1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Water hyacinth is a free-floating perennial aquatic plant that mostly occurs in

tropical countries. They may rise above the water surface by as much as one meter
in height. If not controlled, this plant will cover the rivers, lakes, and ponds. This
will then lead to blocking of sunlight from reaching the other aquatic plants and
dramatically affects the flow of water that may further lead to flooding.

1.1 Background of the Study

In Cotabato City, water hyacinth is a major problem as it is one of the major

causes of flooding. It occupies the rivers and the seas and blocks the flow of water.
People are collecting them and turning them into recycled bags, wallets, and other
stuff. However, these processes still do not solve the problems on water hyacinth.
The researchers thought of ways on how to convert them into additives on mortars
and help eliminate the problems on water hyacinth.

Retarders are additives designed for areas where early setting of concrete is not
preferable. Examples of this are high ambient temperatures, long travel times
between concrete plants and job site, large slow pours – to prevent formation of
cold joints and others. The chemical composition of retarders is formulated to
temporarily stop the action of hydration, delaying the setting time for concrete.
Setting time of concrete is the time at which cement paste loses its plasticity. On
the other hand, an accelerator is an admixture for the use in concrete, mortar,
rendering or screeds. The addition of an accelerator speeds the setting time and
thus cure time starts earlier. This allows concrete to be placed in winter with
reduced risk of frost damage.

That’s how the researchers came up with the idea of using water hyacinth as
additives, specifically as an accelerator or a retarder. This is to help people in need
 2

of extending or speeding up the setting time of concrete and at the same time, help
solve problems on water hyacinth in the community. This is done by converting
water hyacinth into ashes and apply it as additives on concrete.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

To determine the relationship between water hyacinth ash as additives in

cement and the setting time of the mortar.

1.3. Objectives of the study

This study sought to determine how water hyacinth ash as additives on

cement in mortar affects the setting time. Specifically, this study aimed to determine
the following:

1. To determine whether the water hyacinth ash as additives for cement

mortar can be an accelerator or retarder;

2. To determine the effect of adding different weight percentage of water

hyacinth ash to the setting time of mortar;

3. To determine the difference in compressive strength of the cement mortar

at the maximum setting time to that of a normal mix;

4. To determine the relationship of the percent cement replacement and the

compressive strength of the concrete;

1.4 Significance of the Study

This study could help reduce or eliminate the quantity of water hyacinth in
the Cotabato City specifically in the Rio Grande de Mindanao River. This study
also aims to help extend the time needed by truck mixers to deliver the concrete mix
to the site before the mix sets.
 3

1.5 Scope and Limitations

The study focused on determining the effect of water hyacinth ash as

additives to the setting time of concrete mix. In this study, the water hyacinth will
only be coming from Rio Grande de Mindanao River. The study will also be
conducted within Cotabato City. The percentage of additives to be used are 0%,
5%, 10% and 15% with curing time of 7, 14, and 28 days.

1.6. Conceptual Framework

To properly understand the concept behind determining the relationship of

percentage of WHA added and the setting time of cement mortar, Figure 1.1 shows
the conceptual framework of this research. Figure 1.2 shows the concept on
determining the compressive strength of cement mortar with 15% WHA additive at
maximum curing period.

Figure. 1.1
 4

Figure. 1.2

1.7. Definition of Terms

Water hyacinth – is an aquatic plant native to the Amazon basin, and is often
highly problematic invasive species outside its native range

Water hyacinth ash (WHA) – is a non-aqueous, non-gaseous residue remained

after burning water hyacinth

Setting time of concrete – is defined as the specific time required for concrete or
mortar to change from liquid state to plastic state, and plastic state to solid state

Additives – a substance added to something in small quantities, typically to

improve or preserve it

Retarders – are additives used to decrease the rate of cement hydration

Penetration resistance method – is a method that covers the determination of the

time of setting of concrete, with slump greater than zero, by means of penetration
resistance measurements on mortar

Mortars – is a workable paste used to bind building blocks such as stones, bricks
and concrete masonry units together and fill and seal the irregular gaps between
them
 5

Cement – is a substance used for construction that sets, hardens and adheres to
other materials, binding them together.
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CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes)

