CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter discusses on how the study will be conducted and the research

procedures. It outlines the methodological approach and the justification of the

chosen research method. The requirements planning, description of the process,

and data collection methods are also included.

RESEARCH METHOD

The methods to be used in this study involve observation, experiment, and

analysis and interpretation of data to gather the necessary information.

Observation will be primarily used during the experiment to compare the

differences and similarities of normal concrete mixture from the concrete mixtures

with “pili nut shells” used as fine aggregates. Experimental method is a procedure

involving the control and manipulation of conditions for the purpose of studying the

relative effects of various treatments applied to mixtures. It will be conducted to

make the concrete mixtures with “pili nut shell” and to determine the strengths of

each concrete samples. Moreover, this method is involved to know if its

characteristics passes on the American Standard Testing Materials (ASTM)

specifications. Analysis and interpretation of data that will be obtained in the

experiment serve as the basis and support of the strengths of each concrete

sample with “pili nut shell”. Likewise, the properties of pili nut shell will be

determined to identify if it can be used as fine aggregates. Crucial investigation is

necessary to compare the shells to conventional aggregate. Thus, it will

summarize the research.

RESEARCH PROCEDURE

1. Requirements Planning

The first stage of the study was searching for possible topics. The

researchers came up with an analysis of current issues in the environment

through asking the right questions and doing a thorough data analysis of

past research. Today, the demand for sand and gravel continues to

increase. Excessive sand-and-gravel mining causes the degradation of

rivers and lowers the stream bottom which may lead to bank erosion . The

proponents realized the damaging effects brought by sand mining. They

arrived at the idea of replacing sand with Pili nut shells which will contribute

to the Civil Engineering field by considering the environmental impact of

sand mining. The researchers collected and analyzed the past related

literature and studies. The data gathered from the studies had served as a

guide and basis for them to understand their topic better and clarify vague

points about their problem. Specifically, they took note of the problems that

were not addressed by the researchers and recommendations of the

previous studies. The data obtained ensured that there will be no duplication

of the study and no patent existed. They developed a problem statement

which was considered as the formal research problem of the study. Hence,

the researchers came up with the evaluation of the compressive strength of

concrete using recycled material (Canarium Ovatum or commonly known

as Pili Nut Shell) as fine aggregates.

2. Data Collection
 Before using Canarium Ovatum Shell as a substitute for fine

aggregates in concrete, one important step is to collect reliable

information that will be the basis in conducting the study. The

researchers aim to garner thorough understanding more on about the

characteristics of the Canarium Ovatum shell if it will be desirable to use

as raw material for concrete. Data collection was performed through:

a. Research

The proponents gathered information through textbooks,

internet, related studies and literatures that will be necessarily

relevant references to the study. Also, the researchers reviewed

related articles regarding utilization of agricultural wastes used to

replace fine aggregates in concrete. It involved analyzing the

previous researches which is related to the present study to fully

understand and conduct comprehensive examination through

comparison of the studies.

b. Physical Survey of the Material

Assessing the availability of the desired material which is the

Pili nut shell was then conducted. Based on literature review, the

researchers formed an idea to where the said material was produced

abundantly. The proponents also gleaned some information from

elders concerning the availability of the material.

c. Focus Groups
 The researchers exchange ideas through group discussions.

Interaction with each member is crucial which gives due

consideration to the impact of the group. The proponents have

shared their suggestions, reactions and some experiences regarding

the topic.

3. Data Analysis

All data gathered are analyzed comprehensively and consulted with

the knowledge shared by some engineers. Then the proponents are able to

secure particular limitations of the study for them to evaluate the

performance of the concrete samples. They decided for particular mixture

class to be used in the experiment. The researchers will adapt the American

Standard Testing Materials (ASTM) specifications as the primary basis for

the standards of the cylindrical concrete samples.

4. Construction

The researchers’ first task is to gather the needed materials in

making concrete samples which include cement, gravel sand, water, “pili

nut shell” and the tools to be used in pulverizing the shells. Conforming to

Standard Specifications for Molds for Forming Concrete Test Cylinders

Vertically (AASHTO M 205), the cylinder molds with a length equal to twice

the diameter in length will then be prepared for concrete pouring by coating

them with used oil to remove the molder easily. The proponents will used

moulders with six inches (6”) diameter and twelve inches (12”) in length.
The mixing procedure is crucial in the production of concrete samples in

order to attain the desired result.

