1

INTRODUCTION

This is a narrative report of the thesis entitled, “Compressive

Strength of Fly Ash Concrete Using Bambusa Blumeana Fiber as
Admixture”, prepared by Arianne Denice B. Arniño, Krestel Ann U.
Delorino, Christian Franz E. Dato, Lyka O. Jao, Hiede M. Dumalaon, John
Elvie Atencio and Rich Mark P. Doctor a partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
taken in the University of Eastern Philippines for the S.Y. 2019-2020.
This study tackled the enhancement of bamboo fiber reinforcement
in fly ash-based geopolymer cement concrete. The researchers started
the execution of this study research on March 15, 2020, in Catarman,
Northern Samar. The basic materials equipment needed were bought
within the province while fly ash and chemicals such as sodium silicate
solution and sodium hydroxide solution were ordered from Cebu City. The
main purpose of this study is to contribute in mitigating the negative
environmental impact of concrete production and also lessen the
maintenance and repairing cost of concrete structure. In order to attain
the main objective, the researchers first aimed to determine the specific
behavior in compression test of fly-ash concrete using Bambusa
Blumeana fiber as admixture in terms the physical properties, strength and
durability. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the physical
properties of Bambusa Blumeana fibers of different length in terms of
density, specific gravity, moisture content; also, the design mix of fly-ash
concrete bonded with enhanced Bambusa Blumeana fiber, its optimum
compressive strength and the effect of urethane-coated Bambusa
Blumeana fibers in compressive strength of fly ash concrete.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION RELATED TO THIS THESIS

“Mitigation on negative environmental impact”, a thought that all of

us had in common on our minds when we were coming up with a title that
will surely be effective and helpful in any means on the field of civil
engineering. The prime requirements in any kind of structures are
economy and durability. Concrete is the most used construction material
worldwide for it fulfills the strength and affordability a structure must
possess. One component of a concrete which is the ordinary Portland
Cement, does negatively affect the environment due to carbon emission
during its production. As a result, an alternative material including the use
of fly ash that will replace cement as binder in concrete becomes
significantly important. This will also cause awareness on the use of
natural fibers as concrete reinforcement to overcome micro-cracks. Since
concrete is weak in tension, it normally suffers from multiple microscopic
failure over the course of time. Constant maintenance and repairing will be
necessary in order to prolong its longevity, thus this involves more money
and inconvenient method compared to just using fiber-reinforced concrete.
There are several studies regarding the durability of fly-ash based
geopolymer concrete and separate studies on fiber-reinforced concrete
thus, it would be preferable for us to identify the maximum strength and
implications if these two will be combined.
In choosing appropriate thesis title, we worked our minds off to
deep thinking and a title that will surely help our construction industry. The
major purpose of this study is to contribute in mitigating the negative
environmental impact of concrete production. This study will not only
benefit the environment but will also lessen the maintenance and repairing
cost of concrete structure.
One of our main materials is bamboo. Its fibers are claimed to be
an effective mixture with cement that brought us to using bamboo fibers.
As some studies say that the compressive strength as well as its tensile
strength were higher compared to that of typical concrete without fibers.
To support such claims, here is a study titled “Study of high-strength
concrete reinforced with bamboo fibers”. It is a foreign study conducted by
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R.E. Marrero et al. in 2015. It evaluated the mechanical properties of a