2.1.1 Definiton

Originally from South America, water hyacinth, Eichhornia

crassipes (Mart.) Solms, is one of the world’s most prevalent invasive aquatic
plants. Water hyacinth, a free-floating vascular plant, is known to cause major
ecological and socio-economic changes (Center, 1994). It commonly forms dense,
interlocking mats due to its rapid reproductive rate and complex root structure
(Mitchell, 1985). Water hyacinth reproduces both sexually and asexually. Seeds
generally germinate within six months, with dry conditions promoting germination
(Ueki & Oki, 1979). Low nutrient concentrations and temperature (air and water)
are considered the strongest determinants for water hyacinth growth and
reproduction (Wilson et al., 2005). Salinity generally limits water hyacinth
establishment in coastal areas and within estuaries, although at least one case of
such is documented (Mangas-Ramirez & Elias-Gutierrez, 2004). Water hyacinth is
not restricted to shallow water like many submersed and emergent macrophytes
because its roots are free-floating near the surface of the water.

Water hyacinth has invaded freshwater systems in over 50 countries on five

continents and, according to recent climate change models, its distribution may
expand into higher latitudes as temperatures rise (Rodríguez-Gallego et al.,
2004; Hellmann et al., 2008; Rahel & Olden, 2008). Water hyacinth is especially
pervasive throughout Southeast Asia, the southeastern United States, central and
western Africa and Central America (Bartodziej & Weymouth,
1995; Brendonck et al., 2003; Lu et al., 2007; Martinez- Jimenez & Gomez-
 7

Balandra, 2007). It is prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical waterbodies where water

nutrient concentrations are often high due to agricultural runoff, deforestation and
insufficient wastewater treatment. There is not a clear record of how, why and when
water hyacinth was introduced to waterbodies outside of its native range, but many
populations are well established and persistent despite control efforts. Introductions
to non-native waterbodies have been accidental and intentional; intentional
introductions to ponds are common as water hyacinth is an ornamental plant that
reduces nutrient concentrations and algae blooms. Its success as an invader is
attributed to its ability to outcompete native vegetation and phytoplankton and the
absence of consumers found within its native range such as Neochetina
eichhorniae Warner and Neochetina bruchi Hustache (Wilson et al., 2005).
Invasions vary in extent and duration, but generally cause similar problems.
Changes to water hyacinth density have the potential to affect other ecological and
human communities in areas where it is established; these changes may be
perceived as positive or negative depending on the designated or beneficial uses of
the waterbody (Gibbons, Gibbons & Sytsma, 1994).

Water hyacinth is extremely difficult to eradicate once established.

Therefore, the goal of most management efforts is to minimise economic costs and
ecological damage. Recent literature on the management of water hyacinth focuses
on techniques to remove the weed; however, little has been done to assess the full
extent of ecological changes (i.e. abiotic and biotic) that may occur in response to
the establishment and management of this non-native species. Determining the
consequences of controlling an established water hyacinth population is contingent
on our ability to understand how water hyacinth affects the systems that it inhabits.
There are very few studies that report the ecological conditions prior to invasion
(Abu-Gideiri & Yousif, 1974). This makes it difficult to understand fully how water
hyacinth alters an ecosystem. We rely on scientific accounts that either compare
water quality and ecological condition between sites with and without water
hyacinth, or examine the changes that occur after a control programme is
 8

implemented. Many investigations focus on one element of an ecosystem at a time

(e.g. nutrient concentration, dissolved oxygen, plant or animal community
composition); however, it is necessary to look at effects on the system as a whole
to comprehend the direct and indirect impacts of this aquatic plant. (A. M.
VILLAMAGNA, B. R. MURPHY, 2009)

2.1.2 Properties

About 21 components were identified in this analysis. Compounds

belonging to ketones, aldehydes, alcohols and fatty acids were recorded. Out of
these, the components highlighted in S. No. 14, 15 and 16 namely: Hexadecanoic
acid, methyl ester, 9-Hexadecenoic acid and n-Hexadecanoic acid are Palmitic acid
groups. Moreover, the fatty acid components-Octadecadienoic acid (common name
linoleic acid) is also identified. The possible components identified are presented
in Table 1. Chromatogram of GCMS analysis of Water Hyacinth is presented in Fig.
9.