• Casting the Test Cylinders

1. Pulverized Pili nut shells that will pass through Sieve No.

4 will be soaked for at least one day before using it in

making concrete samples. Coarse aggregates, fine

aggregates and cement will be first mixed manually for a

few minutes to properly combine all sizes. After this, water

will be added gradually and then mix for about three

minutes, or until a combined mixture was formed

adequately.

2. Place the concrete in the mold in every three (3) equal

layers by distributing it around the inside of the mold with

the scoop. Consolidate the layer by rodding twenty-five

(25) times evenly distributed around the layer.

3. Tap the sides of the mold ten to fifteen (10-15) with the

mallet after each layer in order to close any insertion holes

formed either by the rod.

4. Strike off the top with a wooden float to produce a flat, even

and level surface and cover with a plastic lid or a plastic

bag.

5. Label the outside of the mold with the appropriate

identification mark. Do not label the lids or tops.

 6. Place the cylinder molds on a level, rigid surface and free

of vibration.

• Storing Test Cylinders

1. Move cylinder molds with fresh concrete very carefully by

supporting the bottom.

2. Place the cylinders on a flat surface and in controlled

environment.

3. The cylinders are immediately placed in the suitable area

until the concrete sets up for one day. After one day, the

moulds will be removed and the cylindrical concrete

samples will be stored in a water tank with hundred

percent (100%) humidity-final curing. The top of the

concrete samples must be two inches from the water

surface.

5.Implementation

The last stage shall involve determining the properties of Canarium

Ovatum Shell and final testing of the concrete samples. The proponents will

determine the bulk unit weight, absorption, specific gravity and void ratio of

the shells. They will also test if the compressive strength of the samples

passed on the American Standard Testing Materials specifications. To

assess the concrete samples, the tools in the analysis of the data will be

graphing and getting points of each ratio in order for us to get the
corresponding strength using interpolation techniques. Also comparing the

properties of standard mix cylindrical concrete sample than with Pili Nut

Shell will be part of the analysis. Through the tabulation method of data

presentation, followed by the discussion and analysis.

The basic analysis is:

𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 (𝐏)
Stress (ᵟ) =
𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚 (𝐀)

Percentage (%) of Canarium Ovatum Shell to the total amount of sand

mixture:

𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥

%shell=𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐎𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐦 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥+𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝

Price comparison, the economic aspect, using strength to price ratio:

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡
S=𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐲𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞

S- Price economical-strength ratio

Percent of Soil Passing through the No. 4 Sieve, 𝐹:

∑ 𝑀−(𝑀1 +𝑀2 +⋯𝑀𝑖 )

𝐹= ∑𝑀
× 100

Bulk unit weight of Canarium Ovatum Shells, 𝛾𝐶𝑂𝑆 :

𝑊𝐶𝑂𝑆
𝛾𝐶𝑂𝑆 = 𝑉𝐶𝑂𝑆

𝑊𝐶𝑂𝑆 - weight of moist COS

𝑉𝐶𝑂𝑆 - volume of COS

Specific gravity of Canarium Ovatum Shell, 𝐺𝑆 :

𝛾𝐶𝑂𝑆
𝐺𝑆 = 𝛾𝑤

𝛾𝑤 - unit weight of water

Water content of Canarium Ovatum Shells, 𝑤:

𝑊𝑤
𝑤=𝑊
𝐶𝑂𝑆(𝑑)

𝑊𝑤 - weight of water

𝑊𝐶𝑂𝑆(𝑑) - weight of dry COS

Dry unit weight of Canarium Ovatum Shell, 𝛾𝐷𝐶𝑂𝑆 :

𝛾𝐶𝑂𝑆
𝛾𝐷𝐶𝑂𝑆 = 1+𝑤

Void ratio of Canarium Ovatum Shell, 𝑒:

𝐺 𝛾𝑤
𝑒 =𝛾𝑆 −1
𝐷𝐶𝑂𝑆

Water absorption of Canarium Ovatum Shell:

𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑡 𝐶𝑂𝑆 − 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝐶𝑂𝑆