ABSTRACT

Title : The Possibility of using Sawdust-Cement- Gravel Mix forResidential Floor Slabs
Researchers : Allen Antonio, Rey Baldeo and Belen Bonifacio
Adviser : Engr. Elizabeth Rodriguez Rivera
School : FEATI University
Date : March 2005
Degree : Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Over the years, engineers have conjured up ways to help us adapt to our changing world more efficiently.
The development of new technologies not only helps us but also the environment. It ensures that all involved
benefit from this. Nowadays, recycling is becoming an issue, as well as air pollution. At the same time, the
construction industry is searching for ways to develop more lightweight materials.
Fine aggregates in concrete act as small binders that shape the whole structure. It gives the mixture its
texture and consistency. Sand is the primary fine aggregate being used in any concrete structure. Sawdust
however is a waste byproduct of sawmills, ejected when sawing lumber. It is both lightweight and cheap,
meaning that it not only helps make it possible to build more lightweight structures but can also lower the
cost of structures.
Our study focuses on developing an acceptable concrete mix that can be used for residential slabs. Since
most structures in residential areas require less weight than high-rise structures, it might be possible to
apply certain concepts with sawdust-cement-gravel mixtures. Also, concrete slabs compose almost 40% of
the structures weight since they occupy a large area. If further development is pursued, it might be possible
to apply sawdust as a fine aggregate substitute for lightweight structures and maybe more.
The whole of the project tries to implicate that sawdust-cement-gravel mix has an equal advantage than the
standard mix of cement-sand-gravel. Both mixed in proportions classified as Class A mix with the proportions
of 1:2:4 of cement, a fine aggregate, and a coarse aggregate respectively. Two sets of sample with three
sample of each were made for a total of 6 specimens to be tested. The first set of three samples consists of
the sawdust-cement-gravel mix, the second set of the ordinary concrete mix. Each set were mixed and
molded in the same way and with the same volume proportions. After placement in molds, both sets were
left to cure for a number of days. The then curing samples will then be tested at a given period of days
specified under the National Structural Code of the Philippines or NSCP ( 7, 14, and 28 days). For added
data, since time is against us, we decided to minutely alter the curing processes of the sawdust-cementgravel specimens. The seven day specimen was not cured, the fourteen day specimen was soaked, and the
twenty-eight day specimen was washed with a little bit of water every morning. After each curing period
assigned, each group was tested under a hydraulic press machine for compressive strength test. The results
of each period presented many peculiar findings.
During curing process, a decision was made to do different curing procedures and even none. The seven day
specimen, which was not cured at all, showed a high early strength yield. The fourteen day specimen,
soaked in water, was lower by 100 kg/cm3 or 1,419.4 psi. the last sample, cured every morning with water,
stabled at about 220 kg/cm3 or 3122.68 psi. Results indicated that the average strength of the sawdustcement-gravel mix was about 3000 psi. which, according to NSCP standards is between 2500 psi 3000 psi.,
is still in accordance with minimum safety standards. Further analysis tells us that during the hydration
process of concrete, the water taken in by the sawdust particles during mixing help hydrate cement particles
in places where it is impossible to cure, mainly the center. Since found that the hydration of the center of

structural components like columns take most of the time in construction, sawdust particles might help
lessen curing time in half and could also eliminate the need to using chemicals to cure. Henceforth, proves
that sawdust can be used in concrete mixes for residential floor slabs. With regards to the weight of the two
sets of samples, an equally small amount of each was made and weighed. The results were dramatic since
the sawdust-cement-gravel mixture was almost half of the standard mixs weight then again proving its
lightweight property. Another observation was that every sample tested to its failing point showed wood
fiber bonding at work. Faces of the sample that were supposed to fall off once cracked didnt, instead were
being held together by strands of sawdust. To make it short, rather than splitting apart like usual, it just
bulked up making it a remarkable feat for a man made object that rigid. This could prove helpful during
structural collapses since concrete tend to fall right off in an event of a major crack occurring.
Using sawdust rather than sand has its advantages, among these advantages were mentioned in recent
studies. These included: sound insulation and reduction of about -14 dB, thermal capabilities which allowed
it to retain its temperature for longer periods of time, improved flexibility cause of its synthetic wood fiber
bonding replicating that of trees, and more cost efficient because it is already waste byproducts, making
sawdust a good compromise to sand.
Surely the engineering field might not approve incorporating organic materials into concrete because of their
decomposing property and soft molecular structure but of course technologies change as well as time. More
and more developments can be developed to improve this. If a man can build a house made out of sawdust,
loose soil, clay and cement then surely it is possible to be able to build improved lightweight structures with
merely waste materials and organic particles. An engineers job is to conceptualize and not to criticize.
Broadening our minds towards environmental awareness does have its pros and cons. This is the idea of
pushing forward towards the twenty first century of development.

http://picefeati1.blogspot.com/2007_05_01_archive.html

Renz Mundo
9 hrs

eto po smin.
waterproofing;
AQUAFIN-IC ADMIX
Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM)
X-Pruf CrystalMix Liquid
Rheomac 300D

Ere po 'yung sa BT namin. Doni group

WATERPROOFING
1. Hycrete W1000/W500
2. Hydratite WR Liquid
3. RC HYDRA-SIL
4. Greenseal 100/GS 100
5. Grandplast 1010WP
RETARDERS/ACCELERANTS
1. ZEECON R
2. Calcium Chloride 37 (Grace Concrete Products)
3. RC Arjil - S
4. Grandplast Accelerator
5. Daramene R
SUSTAINABLE ADMIXTURES
1. Silica Fume
2. Fly Ash
3. Blast Furnace Slag
4. Polymer Fiber (polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate)
5. Limestone fines

BT: (Mau, Ethel, Kuya Ig, Tin, Liane)

WATERPROOFING
1.BETEC FLEX SI50
2.BITHUTHENE 3000
3.DR. SEAL
4.PYE PRUFSEAL 50
5.R C HYDRA-SIL
RETARDANTS/ACCELERANTS
1.RUGASOL C
2.PRIMEPLAST J5
3.U-CHEMPLAST HRWR-PA
4.ZEECON HI-EARLY
5.R C FAST SET NO. 1
SUSTAINABLE ADMIXTURE
*pending*
Edit ko nalang pag meron na.

JaCe Vallejo
8 hrs Apalit

sustainable admixture
3. metakaolin
4. red mud
5. miscanthus chips

WATERPROOFING
1. Sikalite
2. Sika-2

3. Xypex Admix C-500, C-1000, C-2000

4. Masterpel
RETARDERS/ACCELERANTS
1. Rugasol C
2. Russtech LC-400R

Janica Yabut
20 hrs Paombong Edited

Hi. Eto po yung samin. (Janixgandasexy, Ronnel, Fernee, Jessica, Kurt)

WATERPROOFING
1. ADI CON CW PLUS
2. CEMEX
3. HYPERCRETE W500
4. CONPLAST
5. AQUASHIELD PLUS
RETARDERS/ ACCELERANTS
1. ROCKMAX
2. REDIFIX
3. MAPETARD
4.HYDRASET
5. PENETRON
SUSTAINABLE ADMIXTURES
1. MARBLE DUST
2. PALM OIL FUEL ASH
3. RICE HUSK ASK
4. SUGARCANE BAGGASSE ASH
5. BLACK GRAM