In general, lignin, cellulose and hemi cellulose improves the binding and
cementing of the grains of cement compounds as observed in the scanning electron
micrograph of cement mortar cubes replaced with bio extract as shown in Fig. 10.
The filtrate of water extract of Water Hyacinth could contain dissolved small
fragments of lignocelluloses which could have partially dissolved in water could
multiply the binding effect of these compounds on cement.
 9

Figure 9 Chromatogram of GCMS analysis of water hyacinth

 10

Figure 10(a-b): Scanning electron micrograph crystallisation pattern

of bio extract and cement mortar (a) Control 0%
replacement and (b) 20% replacement with
bioentract
According to Hewlett (1988), lignin is a water-reducing agent but
accelerator of setting of cement due to increased binding.

The second main component is the fatty acid groups. Presence of fatty acids
such as palmitic acid and linoleic acid could very well answer the reason for delayed
 11

setting time and increased compressive strength. The squeezed out extract from
Water Hyacinth which contains suspended insoluble molecules of fatty acids
hampers the rate of setting time by hampering the evaporation of water molecules
from the mixed paste. As the amount of percentage of bio admixture increased, the
setting time also increased as fatty acid content increases with increase in extract
volume.

Moreover, the fatty acid components improve the binding capacity among
the grains of cement owing to their complex fatty acid chain structure. It has been
reported by CCAA (2009) that admixtures consisting fatty acids, such as oleic acid;
stearic acid; salts of calcium oleate and esters, such as butyloleate, are typically
used to reduce the penetration of corrosive agents into concrete clinker and
moreover, as the palmitic acid and linoleic acid are insoluble in water, they could
not possibly penetrate into cubes thereby delaying the setting time and prevents the
penetration of other corrosive agents and hence the reduction in sorptivity has been
observed with increase in time.

The composition clearly highlights about the presence of saturated fatty

acid-palmitic acid which poses threat to the stability of cement cubes as it could
remain ‘non-drying’ so, there is chance for development of rancidity which attacks
the concrete. But the action of palmitic acid could have been well balanced by the
presence of another component-‘linoleic acid’ which is an unsaturated fatty
acid which reacts with exposed air and moisture and takes up the oxygen to form
fully saturated hydroxy acids which could provide an impervious skin to the surface
of cement cubes thereby preventing any instability in structure. Moreover, presence
of appreciable content of di-unsaturated esters of linoleic acid is prone to
polymerization reactions when exposed to oxygen in air (Hewlett, 1988). Thus,
polymerization which is called "drying," could result in the rigidification of the
cement cubes displaying increase in compressive strength with the increase in
 12

percentage of bioadmixture-the hydro-extract of Water Hyacinth. (A. Sathya, P.

Bhuvaneshwari, G. Niranjan and M. Vishveswaran, 2014)

2.2 Setting Time

Setting properties of concrete is the most important part in the field of

concrete construction (Brooks et al., 2000). It helps in the development of different
kinds of concreting operations such as transporting, placing, compacting and
finishing of concrete. Placement of concrete in formwork depends on the setting
time of concrete, which makes the concrete rigid (Clear and Harrison, 1985).
Nowadays production of new generation concrete like geopolymer concrete, self-
compacting concrete, high strength concrete, and high performance concrete has
been increasing throughout the world. For their better performance and to achieve
better engineering properties, mineral admixtures such as fly ash (FA), silica fume
(SF), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), metakaolin (MK) and rice husk
ash (RHA) are normally added as partial replacement of cement for the better
performance of advanced concrete. Since the different mineral admixtures possess
different chemical and mineralogical compositions as well as different particle
characteristics, they could have different effects on the properties of concrete
inclusive of the setting characteristics. Knowledge of the setting characteristics is
important in the field of concrete construction. This will help in scheduling the
various stages involved in concrete construction operation such as transporting,
placing, compacting and finishing of concrete. Such information is necessary when
deciding whether or not to use a retarding admixture or accelerator. (International
Journal of Sustainable Built Environment, June 2017)