concrete mix containing 1% of bamboo fibers. The samples also contained
different amounts of fly ash and nanostructured silica as partial
replacements of cement. The concrete samples were tested at three
different ages 7, 14, 28 days. The results evinced higher compressive
(22% higher) and tensile strength (17% higher) In the specimens with the
vegetable fibers compared to concrete strength without fibers. Thus, this
research furthered the understanding of natural fibers and cementitious
material interactions and opens the path to design concrete with a higher
loading capacity and environmentally friendlier, and raises the concrete‟s
performance so as to reduce its consumption, thus lowering the overall
environmental impact. Reinforcement helps sustain tensile stresses in a
given structural element and prevents or limits crack propagation.
The findings state that the increase in both compressive and tensile
strength shows that the randomly distributed bamboo fibers are working
as an effective reinforcement for concrete. The fibers were effective crack
bridges within the concrete matrix, hindering crack propagation, leading to
higher mechanical strength. In general, the addition of bamboo fibers to
high strength concrete with high fly-ash contents raised their strength
remarkably. Moreover, the BF addition to mixtures containing high FA
contents can be further improved with partial PC replacement with silica
Nano particles.
This enhancement is attributed to the fibers bridging, which
hampers the crack propagation in the hardened cement matrix. This
positive effect of the bamboo fibers is more manifested in mixtures with
lower mechanical properties. The difference in the mechanical strength
among all mixture is chiefly a result of the constituent materials present in
each mixture. For instance, the presence of nano-structured silica
increases the mechanical properties of the mixture, which is apparent in
the difference between the compressive strength of MN-1 and MN-4.
The procedure used to obtain the fiber has a potential to be
industrialized and it accelerates the fabrication of the bamboo fiber-
containing concrete. In summary, the addition of bamboo fibers is a low-
cost solution to increase the fracture resistance of a concrete mixture.
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Another study supports that bamboo are really enhancers when it

