Chapter I

The Problem and Its Background

Introduction

Nowadays, we all know that hollow blocks are used in making houses.

Although, due to different calamities, a lot of houses were being destroyed most

especially in the Philippines. These changing weather conditions made people

think of ways on how to improve the stability of their houses and found out that the

hollow blocks that they usually use are not firm enough to make stable houses.

A previous research was done by students of Lourdes School of

Mandaluyong (2013) in which the students used mussel shells as additive in

making hollow blocks. Mussel shells as additive in making hollow blocks were

found very effective by these students. Results show that hollow blocks with

mussel shells are sturdier compared to the common commercial blocks that we are

using nowadays.

The researcher then thought of an idea to add scylla serrata (mud crab)

shells and eggshells as additive in making hollow blocks. This is to test if mud crab

shells and eggshells are stronger and more fire resistive compared to the

commercial hollow blocks that people use in building infrastructures.

1
 The researcher became interested in the study because she wants to find out

more ways in improving the structure of houses and buildings most especially in

the Philippines. It is to develop stronger and firmer hollow blocks by means of

adding mud crab shells and eggshells to the base of the hallow block’s composition

so that it could withstand greater compressive strength. This will also serve as

substitute for the regular commercial hollow blocks that are considered expensive

in the current market

Review of Related Literature

This chapter deals with concepts, research studies and literature of study.

The concepts are organized around major topics that are derived from the variables

that have been explained in the study.

Commercial blocks which are also called “concrete blocks” are made out of

cement and aggregate blocks. They are low-priced and commonsensical compared

to the traditional clay bricks and are often used in the construction of homes.

Unlike wood-frame houses, concrete block houses are less exposed to fire damage,

termite decay and destruction from high winds. On the other hand, there are also

disadvantages in using concrete blocks like water seepages and its unattractive

2
look. This is the most common reason why houses and buildings easily collapse

during typhoons, earthquakes and other calamities.

An eggshell is the outer covering of a hard-shelled egg and of some forms of

eggs with soft outer coats. Bird eggshells contain calcium carbonate and dissolve

in various acids, including the vinegar used in cooking. While dissolving, the

calcium carbonate in an eggshell reacts with the acid to form carbon dioxide.

Eggshell strength has been measured by compression, impact and puncture, but

only compression lends itself to the development of a non-destructive

measurement of shell strength. If a linear relationship exists between compression

force and the induced deformation of the shell, and if the slope of this line is

related to force applied at failure of the shell, then a non-destructive test could be

developed. The deformation under non-destructive forces would be used to predict

the force at failure.

Pulverized eggshells can be used as an alternative for sand in making hollow

blocks because they contain Calcium Carbonate that gives them hardness and

strength (Cecilia et al., 2008). To compare the effectiveness of pulverized eggshells

and sand in making hollow blocks, a dry block from each mixture was dropped

from a height of 2 feet. It was observed that the eggshell block got a crack while

the sand block broke into pieces (Cecilia et al., 2008). This indicates that eggshells

3
are more effective than sand. Therefore, use of eggshells can be used to reduce

building expenses as well as reduce environmental pollution by recycling them.

The world progresses alongside civilization, culture and technology;

innovation is a must. As part of human nature, man continues to make life 'easier'

through inventions, discoveries and innovations hence, the assurance of the best

possible service and materials available for the daily lives of man. As an attempt to

'innovate', the researchers have decided to commit ourselves to a research that will

do just that. An experiment revolving around a common building tool used in

almost every infrastructure around the world: hollow blocks.

Hollow blocks are large rectangular bricks used in construction. It is a basic

building tool. It is also known as concrete blocks, cement blocks and as foundation

blocks. These are made in several different ways such as, in Portland, cement and

either sand and fine gravel aggregates for high density-blocks or industrial wastes

for low density-blocks. Those that use cinders -fly ash or bottom ash- are called

cinder blocks in Canada, the US and New Zealand, breeze blocks -breeze is a

synonym of ash- in the UK. Hollow blocks in the Philippines and are also known

as better blocks or bricks in Australia. Clinker blocks use clinker as aggregate. In

non-technical usage, the terms cinder block and breeze block are often generalized

to cover all of these varieties. Lightweight blocks can also be produced using

aerated concrete.