Initial setting time of concrete is measured based on penetration resistance

of mortar sieved from concrete and it is considered as the time taken to achieve a
penetration resistance of 3.5MPa which is an arbitrary value. The main objective of
this research is to find a test method to obtain a realistic initial setting time value in
 13

order to plan the placing of concrete to prevent formation of cold joints which can
affect the performance of the structure. Mechanical properties (tensile strength and
shear strength) at a purposely made cold joint was evaluated by testing concrete
cubes cast in two layers with different time lags between placing of concrete in the
two layers. Point of change of each strength parameter with respect to time lag was
identified and corresponding time range was identified as the initial setting time
range. Standard penetration resistance test was also carried out and with the use of
penetration resistance vs. elapsed time graph, corresponding penetration resistance
value was also identified. Although this new method is effective to identify the
initial setting time of concrete, it is not possible to use as a field test since it a time
consuming and complicated test. Therefore, an attempt was made to introduce a
simple field test method. Ultrasonic pulse velocity is used to measure properties of
hardened concrete, because pulse velocity of a concrete sample depends on its
elastic modulus and density. Since properties of fresh concrete such as elastic
modulus changes with time, the ultrasound pulse velocity was used to monitor the
change of stiffness of fresh concrete with time. Based on the test results of the
experimental investigations, it was found that the more realistic initial setting time
of concrete is the onset time of the penetration resistance of mortar measured in the
standard penetration test. This was further verified by a simple qualitative field test
where the initial setting time is considered as the latest time that a vibrating poker
can be inserted into the concrete and removed without leaving a significant trace.
(American Society for Testing and Materials, Pennsylvania,1999)

2.2.1 Additives

Cement additive, which is evolved from grinding aids, is a special chemical

agent that is used to intergrind with clinker to increase the grinding efficiency of
ball mill and to improve the performance of finished cement. Among the
requirements on the modification of cement performance, strength improvement is
one of the primary targets. Only in this way can the clinker be replaced by some
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industrial by-products so that the cost of finished cement can be reduced.

Traditional strength activator for cementitious materials is chloride which is widely
used as the setting and hardening accelerator. For concrete curing at 20 °C, an
addition of 2% CaCl2H2O in mass fraction of cement can double the one-day
compressive strength. However, the problem is that chloride brings corrosion to
steel fiber in reinforced concrete. Thus, some other non-corrosive accelerators were
studied. They were calcium formate, Ca(CHO2)2 and calcium nitrate, Ca(NO3)2.
In industry, when liquid cement additive is formulated, Ca(NO3)2 is frequently
used due to its cost efficiency and high solubility. Some studies show that the effect
of Ca(NO3)2 is tended to be dependent on the contents of aluminate and belite in
cement. In recent years, organic accelerators become widely accepted because of
their low effective addition in cement. Alkanolamines such as triethanolamine
(TEA) and triisopropanolamine (TIPA) are the general grinding chemicals which
are added in the comminution process of cement manufacture. They are also
formulated and used in some of the chemical admixtures, with which the
mechanical performance of concrete can be improved by accelerating the hydration
of specific mineral compounds of cement. On the other hand, workability is also
one of the key criteria to evaluate the rheological performance of cementitious
materials. In order to enhance the workability of concrete, saccharides, which could
be adsorbed on the surface of cement gains and hydrates, are often used as retarders
to prolong the setting of fresh mix, and then additionally prohibit the further
agglomeration among particles. As a result, the viscosity of fresh mix decreases,
and the workability can also be improved in a certain degree. (Progress in Natural
Science: Materials International Volume 21, Issue 3, June 2011)

2.2.1.1 Accelerators

Accelerators are one of the most popular kinds of chemical admixtures. Like
water reducers, retarders and plasticizers, when added to a concrete batch either
 15

immediately before or during mixing. To kick the set time of a batch of concrete
into high gear, hit the accelerator. Like water reducers, retarders and plasticizers,
accelerators are one of the most popular kinds of chemical admixtures, added to a
concrete batch either immediately before or during mixing. Accelerators make
concrete set faster, also known as increasing the rate of hydration. At the same time,
they promote strength development so it happens earlier in the set time of a slab. If
a contractor is using an accelerator, the odds are good that the weather is wintry.
Accelerators counteract the influence of cold weather, which slows down the curing
and setting process. But accelerators aren't just for cold weather. A contractor can
use one anytime a curing process needs a kick. The admixture may allow a concrete
worker to remove forms earlier, get onto a concrete surface earlier for finishing, and
sometimes even put loads on it earlier, such as when diverting foot traffic to do
patching. “Decorative guys will use accelerators in summer. It helps control the
process when stamping,” says Terry Collins, concrete construction engineer with
the Portland Cement Association. If an accelerator is added to concrete on one half
of a pour, a contractor can start stamping on that side, work his way to the other
side, and enjoy a relatively consistent level of workability throughout. Decorative
contractors have been using retarding admixtures for several years to achieve this
effect, says Gabriel Ojeda, president of concrete admixture manufacturer Fritz-Pak
Corp., and accelerators can pull off more or less the same trick. Because
accelerators cut set time, they can reduce labor costs, Ojeda says. They can also
hasten the time an indoor remodel job, such as a cast-in-place countertop, takes to
set, Ojeda says. “You don't want people to have to wait seven, 10, 15 days without
being able to use their kitchen,” he says. (John Strieder, Nov 9, 2005)