comes to uplifting the compressive strength of a concrete through its
usage of fibers. A study by Kavitha S and T Felix Kala in 2016 worked on
the Effectiveness of Bamboo Fiber as a Strength Enhancer in Concrete.
The authors studied the mechanical behavior of bamboo fiber reinforced
concrete member. From these experimental study, the possibility of
effective using of „Bamboo‟ is discussed. Similarly, results were also
obtained for different fiber aspect ratios, where again results showed that
there was an aspect ratio (40). An increase in fiber weight fraction
provided a consistent increase in ductility up to the optimum content
(1.0%) with corresponding fiber aspect ratio of 40. Overall the study has
demonstrated that the addition of bamboo fiber to concrete leads to
improvement of concrete strength the toughness torsion and the tensile
stress, further work is however, required to assess the long-term durability
of concrete enhanced with Bamboo fibers.
Due to bamboo fiber shortfall when it comes to its physical and
mechanical properties, Gauvin and Robert (2016) conducted a study on
modification of bamboo fibers/bio-based epoxy interface by nano-
reinforced coatings. Experimental results show that coated BF bundles are
more hydrophobic and up to 30% stiffer and resistant than untreated
fibers.
Publishing our own research on the enhancement of fly ash
concrete with natural fiber reinforcement, we needed to consider 50
research and studies conducted by prominent and acclaimed engineers,
scientists and innovators. The following entries were the basis of our
study:
Gunalaan Vasudevan (2017) studied the performance using
bamboo fiber-ash concrete as admixture adding superplasticizer; the
research investigates the mechanical and physical properties of bamboo
fiber powder in a blended Portland cement. The structural value of the
bamboo fiber powder in a blended Portland cement was evaluated with
consideration for its suitability in concrete. From the results obtained from
the laboratory test effect of bamboo ash powder in concrete mix does not
give a positive optimism from the result of the laboratory experiment
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although slightly weak in strength while it carries out compression test but
the strength is still considered good just it is too weak in workability. This
may be that bamboo ash powder can increase the water absorption,
therefore, reducing the workability of the concrete.
In 2018, Manlapas et al. studied the “Utilization of Bamboo Fiber as
a Component Material in Concrete” to determine the quality attributes of
aggregates as to sieve analysis, unit weight, specific gravity, water
absorption, moisture content; and the strength of concrete after 14- and
28-days curing period. Concrete samples were produced with 1% and 3%
bamboo fibers as additives using the class A mixture of 1:2:4 with the
control sample. Compressive and flexural strength tests were conducted
and evaluated. The concrete samples with 1% and 3% bamboo fibers
yielded an average value of 23.88 MPa and 25.21 MPa respectively, while
the concrete beam samples with 1% and 3% bamboo fibers yielded an
average value of 3.26 MPa and 3.36 MPa, respectively. All passed the
allowable compressive and flexural strength. The study shows that the
addition of bamboo fiber increases the compressive strength of concrete.
However, substituting coarse aggregates with certain percentage of
bamboo fiber produces a decreasing trend on its flexural strength between
the control and the experimental samples, though it increases as the
bamboo fiber composition/materials increases. The determination of
appropriate bamboo fiber percentage within the mixture should be
observed to acquire better results. The compressive strength test results
for a 28-day curing period and the flexural test results for 14-days period
showed no significant difference between the control and the experimental
sample.
Delacruz et al. in (2014), studied the Effects of Bambusa Blumeana
Fibers in the Load-Bearing Capacity of Concrete Hollow Blocks. This
study was focused to increase the compressive strength of concrete
hollow blocks by having a Bambusa Blumeana fiber as an admixture. The
study was carried out by testing a series of concrete hollow blocks with
and without bamboo fibers. Analysis showed a difference in each
specimen tested. Curing of the specimens were not necessary since it is
not suitable and applicable for concrete hollow blocks. The initial
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conclusions described the strength of the 14th day specimen and the 28th
day specimen. Based on the results of the 2nd batch, the compressive
strength of the concrete hollow blocks after 14 days had increased by 22%
from 0% to 5% Bambusa Blumeana fiber content and had increased by
3% from 0% to 5% Bambusa Blumeana fiber content after 28 days. For
the 3rd batch, the compressive strength of the concrete hollow blocks after
14 days had increased by 12% from 0% to 5% Bambusa blumeana fiber
content and had increased by 11% after 28 days. It has been observed
that the compressive strength of the concrete hollow blocks reached its
maximum at the time where there is a 5% Bambusa blumeana fiber added
in it. The compressive strength dripped down at Bambusa blumeana fiber
content >5%. Also, there was a 17% average increase in the compressive
strength of the concrete hollow blocks after 14 days and an average of 7%
increase after 28 days. A gradual increase (7%) occurred after the 28 th
day since the CHB commonly attains its maximum strength at this period.
Generally, an addition to Bambusa blumeana fiber increases the
compressive strength of Concrete Hollow Blocks by 12%.
On the other hand, this study is not all about bamboo fibers for it is
also about using fly ash instead of using cement in creating a concrete.
Fly ash can be in complete battle against a typical cement. In fact, some
study and experiments has been done to prove such claims. Obla (2008)
studied experimentally the maximum percentage of fly ash to replace part
of original Portland cement (OPC) in producing high strength concrete.
Minimum cementitious content requirements ACI 301 and 302 recommend
minimum cementitious material content (not cement) for floor slabs only,
primarily to improve finish ability. There is no technically valid reason to
include a minimum cementitious content for other structural elements,
provided the performance requirements for that element are achieved.
Even for floor slabs, the finish ability can be determined by placing trial
slabs rather than the prescriptive minimum cementitious material content
approach, which does not necessarily ensure good finish ability. Also, a
high minimum cementitious material content frequently leads to non-
optimized mixtures, high paste contents, higher shrinkage, high
temperatures due to heat of hydration and associated cracking.
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Mallisa and Turuallo‟s (2017) study specified fly ash for use in
concrete. The results of this research can be concluded that the maximum
percentage of fly ash to replace a part of cement in the high-strength
concrete mix to obtain the strength, which is equivalent to the strength of
concrete with OPC only, is 25%. The strength of concrete with 25% fly
ash (86.62 MPa) at age 28-days is slightly higher than that of strength of
OPC only (84.09 MPa). The use of fly ash of 30% as the replacement of
cement gives a strength (78.93 MPa) lower than that of OPC only
strength.
A study as well by D. Hardjito et al, introduced fly ash-based
geopolymer concrete in certain manufacture and engineering properties.
This paper presents the results of a study on fly ash-based geopolymer
concrete. The test parameters covered certain aspects of manufacture of
geopolymer concrete. The paper also reports the stress-strain behavior of
the concrete with compressive strength in the range of 40 to 65 MPa.
Tests were carried out on 100mmx200mm cylindrical geopolymer
concrete specimens. Test results show that a good agreement exists
between the measured stress-strain relations of fly ash based geopolymer
concrete and those predicted by a model developed originally for Portland
cement concrete.
Hardjito‟s (2005) experimental work on fly ash-based geopolymer
concrete reported that higher concentration (in terms of molar) of sodium
hydroxide solution results in higher compressive strength of fly ash-based
geopolymer concrete. Higher is the ratio of sodium silicate-to-sodium
hydroxide ratio by mass, higher is the compressive strength of fly ash-
based geopolymer concrete. As the curing temperature in the range of
30oC to 90oC increases, the compressive strength of fly ash-based
geopolymer concrete also increases. Longer curing time, in the range of 4
to 96 hours (4 days), produces higher compressive strength of fly ash-
based geopolymer concrete. However, the increase in strength beyond 24
hours is not significant. The addition of naphthalene sulphonate-based
super plasticizer up to approximately 4% of fly ash by mass, improves the
workability of the fresh fly ash-based geopolymer concrete with very little
effect on the compressive strength of hardened concrete. The slump value
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of the fresh fly-ash-based geopolymer concrete increases with the