4
 Several environmentalist groups, researchers and students have

experimented over the matter of what additive is suitable to increase the

effectiveness of hollow blocks wherein lime soil, coconut coir, rice hull, plastic and

a few others were used as an additive. This, however, did the opposite wherein the

hollow block became less 'solid', making its building options lesser for instance,

walls and fences were the only stable products.

After initial research, the researchers stumbled upon a common product that

could strengthen materials with its high calcium carbonate that will supposedly

strengthen cement. Mussel shells, the common product, are considered waste for it

is usually thrown out immediately after consumed. Mussel shells contain 95-99%

calcium carbonate by weight, while an organic component makes up the remaining

1-5%. The resulting composite has fracture toughness ~3000 times greater than

that of the crystals themselves. In the bio mineralization of the mollusk shell,

specialized proteins are responsible for directing crystal nucleation, phase,

morphology, and growths dynamics and ultimately give the shell its remarkable

mechanical strength. The application of biomimetic principles elucidated from

mollusk shell assembly and structure may help in fabricating new composite

materials with enhanced optical, electronic, or structural properties.

(https://www.scribd.com/doc/128850974/Feasibility-of-Mussel-Shells-in-Making-

Hollow-Blocks, retrieved October 21, 2014)

5
 Based on the study conducted by Armand John Yangat (2013), by observing

the analysis, tests and summary of findings, the researcher’s statement of the

problem can be claimed that the percentage of mussel shells is directly

proportional to the ultimate load which is also directly proportional to the

compressive strength hence, concluding that mussel shells used as an additive in

hollow block making does in fact make the hollow block’s compressive strength

greater which can be basically summed up to: mussel shells additives increase the

compressive strength of hollow blocks. As seen at the results of the tests, the

amount of clam shells, particularly set-up B: the 60% mussel shell additive, is a

clear result that more mussel shells would make the hollow block stronger in terms

of compressive strength and ultimate load. Comparing it to set-up A: the

commercial hollow block, set-up B would appear superior. Same goes to set-up C:

50% mussel shell additive and set-up D: 40% mussel shell additive in contrast with

set-up A. These set-ups support the statement that the more mussel shell additive

added to the hollow block would make the hollow block’s compressive strength

greater wherein these set-ups determined that the less mussel shell additives made

the hollow block’s compressive strength lower. Therefore, the conclusion: mussel

shells used as an additive in hollow block making would make the hollow block

stronger in terms of compressive strength and, additionally, ultimate load.

6
Conceptual Framework

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

1. Does adding Scylla
serrata (Mud Crab) shells
in making hollow blocks
make it stronger
compared to the
commercial hollow Scylla serrata (Mud
blocks?
Crab) shells and Egg

2. Does adding Eggshells in shells as Additive in

making hollow blocks
make it stronger Making Hollow Blocks
compared to the
commercial hollow
blocks?

3. Can Scylla serrata (Mud

Crab) shells replace a
portion of cement in
making hollow blocks?

4. Can Eggshells replace a

portion of cement in
making hollow blocks?

FEEDBACK

7
Statement of the Problem

This study aims to find out the significant difference of egg shells and crab

shells as additive in making hollow blocks.

Specifically, the researcher seeks to answer the following questions:

1. Does adding Eggshells in making hollow blocks make it stronger

compared to the commercial hollow blocks?

2. Can Eggshells replace a portion of cement in making hollow blocks?

HO1 – Adding Eggshells in making hollow blocks does make the hollow

blocks stronger compared to the commercial hollow blocks.

HO4 – Eggshells can replace a portion of cement in making hollow blocks.

8
Scope and Delimitation

The study was formulated to determine if using mussel shells as an additive

to hollow blocks would either make the hollow block stronger or weaker. The

research would have seven set-ups; one commercial hollow block, three with

Scyclla serrata (Mud Crab) shells, and three with egg shells as an additive but with

different amounts of Scylla serrata (Mud Crab) shells and egg shells; 20-80, 30-70

and 50-50 respectively.