2.2.1.2 Retarders

Retarding admixtures have little or no effect other than to delay the setting
of the cement. They do not plasticise significantly and have no effect on the water
 16

demand or other properties of the concrete. Retarding plasticising admixtures not

only delay the setting of the cement but are also efficient plasticising water-
reducers. Most commercially available retarders are of this type. Retarding
plasticisers are used to give workability retention to the concrete, delay the setting
time and increase initial workability.

As with plasticisers, ultimate strength gain increases as water is reduced. Set

retardation allows the slower formation of a more ordered, smaller, denser
cementitious matrix. This increases ultimate strength relative to an unretarded mix
with the same w/c ratio.

Provided that the concrete is correctly cured, retarded concrete should be

stronger and just as durable as equivalent plain concrete. However, because of the
extended plastic stage, more attention needs to be paid to protecting it before it sets.
Retarded plasticised concrete will also contain less water than the equivalent plain
concrete and will be correspondingly more durable. (The Concrete Society)

2.3 Mortar

Mortar, in building, mixture of lime or cement with sand and water, used as
a bedding and adhesive between adjacent pieces of stone, brick, or other material in
masonry construction. Lime mortar, a common variety, consists usually of one
volume of well-slaked lime to three or four volumes of sand, thoroughly mixed with
sufficient water to make a uniform paste easily handled on a trowel. Lime mortar
hardens by absorption of carbon dioxide from the air. Once universally used, lime
mortar is now less important because it does not have the property of setting
underwater and because of its comparatively low strength. It has largely been
supplanted by cement mortar, commonly made of one volume of Portland cement
to two or three volumes of sand, usually with a quantity of lime paste added to give
a more workable mix. Cement mortar, besides having a high strength, generally
 17

equal to that of brick itself, has the very great advantage of setting or hardening
underwater. Other varieties include gauge mortar, for rapid setting, composed of
plaster of Paris used either pure or combined with lime or with lime and sand, and
grout, a thin liquid mixture of lime or cement, poured into masonry to fill up small
interstices. Primitive mortars took various forms: in early Egypt, Nile mud was used
as an adhesive; the Mesopotamians used bitumen (the slime mentioned in Genesis)
or sometimes a mixture of clay, water, and chopped straw, to cement together their
unbaked bricks; Greeks of the Mycenaean era probably employed a soft bituminous
clay. The advanced Greek buildings are notable for their construction without
mortar, the huge blocks of stone being consummately fitted with dry beds. The
Romans likewise used little mortar in cut stonework or vaulting but in later periods
bedded the rough stone of their mass masonry in strong cement mortar. In medieval
times and in all periods since, mortar of some sort has been almost universally used
in masonry construction. (The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.)

2.3.1 Aggregates

Aggregates are inert granular materials such as sand, gravel, or crushed

stone that, along with water and portland cement, are an essential ingredient in
concrete. For a good concrete mix, aggregates need to be clean, hard, strong
particles free of absorbed chemicals or coatings of clay and other fine materials that
could cause the deterioration of concrete. Aggregates, which account for 60 to 75
percent of the total volume of concrete, are divided into two distinct categories--
fine and coarse. Fine aggregates generally consist of natural sand or crushed stone
with most particles passing through a 3/8-inch sieve. Coarse aggregates are any
particles greater than 0.19 inch, but generally range between 3/8 and 1.5 inches in
diameter. Gravels constitute the majority of coarse aggregate used in concrete with
crushed stone making up most of the remainder.
 18

Natural gravel and sand are usually dug or dredged from a pit, river, lake,
or seabed. Crushed aggregate is produced by crushing quarry rock, boulders,
cobbles, or large-size gravel. Recycled concrete is a viable source of aggregate and
has been satisfactorily used in granular subbases, soil-cement, and in new concrete.