increase of extra water added to the mixture. The rest period, defined as
the time taken between casting of specimens and the commencement of
curing, of up to 5 days increases the compressive strength of hardened fly
ash-based geopolymer concrete. The increase in strength is substantial in
the first 3 days of Rest Period. The fresh fly ash-based geopolymer
concrete is easily handled up to 120 minutes without any sign of setting
and without any degradation in the compressive strength. As the H2O-to-
Na2O molar ratio increases, the compressive strength of fly ash-based
geopolymer concrete decreases.
B.V. Rangan (2008) made a report to present information on heat-
cured fly ash-based geopolymer concrete. Low-calcium fly ash (ASTM
Class F) is used as the source material, instead of the Portland cement, to
make concrete. Low-calcium fly ash-based geopolymer concrete has
excellent compressive strength and is suitable for structural applications.
The salient factors that influence the properties of the fresh concrete and
the hardened concrete have been identified. Data for the design of mixture
proportions are included and illustrated by an example. The elastic
properties of hardened geopolymer concrete and the behavior and
strength of reinforced geopolymer concrete structural members are similar
to those observed in the case of Portland cement concrete. Therefore, the
design provisions contained in the current standards and codes can be
used to design reinforced low-calcium fly ash-based geopolymer concrete
structural members. Heat-cured low-calcium fly ash-based geopolymer
concrete also shows excellent resistance to sulfate attack, good acid
resistance, undergoes low creep, and suffers very little drying shrinkage.
The report has identified several economic benefits of using geopolymer
concrete.
Gopal and Kiran (2013) studied experimentally the behavior of fly-
ash based geopolymer concrete exposed to 5% acid solutions for up to 4
weeks. This investigation used a class F fly ash-based geopolymer
concrete that is initially cured for 24 hours at 60°C. The results obtained
from the test were compared with the conventional concrete exposed to
5% acid solutions for up to 4 weeks. The results of the tests showed that
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geopolymer concrete is highly resistant to acid in terms of a very low mass

loss and compressive strength loss when compared to conventional
concrete.
Thanmpi et al. (2014) investigated the mechanical properties with
emphasis on compressive strength and tensile strength of geopolymer
mortar at ambient and heat curing for construction of a water tank. The
result showed that the initial strength gain in ambient condition is very less
due to the slow process of geo-polymerization. This study also revealed
that heat cured specimen showed improved result than ambient cured.
The possible reason for this is may be that the geo-polymerization process
takes place at higher rate in heat cured specimen.
Czarnecki et al. (2010) studied the “Fly Ash Polymer Concretes”. In
the paper, the effect of silica micro filler replacement by calcium fly ashes
on polymer concrete mechanical properties, as well as binder hardening
characteristics were investigated. This approach follows the sustainable
development requirements in a building industry. Additionally, replacing
components with less expensive equivalents lowers the material cost.
Although fly ashes are commonly used in Portland cement concrete
technology, the calcium fly ashes are difficult to utilize in CC, mainly due
to high variation in chemical composition. Investigation was carried out for
polyester resin and calcium fly ashes from brown and hard coal
combustion, with special attention given to the second one, as fly ash of
lignite showed substantial similarities in properties to silica microfiller –
quartzite meal. Twenty mixes with different polymer/microfiller,
aggregate/polymer and microfiller/aggregate ratios were tested using
statistical design of experiment. The obtained results were used for
optimization of composition of PC containing calcium fly ash.
Other fiber used to test compressive strength was determined by
Marwan Mostafa and Nasim Uddin (2015). They conducted a study about
the Effect of Banana Fibers on the Compressive and Flexural Strength of
Compressed Earth Blocks. This focused on the use of banana fiber and its
effect on the compressive and flexural strength in CEB. This study
advances the utility of the CEBs by adding banana fibers, thereby creating
an innovative Green Compressed Earth Block (GCEB) that further
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improves the mechanical properties of CEBs. The results presented in this

