In economic terms, cement is expensive in comparison with other mortar components.

Mahogany carpels are used in the Philippines as replacements for firewood or subjected to
disposal sometimes. Some researchers considered the reduction of the amount of cement
consumed in a mortar mix as required by substituting the amount with mahogany carpel ash.
Promoting environmental conservation can be achieved by reducing carbon dioxide emissions in
the atmosphere during production of cement. In addition, in terms of effectiveness, rate and
performance for most purposes, it is helpful for society and industry. Nevertheless, waste is a
resource. Waste can be a supplement or replacement to any living or non-living material. But,
putting waste to a good use can help to preserve our natural resources. This research wants to show
the factor that affects the compressive strength of mortar that is mixed with cement which is
partially replaced with mahogany carpel ash so that this can be helpful to the upcoming researchers
as there basis.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

People from the lower class is unfit of building engineered houses. Those people wants to
have firm structures that are in a cheaper costs. Since, mahogany tree are grown abundantly in the
Philippines, the mature fruits which characterized by its hard shell called carpel as cover protecting
the seeds inside and are also scattered around the trees. But, the main purpose of this research is
to determine the compressive strength of mortar that is mixed with cement which is partially
replaced with mahogany carpel ash and its workability.
Specifically, this research sought to answer the following questions:

1. What is the compressive strength of mortar mixed with mahogany carpel ash?
2. What will be the outcome in the workability of concrete when cement is replaced with mahogany
carpel ash?
3. How does this concrete with mahogany carpel ash differ to conventional concrete?

1.3 Objective of the Study

This study aims to have a new source of construction materials aside from the
conventional materials used in construction. The objectives of this research are stated as
follows:

1. To identify the compressive strength of mortar with mahogany carpel ash as partial
cement replacement.
2. To determine the workability of concrete with mahogany carpel ash as partial cement
replacement.
3. To determine the significant effect of mahogany carpel ash as partial replacement of
cement on the compressive strength of concrete.

1.4 Significance of the Study

This research could presumably give result to the increasing materials cost concrete
construction and will benefit to the following:

Environment. Using mahogany carpel ash, considering as an agro-waste which can be used as a
cement replacement in concrete. This study will be an important endeavor to encourage
environmental conservation by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from cement production in the
atmosphere. It is also helpful in the use of waste materials, one of the biggest problems that our
country is currently experiencing.

Construction Industry. This study will also be of benefit for building as an innovative way to
respond to the rapidly growing construction demand and the rapid increase in the prices of
infrastructure materials in developing nations.

Future Researchers or Students. This study may serve as educational source or future references
in the field of research studies on the topic of about mortar mixture with partial waste material
replacement with scrap values in the future. More importantly, this study will educate people about
the feasible ways of using the country's widely available mahogany carpel ash.

1.5 Scope and Limitations of the Study

Compressive strength is the capacity of a material or structure to withstand loads tending to reduce
size as opposed to tensile strength, which withstands loads tending to elongate. This study only
focuses determining the compressive strength of mortar by using mahogany carpel ash as partial
cement replacement in mortar. This study aims to have a new source of construction materials
aside from the conventional materials used in construction and can also be helpful in the use of
waste materials, one of the biggest problems that our country is currently experiencing. Recycling
of mahogany carpel ash through grinding it into small particles and will be employed in concrete
as a partial cement replacement of mortar. Through compression and slump test, the compressive
strength and workability of the concrete with mahogany carpel ash will be determined and the data
can be compared to the compressive strength and workability of a conventional concrete. All
aggregates used shall be taken from the sources in Jimenez, Misamis Occidental including the
mahogany carpel. However, this study is limited to its compressive strength and workability and
will not include any chemical investigation of this mahogany carpel ash.