9
Significance of the Study

The following group of people would greatly benefit from this study:

Society. with the help of this study, the people in the society can reuse the

shells as an additive instead of simply disposing them. Most especially now in its

crisis in solid waste management.

Construction Industry. for the production of more efficient and stronger

hollow blocks. Stronger hollow blocks would mean a better, more reliable

foundation for infrastructures such as houses, buildings, bridges, towers and the

like.

Economy. due to the geographical feature of the Philippines in which it is

surrounded by water, making this, if successful, an easier and more common way

to produce better hollow blocks. Ecology-wise, this would be beneficial due to the

reuse of empty mud crab shells and eggshells because these shells are not easily

decomposed. Burning these will harm the atmosphere, environment and the people.

Future Researchers. for this study to serve as their framework and that this

may inspire the future researchers to make an extensive study on this topic.

10
Definition of Terms

For clearer understanding of the terms used in this study, below are their

meanings:

Eggshell - The egg was used as an additive in hollow block making.

Hollow Blocks – rectangular shaped bricks made out of cement, sand and water

that are highly used for wide range of construction industries.

Mud crab shell – a large specie of crab with a smooth, broad carapace. The mud

crab was used as an additive in hollow block making.

Strength – the strength of the hollow blocks was tested by hitting each of it twice

using a hammer

Chapter II

Methodology

The four purposes of this chapter are (1) to describe the research

methodology of this study, (2) explain the sample selection, (3) describe the

11
procedure used in designing the instrument and collecting the data, and (4) provide

an explanation of the statistical procedures used to analyze the data.

Research Design

An experimental research design was used for this study. According to Mr.

Jayesh Patidar (2013), experimental research design are concerned with the

examination effect of independent variable on the dependent variable, where the

independent variable is manipulated through treatment or intervention(s), and the

effect of those interventions is observed on the dependent variable.

Treatment

This part deals with how the researcher administered the instrument or test

the variables of the study.

Treatment 1. Scylla serrata (Mud Crab) shells as Additive in Hollow Blocks

12
Sample Crab Shells Commercial Block
Percentage (%) Amount (kg) Percentage (%) Amount (kg)
1 20% 2 kg 100% 7.5 kg
2 30% 3 kg 100% 7.5 kg
3 50% 4 kg 100% 7.5 kg

Table 2 shows the amount of crab shells per hollow blocks. In treatment 1,

sample 1 used 20% of crab shells which is 2 kilograms for one hollow block.

Second sample needs 3 kilograms or 30% of crab shells, while the third sample has

4 kilograms or 50% of one hollow block. Commercial block usually weigh 7.5

kilograms.

This treatment shows which amount of crab shells per hollow blocks creates

a strong hollow block. The researcher wants to determine if the amount of crab

shells changes or affects the variable.

Treatment 2. Eggshells as Additive in Hollow Blocks

Sample Egg Shells Commercial Block

Percentage (%) Amount (kg) Percentage (%) Amount (kg)
1 20% 2 kg 100% 7.5 kg
2 30% 3 kg 100% 7.5 kg
3 50% 4 kg 100% 7.5 kg

This table shows the amount and percentage of egg shells that is used in

each hollow blocks. On the first sample, the researcher used 2 kilograms of

13
eggshells which is 20% of the hollow block. The next sample used 3 kilograms of

eggshells that is 30% of the hollow block. In addition, the third sample used 4

kilograms of eggshells that makes up the 50% of one hollow block. Commercial

block with 7.5 kilograms represents the control group.

This means that the researcher used different amount of eggshells on each

hollow blocks with specific percentage to determine which sample shows good

durability. The researcher also used the commercial block to compare the variables

that are being studied in hollow blocks with eggshells.

Materials

This study used the following materials and equipment:

A. Materials

 18 kg cement
 9 kg egg shells
 9 kg mud crab shells
 9 kg sand
 15 L water

B. Equipment/Apparatus

The researcher went to a factory to make the hollow blocks for proper

measurement of the materials and the process of making hollow blocks itself. For

14
testing the strength of each hollow blocks, the researcher used a coin, a meter stick,

a ruler and a 5 lb dumbbell.