study provide important insights into the influence of fiber length on the
flexural and compressive strengths of GCEBs. In GCEB matrices, soil
constituents, fibers content, level of chemical stabilization (OPC content),
compaction effort, and curing conditions all contribute to high mechanical
properties. All these variables were kept constant throughout the study to
enable observation of the influence of the banana fibers on the flexural
strength, compressive strength, and post-initial crack behavior of fiber-
reinforced GCEBs.
S. Azhagarsamy and K. Jaiganesan (2016) investigated the
strength properties of concrete in ordinary Portland cement by rice husk
ash and silica, respectively. The composite matrix that is obtained by
combining cement, rice husk ash, aggregates and fibers is known as “Rice
husk ash fiber-reinforced concrete”. The fiber in the cement rice husk ash-
based matrix acts as crack arresters, which restrict the growth of micro
cracks and prevent these from enlarging under load. For M25, grade
concrete the maximum compressive strength was found to be 1% of glass
fiber and RHA 10%, silica fume 10% by weight. Also, the strength
achieved by the glass fiber is comparable to the conventional M25 grade
of concrete. The split tensile strength with 1% showed a decreasing value
with 1% of glass fiber when compare to conventional concrete. This
highlights that the glass fiber with 1% showed a better performance with
respect to its strength properties.
When it comes to studies about urethane, we can be sure that it
cannot have a negative impact to the cement mixture. It was already used
as a cement admixture in the study conducted by Xavier Mathew and
Binol Varghees entitled, Strength Analysis–Building Frame with
Polyurethane Cement Composite (PUC). It was then concluded that
strengthening with PUC material of building frame was proven to be a
reliable and easy-to-operate technique compared with normal concrete.
Also, it stated that (PUC) can be used for different purposes of
construction field, such as repairing deteriorated concrete structural
elements, and strengthening the structure members (beams, columns,
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piers, etc.). This material (PUC) has not only great clear positive effect of
strengthening RC T-beam, but also has an extensive application prospect.
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CHRONOLOGICAL ACCOUNT