After harvesting, aggregate is processed: crushed, screened, and washed to

obtain proper cleanliness and gradation. If necessary, a benefaction process such as
jigging or heavy media separation can be used to upgrade the quality. Once
processed, the aggregates are handled and stored to minimize segregation and
degradation and prevent contamination.

Aggregates strongly influence concrete's freshly mixed and hardened

properties, mixture proportions, and economy. Consequently, selection of
aggregates is an important process. Although some variation in aggregate properties
is expected, characteristics that are considered include:

 grading
 durability
 particle shape and surface texture
 abrasion and skid resistance
 unit weights and voids
 absorption and surface moisture

Grading refers to the determination of the particle-size distribution for aggregate.

Grading limits and maximum aggregate size are specified because these properties
affect the amount of aggregate used as well as cement and water requirements,
workability, pumpability, and durability of concrete. In general, if the water-cement
ratio is chosen correctly, a wide range in grading can be used without a major effect
on strength. When gap-graded aggregate are specified, certain particle sizes of
aggregate are omitted from the size continuum. Gap-graded aggregate are used to
obtain uniform textures in exposed aggregate concrete. Close control of mix
 19

proportions is necessary to avoid segregation. (PCA, America’s Cement

Manufacturers)

2.3.2 Cement

Cement is a finely milled mineral powder, usually grey in colour. The most
important raw materials for the production of cement are limestone, clay, and marl.
Mixed with water, cement serves as an adhesive to bind sand, gravel, and hard rock
in concrete. Cement hardens both in the air and under water, and remains in its
hardened state once reached.

Cement is usually available in the form of a homogeneous bulk dry good.

It’s characteristics are standardised in order to ensure the required stability,
reliability, and processability in the application.

Cements are classified according to their early and final strength as well as
their composition. In addition to cements that consist of 100% clinker, there are so-
called composite cements, in which a portion of the clinker is replaced by
alternative raw materials, such as fly ash, ground slag, or limestone. As the
production of clinker is energy-intensive and releases large amounts of CO2, the
use of alternative raw materials can conserve natural resources and reduce
CO2 emissions.

Depending on the desired application, different types of cement – each with

a specific composition – are necessary. Cement characteristics can also be modified
through the use of additives. We offer our customers a broad range of cement
products, including quality cements, special cements with targeted characteristics,
special geotechnical building materials and an expanded range of binders. Our
product portfolio varies from country to country. (Heidelbergcement Group)
 20

2.3.3 Fine Sand

The aggregate or main part of mortar is sand. The sand is dredged from pits
or river beds and a good sand should consist of particles ranging up to 5 mm in size.
In the ground, sand is usually found mixed with some clay earth which coats the
particles of sand. If sand mixed with clay is used for mortar, the clay tends to prevent
the cement or lime binding the sand particles together and in time the mortar
crumbles. It is therefore important that the sand be thoroughly washed so that there
is no more than 5% of clay in the sand delivered to the site.

Sand which is not washed and which contains a deal of clay in it feels soft
and smooth when held in the hand, hence the term soft sand. Sand which is clean
feels coarse in the hand, hence the term sharp. These are terms used by craftsmen.
When soft sand is used, the mortar is very smooth and plastic and it is much easier
to spread and to bed the bricks in than a mortar made of sharp or clean sand.
Naturally the bricklayer prefers to use a mortar made with soft or unwashed sand,
often called ‘builders’ sand’. A good washed sand for mortar should, if clenched in
the hand, leave no trace of yellow clay stains on the palm. (Civil Construction Tips,
January 10, 2011)
 21

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURE

This chapter presents the Research Design, Research Procedures, Research

instrument, Gantt chart, Budgetary Requirements and Tasking.

3.1 Research Design

This study used experimental research design specifically the single-group

design. In this study, the setting time of mortar cement is subjected to WHA additive
in different percentage added namely 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. F-test or analysis of
variance (ANOVA) is used to determine the relationship between the percentage
added and the setting time of the cement mortar.

3.2 Research Procedures

To achieve this study, the following research procedures must be followed:

3.2.1. Identification of the sources of materials and instruments to be used for the
experimentation

The water hyacinth will be gathered from the Rio Grande de Mindanao
River, Cotabato City (see Fig 3.1). The research instruments to be used as well as
the Testing Machine for the compressive strength of the cement mortar will be
coming from the Soil Laboratory of Notre Dame University.
 22

Figure 3.1 Vicinity Map of Rio Grande de Mindanao

3.2.2. Gathering and drying of water hyacinth

1. Collect an enough amount of water hyacinth

2. Wash the collected water hyacinth to remove impurities

3. Leave it in a secured room and air dry

4. Place it inside the oven and oven dry

3.2.3. Burning of water hyacinth into ashes

3.2.4. Making of mortar cement specimens with WHA additive of 0%, 5%, 10%,
and 15% of the total weight of mortar

1. ASTM Sieve Analysis

a. Oven dry finer aggregates

b. Select set of sieves with suitable openings as required by the

material’s specifications
 23

c. Pile the set of sieves in decreasing order and place aggregates on

top

d. Use mechanical vibrator or manually agitate the set of sieves

e. Collect the fine aggregates that passed no. 40 sieve

2. Mixing for mortar

a. Spread out the measured quantity of sand uniformly on the mixing

platform. Dump the cement on the sand and distribute it uniformly.
Mix the sand and cement with the shovels, turning the mixture over
and over again until it is uniform in colour.

b. Make a depression in the middle of the mixed pile and pour slowly
into half to three-quarters of the total quantity of water required.

c. While the material is turned in towards the centre with shovels,

add the remainder of the water slowly, turning the mixture over and
again until the colour and consistency are uniform throughout the
pile. This will indicate that all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
The water should be poured slowly into the mix. Throwing water
from a bucket all at a time will result in its running away and taking
cement with it

3. Making of mortar cement specimens with WHA additive of 0%, 5%, 10%
and 15% of the total weight of the mortar

a. Place the mold on a smooth horizontal non-porous base plate

b. Fill the mold with the prepared mix in 3 approximately equal layer
 24

c. Tamp each layer with 25 strokes of the rounded end of the tamping
rod in a uniform manner over the cross section of the mold.

d. Remove the excess concrete and level the surface with a trowel

e. Raise the mold from the mix immediately and slowly in a vertical
direction

f. Measure the slump as the difference between height of the mold

and that of height point of specimen being tested.

g. Fill the mold again with the prepared mix in 3 approximately equal
layer each tamped with 25 strokes. Remove excess mix on the mold

g. Place specimen in a secured room and leave it for 24 hours.

5. Determining the amount of setting time for specimens by Penetration

Resistance Method

a. Just prior to making a penetration test, remove bleed water from

the surface of the mortar specimens by means of a pipet or suitable
instrument. To facilitate collection of bleed water, tilt the specimen
carefully to an angle of about 10° from the horizontal by placing a
block under one side 2 min prior to removal of the water.

b. Insert a needle of appropriate size, depending upon the degree of

setting of the mortar, in the penetration resistance apparatus and
bring the bearing surface of the needle into contact with the mortar
surface. Gradually and uniformly apply a vertical force downward
on the apparatus until the needle penetrates the mortar to a depth of
1 6 1⁄16 in. [25 ± 2 mm]. The time required to penetrate to the 1-in.
[25-mm] depth shall be 10 ± 2 s. Record the force required to
 25

produce the 1-in. [25-mm] penetration and the time of application,

measured as elapsed time after initial contact of cement and water.
Calculate the penetration resistance by dividing the recorded force
by the bearing area of the needle, and record the penetration
resistance. In subsequent penetration tests take care to avoid areas
where the mortar has been disturbed by previous tests. The clear
distance between needle impressions shall be at least two diameters
of the needle being used, but not less than 1⁄2 in. [15 mm]. The clear
distance between any needle impression and the side of the container
shall be at least 1 in. [25 mm].

c. For conventional concrete mixtures at laboratory temperatures of

68 to 77°F [20 to 25°C], make the initial test after an elapsed time of
3 to 4 h after initial contact between cement and water. Subsequent
tests should be made at 1⁄2- to 1-h intervals. For concrete mixtures
containing accelerators, or at temperatures higher than laboratory, it
is advisable to make the initial test after an elapsed time of 1 to 2 h
and subsequent tests at 1⁄2-h intervals. For concrete mixtures
containing retarders, or at temperatures lower than laboratory, the
initial test may be deferred until an elapsed time of 4 to 6 h. In all
cases, time intervals between subsequent tests may be adjusted as
necessary, depending upon the rate of setting, to obtain the required
number of penetrations.

d. Make at least six penetrations for each time-of-setting test, with

time intervals of such duration as to provide a satisfactory curve of
penetration resistance versus elapsed time. Continue testing until
one at least penetration resistance reading equals or exceeds 4000
psi [27.6 MPa].
 26

e. Plotting Test Results—One of the following alternative

procedures may be used to plot the test results and obtain times of
setting.

e.1. Use the following plotting procedure to determine the

times of setting by hand-fitting a smooth curve through the
data. Prepare a graph of penetration resistance, as the
ordinate, versus elapsed time, as the abscissa, using a scale
such that 500 psi [3.5 MPa] and 1 h are each represented by
a distance of at least 1⁄2 in. [15 mm]. Plot the values of
penetration resistance as a function of elapsed time.

e.2. Use the following plotting procedure to determine the

times of setting by linear regression analysis of the
logarithms of the data by using a suitable calculator. Using
log-log graph paper, prepare a graph of penetration
resistance, as the ordinate, versus elapsed time in minutes, as
the abscissa. The limits of penetration resistance on the
ordinate should extend from 10 psi [0.1 MPa] to 10 000 psi
[100 MPa], and the limits of elapsed time on the abscissa
should extend from 10 to 1000 min. If slow setting mixtures
are used, the time limits may have to be 100 to 10 000 min.
Plot the values of penetration resistance as a function of
elapsed time.

e.3. Use the following procedure if a computer is used to plot

test results and obtain the times of setting by regression
analysis of the data. As the test results are obtained, enter the
time and penetration resistance into the computer and plot
the penetration resistance as the ordinate and the elapsed
time as the abscissa. For software that permits only linear
 27

regression analysis, convert the data by taking their

logarithms. The converted data will be fitted by a straight
line7 (see Eq 1):

Log (PR) = a + b Log (t) equation (1)

where:

PR = penetration resistance

t = elapsed time

a and b = regression constants

The data do not have to be converted if the software permits

direct fitting of a power function:

PR = ctd equation (2)

where:

c and d = regression constants

e.4. The procedures in 9.5.2 and 9.5.3 assume that the data
obey (Eq 1) or (Eq 2). Verify that the data obey one of these
relationships. If the correlation coefficient for the regression
analysis, after removal of outliers is less than 0.98, use the
procedure in e.1.

5. Curing of mortar cement specimens

a. Carefully remove specimen from mold

 28

b. Place it inside the curing tank filled with water and wait until the
desired curing period is reached

c. Remove specimen from curing tank and prepare for compressive

testing

6. Conducting the compressive strength test for the specimens

a. Place specimen in the testing machine

b. Load to rupture

c. Record the maximum pressure the specimen reached before

breaking

3.3 Research Instruments

1. Containers for Mortar Specimens

2. Penetration Needles

3. Loading Apparatus

4. Tamping Rod

5. Pipet

6. Thermometer

7. Curing Tank

8. Universal Compressive Testing Machine

 29

3.4. Gantt Chart

In order to know how long this study will last, the researchers made a chart
that shows the activities that they may perform in each month as shown in Table
3.1.
Table 3.1 Gantt Chart
 30

3.5 Budgetary Requirements

Table 3.2 shows the description, quantity, unit cost, total cost that needs to
purchase to pursue this study

Table 3.2 Budgetary Requirements

Description Quantity Unit Cost/Unit Total Cost

Materials
Sand 2.5 cu.meter 600 1500
Cement 5 bags 280 1400
TOTAL 3600

3.6 Tasking
To achieve this study, the researchers need to perform some tasks. The tasks
and its duration were listed on table 3.3.

Table 3.3 Research Tasking

Activity No. of Days
Persons
Gathering & drying of water hyacinth 4 3
Burning of water hyacinth 4 5
Making of specimen w/ 0% WHA additive 4 1
Curing for specimen w/ 0% WHA additive 4 28
Making of specimen w/ 5% WHA additive 4 1
Curing for specimen w/ 5% WHA additive 4 28
Making of specimen w/ 10% WHA additive 4 1
Curing for specimen w/ 10% WHA additive 4 28
Making of specimen w/ 15% WHA additive 4 1
Curing for specimen w/ 15% WHA additive 4 28
Conducting the compressive strength test 4 1
Data Computation 4 7
Final Documentation 4 7
TOTAL NUMBER OF DAYS 139