Procedure

15
 The research gathered the materials such as 9 kilograms of mud crab shells

and eggshells. These shells will be divided into 3 with different proportions. The

first sample has 2 kilograms, next is 3 kilograms and the third sample has 4

kilograms. The researcher will bring the materials in the factory to process the

hollow blocks. A simple hollow block normally has a specific amount of cement

(depending on how much are the mud crab shells and eggshells), 1.5 kilograms of

sand and 2.5 L of water. The factory will follow the usual process of making

hollow blocks. After mixing and forming the hollow blocks, it will be dried for 2 to

3 days. The researcher tested the strength of each hollow blocks by dropping a 5 lb

dumbbell on it until it reach its breaking point distance. Since the dumbbell’s edge

is concave, the researcher stuck a 5 peso coin on the dumbbell so that all of its

force will be exerted on the coin. To know the breaking point and constant height

of each hollow block, the researcher computed for the dumbbell’s mass, the hollow

block’s pressure and the area of the coin. The impact time of the dumbbell to a

concrete is 0.01 s, so this means that the time will be constant.

Formulas:

Computation for Force:

m(vf −vi)
F= t

16
Computation for Velocity:

vf = √ vi2−2 gd

Computation for Pressure:

F
P= a

Computation for Area of a circle:

a= π r2

Impulse and Momentum Constants:

pressure = 206.843 N/cm2 (1 hollow block = 300 PSI then converted to

N/cm2)

time = 0.01 s (constant contact time of hammer to concrete)

mass = 2.27kg (mass of the dumbbell converted to kg)

area = 5.31cm2 (area of the coin)

Chapter III

Presentation, Interpretation and Analysis of Data

This chapter presents the data gathered by the researcher to be able to answer the

following specific questions:

17
Table 1. Strength of Scylla serrata (Mud Crab) shells as Additive in Hollow Blocks

Composition of Scylla Maximum Distance Force Pressure of

serrata (Mud Crab) Dropped (m) Delivered (N) Breaking Point

shells (N/cm2)
2 kg 0.75 m 869.41 N 163. 73 N/cm2
3 kg 0.75 m 869.41 N 163. 73 N/cm2
4 kg 1.5 m 1,230.34 N 231.70 N/cm2

The table shows that with the increasing amount of Scylla serrata (Mud

Crab) shells, there is also an increase in its Force Delivered and Pressure of

Breaking point. The 4 kg composition of Scylla serrata (Mud Crab) shells was able

to reach the Maximum Distance Dropped of 1.5 m which makes it the highest

distance among the three compositions.

Table 2. Strength of Eggshells as Additive in Hollow Blocks

Composition of Maximum Distance Force Pressure of

Eggshells Dropped (m) Delivered (N) Breaking Point

(N/cm2)
2 kg 1m 1,005.61 N 189.38 N/cm2
3 kg 0.75 m 869.41 N 163. 73 N/cm2
4 kg 1.25 m 1,123.65 N 211.61 N/cm2

18
 The table shows that with the increasing amount of Eggshells, there is also

an increase in its Force Delivered and Pressure of Breaking point. The 4 kg

composition of Eggshells was able to reach the Maximum Distance Dropped of

1.25 m which makes it the highest distance among the three compositions.

Table 3. Strength of a Commercial Block

Maximum Distance Force Delivered Pressure of

Dropped (m) (N) Breaking Point

(N/cm2)
0.5 m 710.51 N 133.81 N/cm2

Table 3 shows that the Maximum Distance Dropped of a Commercial Block

reached until 0.5 m. The Force Delivered is 710.51N and its Pressure of Breaking

19
Point is 133.81 N/cm2. This shows the standard measurement of a regular block’s

Maximum Distance Dropped, Force Delivered and Pressure of Breaking Point.

Chapter IV

Major Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations

Major Findings

Based on the data gathered and analyzed, the following are the major

findings:

1. Increasing the amount of Scylla serrata (Mud Crab) shells increases the

breaking point of hollow blocks.

20
 2. Increasing the amount of Eggshells increases the breaking point of hollow
blocks.
3. The addition of calcium carbonate to hollow blocks increases the breaking

point of hollow blocks.

Conclusions

Based on the results of the research, it is concluded that:

1. As you increase the number of Scylla serrata (Mud Crab) shells in the

composition of the hollow block, the stronger the hollow block will be.

2. As you increase the number of Eggshells in the composition of the hollow

block, the stronger the hollow block will be.

21
 3. Scylla serrata (Mud Crab) shells can now replace a portion of cement in

making hollow blocks.

4. Eggshells can now replace a portion of cement in making hollow blocks.

Recommendations

On the basis of the findings, the following are recommended:

1. The future researchers should pulverize the Scylla serrata (Mud Crab) shells

and Eggshells.

2. Devote larger amount of time in collecting Scylla serrata (Mud Crab) shells

and Eggshells.

22
 3. Planning and performing the process of making the hollow blocks and

testing its strength ahead of time is highly recommended.

References

Websites:

Nitto Kensetsu Co., Inc. (20). Development of Concrete Test Hammer. February,

2016,http://www.concretetester.com/download/DevelopmentoftheConcreteT

estHammer.pdf.

23
Armand John Yangat, (2013). Feasibility of Mussel Shells in Making Hollow

Blocks .October,2015,https://www.scribd.com/doc/128850974/Feasibility-

of-Mussel-Shells-in-Making-Hollow-Blocks

A.M. King’ori, (2011). A Review of the Uses of Poultry Eggshells and Membranes.

January,2016,http://freejournal.umm.ac.id/files/file/A%20Review%20of

%20the%20Uses%20of%20Poultry%20Eggshells%20and%20Shell

%20Membranes.pdf

24
 Appendix A.
Computations

Computation for Force:

m(vf −vi)
F=
t

Computation for Velocity:

vf = √ vi2−2 gd
Computation for Pressure:

F
P= a

Computation for Area of a circle:

a = π r2

25
 Appendix B.

Experimentation/Documentation Report

I. Experimentation of Scylla serrata (Mud Crab) as additive in Hollow

Blocks

Step 1: Pounding of Mud Crab shells Step 2: Putting out the crushed
Mud crab shells out

Step 3: Add cement and sand with the

mud crab shells

26
Step 4: Mix all three materials Step 5: Add 2.5 L of water

Step 6: Mix with water Step 7: Put mixture in the machine

27
Step 8: Molding the mixture Step 9: Putting out the finished
using the machine product out of the machine

Finished Products

28
II. Experimentation of Eggshells as Additive in Hollow Blocks

Step 1: Pour the egg shells Step 2: Add cement and sand

Step 3: Mix all three materials Step 4: Add 2.5 L of water

Step 5: Mix with water Step 6: Put mixture in the

machine

29
Step 7: Molding the mixture using Step 8: Putting the finished
the machine product out of the machine

Finish Products

30
III. Testing the strength of Scylla serrata (Mud Crab) shells and Eggshells
as Additive in Hollow Blocks

Setup:
A dumbbell with a coin in Wall with measurements
The middle of its flat surface (using meter stick & tape)

31
Procedure:

Step 1: lace the dumbbell on the Step 3: Observe the

Specific height where you’ll drop it Step 2: Drop the dumbbell. hollow block.

IV. Other Papers and Documents

32
33
34
 Curriculum Vitae

Eleanor O. De Ramos
Block 17 Lot 7 Unit C, Soldiers Hills Village, Putatan,
Muntinlupa City
eleanordr.green@gmail.com

35
Educational Background:
Pre-school: - MCJCS (2004-2005)
Primary: - MCJCS (2005-2009)
- South Mansfield College (2009-2012)
Secondary: - South Mansfield College (2012-2016)

Honors and Achievements:

First Year HS: - Blue Awardee SMC
- Silver Awardee SMC
Second Year HS: - Blue / Red Awardee SMC
- Silver Awardee SMC
Third Year HS: - Blue Awardee SMC
- Silver Awardee SMC
Fourth Year HS: - Blue Awardee SMC

Personal Data:
Birthday: January 9
Height: 5’2 feet
Civil Status: Single

36