This narrative report was set to accomplish in lieu of the thesis

manuscript due to uncompleted research objectives. This paper recounts
sequence of events we have done for the further studies and development
of bamboo fiber reinforcement in a fly ash-based geopolymer concrete.
Our thesis writing formally started on September 3. 2019. It was a
seminar conducted by Engr. Deodatus Sagadal. It was when the
guidelines and specifications for thesis writing were introduced and all its
technicalities were discussed. Days after the thesis writing seminar,
individual research took place. Members of our research team focused on
investigating previous studies on developing concrete mix thus, we ended
up being in each other‟s team conducting one specific research about
natural fiber reinforcement for a fly ash-based geopolymer concrete.
Literatures about improved mixtures of Ordinary Portland cement concrete
and Fly based geopolymer concrete were collected and examined. Some
studies indicated that partial substitution of fly-ash cement in an OPC
concrete is beneficial for the environment, while 100 % fly-ash content
cement concrete will have a much positive impact to the environment
though it may decrease its compressive strength depending on the ratio of
activator to the whole mix. In order to improve the strength of a concrete,
we researched studies about fiber reinforced concrete. It was proved that
fiber reinforcement in concrete can generally increase the
tensile strength by about 2 times, the bending strength by 1.5 ~ 2.5 times
the impact strength by more than 5 times or even 20 times, the ductility by
4 times, and durability by 100 times above. There are many types of fiber
reinforcement, it may be a steel, nylon, polyurethane, or natural fiber. We
decided to make it natural and innovative, hence we searched for natural
fiber that is high in tensile strength and is available within the locality. After
tons of previous researches and considering minor and major issues (such
as moisture content and water absorption) that can affect it effectiveness,
we decided to use bamboo fiber, given that there will be a proper
treatment prior to the mixing. After considering the pros and cons, the
strength and weakness, and the advantages and disadvantages of all the
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studies we have read and gathered, we decided to make a 100% fly ash-
based geopolymer concrete with bamboo fiber reinforcement. Then,
introduction which includes the background of the study, its significance,
objectives and its scope and limitation were made in relation with our
study. Related literatures were also collected and grouped according to
the subject, and materials and equipment to be used as stated and
described. Tests to be conducted including the number of sample and
number of curing days that were based on the ROLs we have collected
were also drafted. Final draft and review of paper was set to be made.
We were advised by Engr. Deodatus Sagadal to add more innovative
process and additional compound that will improve the mixture we are
trying to execute. Hence, we decided to enhance the physical property of
the bamboo fibers by urethane coating that is usually used for durable and
impact resistant ropes.
We then revised the methodology and the materials to be used.
October 7, 2019 was the title defense (Figure 1), We were the second
group to present our research to our adviser, Engr. Ric Gonzaga, and 6
panel members, namely, Engr. Celeste De Asis, Engr. Felix Licas, Engr.
Jonathan Bulagao, Engr. Leo Sauro, Engr. Kissa Banawis and Engr. Lloyd
Nadine Ongsotto. We presented our research title Fly Ash-based
Concrete with Bamboo Fiber Reinforcement and stated major points and
issues why we decided to conduct this study. Major issues like global
warming and the negative impact of OPC production to our environment,
and existence of micro cracks on concrete were addressed on this
research. After our presentation, the panel suggested to focus on the
compressive strength of the concrete to lessen the number of samples to
be tested. They also suggested to change the title of our research study to
“Compressive Strength of Fly Ash Concrete with Bamboo Fiber
admixture”.

Figure 1. Title Defense

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After a couple of days, we approached all the panel members

involved during the title defense to ask for some helpful inputs for the
study. Major and minor corrections were still present and were addressed.
Format and grammar error were some minor issues that the panel
recognized. Following the revision of minor errors, our thesis title proposal
had been approved and the three (3) preliminary chapters of the research
were set to be written. The first chapter highlighted the importance of the
study and its objectives which generally, aims to determine the specific
behavior in compression test of fly ash concrete using Bambusa blumeana
fiber as admixture in terms the physical properties, strength and durability.
The second chapter of the research study which is the Literature Review,
was based on 38 related literatures we gathered written by foreign and
local authors. We chose some key points and highlights from those 38
ROLs to be discussed in our paper. The related literatures we have
gathered show the variation of compressive and tensile strength test
results of a specimen depending on the content percentage of fly ash and
fiber reinforcement in the mixture. As we continued our research, there
were still minor issues that had to be corrected. The way our methodology
was written had been reformat and additional tests to determine the
physical properties of bamboo had to be stated. Also, the sequence of the
methodology was revised due to the additional test to be conducted on
bamboo fiber. After correcting all known errors, we then submitted our
thesis proposal to our adviser. Final correction regarding on our format
had been made days before the Pre-Oral Defense. Final preparation like
brochures and Power Point Presentation were designed and drafted night
before the defense. November 18, 2109 was the scheduled pre-oral
defense but was rescheduled, and was held on November 20, 2019
(Figure 2). Seven panel members were present during our presentation,
They were Dr. Benjamin Varela, Engr. Ric Gonzaga, Engr. Celeste De
Asis, Engr. Kissa Banawis, Engr. Lloyd Ongsotto and Engr. Diodatus
Sagadal, while Engr. Felix Licas was the chairperson for the panel. There
were major revisions that we needed to undertake after the pre-oral
defense. Also, there were still questions that we failed to answer during
the defense and still have to present documents that will prove our claims.
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Figure 2. Pre-Oral Defense

Members of the panel asked what are the properties of urethane,

proof that it will not contaminate the overall mix, exact compressive
strength of fly ash-based concrete that we need to exceed, determination
of kawayang tinik in terms of its physical aspect and the specific
application of the design mix.
During the revised document presentation to the panel and
signatories, we presented to them the missing data during the pre-oral
defense that will prove our claims regarding to our research viability. After
all the discussions that had been made and settled, our research study
has been approved and the notice to proceed has been issued
immediately after.
The very first thing we did right after we got the notice to proceed
was making communication letters to be submitted to different offices and
companies. This research cannot be completed without the help of other
people working in companies and executive departments in the
government such as the DPWH. We sent request letters to Pozzolanic
Philippines, Inc., Global Business Power, Aboitiz Power, and APO Cement
Corporation for the distribution of fly ash. Only 1 company which is the
Aboitiz Power gave a positive response and agreed to give us 200 kg of
fly ash for free. We also contacted students from North West Samar
University and Engr. Aljun Lozano to buy their remaining fly ash. Request
letter to conduct sieve analysis, slump test and compressive strength was
also sent to DPWH district 1 office. Weeks had passed before we received
the response coming from the district engineer and the head of the
materials and testing department.
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The second thing we did was gathering all the materials we will be
needing for the research study. On February 5, 2020, we went to Brgy.
Salvacion. Catarman, Northern Samar to gather 10-20 Bambusa
blumeana culms with the following properties and characteristics: Culms is
thorny with slightly arching green culms of 15-25 m tall and the internodes
are 25-35 cm long, with 8-15 cm in diameter and an average wall
thickness of 2-3 cm, branches usually occur from the middle of the culm to
the top, and have several to many clustered branches with 1-3 larger
dominant branches that are markedly longer and thicker and branches
from the lower nodes are solitaire and densely interwoven with tough,
sharp, curved thorn, lastly, leaves are lance-shaped and on average 10-20
cm long and 12-25 mm wide.

Figure 3. Cutting of Bamboo into Smaller Pieces

From February 25, 2019 to February 28, of the same year, we

ordered volumes of ASTM Class F fly-ash from 3 separate sources. 27.5
kg of fly ash was ordered from Engr. Aljun Lozano and
75.5 kg was ordered from a NWSSU student. The remaining 103 kg of fly
ash to be received from Cebu was cancelled due to the pandemic that is
now happening. ½ cubic meter of Sand and ½ cubic meter of gravel was
ordered at an aggregate store located in Garcia Street Extension, Brgy.
Macagtas, Catarman, 6400 Northern Samar. A total of 55 kg sodium
silicate and 10 kg of sodium hydroxide was pre-ordered in Far Eastern
Drug, Inc. located in Cebu City, Phillippines. It was then transported in
Calbayog City for pick up. On the other hand, Urethane coating was
ordered through online app store shopee and took almost two (2) weeks to
be delivered.
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While waiting for other materials to arrive, we used our time

preparing the available materials on our working site. For the bamboo
culms, we cut them between each node producing bamboo cylinders and
cut through the longitudinal direction to form 76mm width pieces. There
were then submerged in salt water for 15 days and then submerge it again
in water with 5% of sodium hydroxide solution for 7 days to make it easier
to handle. Right after we took them off from the water, we then hammered
and shredded them manually until the fiber separation was evident. The
fibers ware separated by hand in bundles of round 0.5-1mm. Then, fibers
were cut in 25mm and 50 mm approximately length for the mixture and
were dried for 3 days. (Figure 4)

Figure 4. Hammering and Shredding of Bamboo into Fibers

After setting the bamboo fibers, we then proceeded to the

determination of the physical properties of Bambusa blumeana fibers of
different length in terms of: density, specific gravity, moisture content. To
determine its density, we get the volume of Bambusa blumeana by
weighing 100 grams of it and placing it in a beaker with 600 milliliters of
water, and the volume of water displaced is equal to the volume of the
fibers (Figure 5). Afterwards, the density of the fibers was computed
through dividing the mass by the volume of fibers obtained. We used the
formula ρ in computing the density of the fibers, considering ρ as

mass density (g/ ), as the mass of the container (g), as the mass
of container plus fiber (g) and V as the volume of the container . The
specific gravity was computed by dividing the density of the fibers to the
density of the water. After the procedure, the following results were
recorded; Volume (fiber) = 100 mL, Density (fiber) = 1 g/cu.cm, Specific
Gravity (fiber) = 1.
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Figure 5. A beaker with 100 grams of Bambusa Blumeana fibers and 600
mL of water.

Due to lack of equipment, we failed to determine the moisture

content of the fibers, hence, 2 out of 3 physicals properties of bamboo
were only taken. Another two (2) days were allocated for the drying of the
bamboo fibers. After the 2-day open air-drying period, we applied light
mist coats of urethane solution, holding the can 10-12” from the surface
where bamboo fibers are laid and sprayed in a steady back-and-forth
motion, slightly overlapping each stroke. Several light coats were provided
for a better finish than one heavy coat and then dried to the touch in 30
minutes. March 13-14, 2019, sieving, slump test, and gathering other
materials took place. We did first the sieve analysis at the DPWH district 1
testing facility. We used sieve 1‟‟, ¾‟‟, ½‟‟, 3/8‟‟ and ¼‟‟ and weighted 7.83
kg of gravel passing through 1‟‟ sieve and retaining in ¾‟‟ sieve, 10.46 kg
of gravel passing through ¾‟‟ sieve and retaining in ½‟‟ sieve, 18. 29 kg of
gravel passing through 3/8‟‟ sieve and retaining in ¼‟‟ sieve, and a total of
15.66 kg of sand (these weights are good to make 1 mix which can fill 3
molds) (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Sieve Analysis of Gravel into 1‟‟, ¾‟‟, ½‟‟, 3/8‟‟.

 19

Sieve analysis was then followed by a slump test. We prepared a

fly ash concrete mix with bamboo fiber following the design mix of A Lloyd
and B V Rangan experimental proportion of fly ash-based geopolymer
concrete (First photo in Figure 7). Afterwards, we proceeded cleaning the
internal surface of the mold and applying oil (Middle photo in Figure 7).
Then, we placed the mold on a smooth horizontal non- porous base plate
and started filling it with the prepared concrete mix in 4 approximately
equal layers. We tamped each layer with 25 strokes of the rounded end of
the tamping rod in a uniform manner over the cross section of the mold.
For the subsequent layers, the tamping should penetrate into the
underlying layer. We removed the excess concrete and leveled the
surface with a trowel and cleaned away the mortar and water that leaked
out between the mold and the base plate (Last photo in Figure 7). After
that, we raised the mold from the concrete immediately and slowly in
vertical direction and measured the slump as the difference between the
height of the mold and that of height point of the specimen being tested.
The result showed 25. 4 mm slump, making our design mixed acceptable
for the desired application (Figure 8).

Figure 7. Fly ash concrete mix with bamboo fiber

Figure 8. Measuring the height of the Slump

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Due to the delayed and cancellation of the materials we ordered

from Cebu and Calbayog, we did not want to waste time, hence we
decided to ask our adviser and some members of the panel if it was
possible to fabricate sample for 21-day curing period only. March 15,
2019, right after the approval of our request, we started fabricating 18
samples, 1 control, and 1 prototype. We acquired the same design mix of
fly ash-based geopolymer concrete made by A Lloyd and B V using ratio
and proportion. Example, for taking the exact weight in Kg of low-calcium
fly ash (ASTM Class F) to be used to fabricate a sample in a 100-
millimeter (radius) by 300-millimeter (length) mold, we considered A Lloyd
and B V Rangan experimental proportion of fly ash based geopolymer
concrete with approximate design of compressive strength of 58 MPa. We
computed the required weight of the aggregates and other materials by
ratio and proportion. For example, for low-calcium fly ash (ASTM Class F)

= 408 kg/m3, we take, = then substituting the volume

of the mold, we get = resulting = 3.85

kg / sample.
For our research, there were 6 different mix, 18 samples in total
(control sample and the prototype are not included).
Percentage of Length of Fibers
Bamboo Fibers 25 mm 50 mm
0.5 % 3 samples 3 samples
1.0 % 3 samples 3 samples
1.5 % 3 samples 3 samples

Figure 9. