Experimental Study on the Durability and Mechanical Strength of Concrete Hollow Blocks Using Coconut Husk Ash and Coconut Shell Ash as Partial Replacement to Cement: A Sustainable Approach to Waste Utilization in Construction

Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines

^* Corresponding author: kdmarcos@mcm.edu.ph

Abstract

This research study comprehensively investigates the utilization of coconut husk ash and coconut shell ash as partial replacement materials in the production of concrete hollow blocks. The study employs rigorous quantitative experimental design and advanced statistical optimization techniques to thoroughly evaluate the impact of these coconut-based waste materials on the performance characteristics of the concrete. The results show that incorporating coconut husk ash and coconut shell ash can lead to significant measurable improvements in compressive strength while still meeting the required water absorption specifications. The optimal mix design identified through the optimization process contains 10% coconut husk ash and 10% coconut shell ash as partial replacements for cement and aggregates, respectively. Additionally, the researchers have developed robust regression models that can accurately predict the water absorption and compressive strength of the concrete hollow blocks based on the mix design parameters, with impressive R2 values of 98.59% and 82.00% respectively. This innovative waste utilization approach has the potential to contribute to the development of more sustainable and environmentally-friendly construction practices, promoting resource conservation and potentially providing substantial economic benefits by reducing the demand for conventional energy-intensive construction materials.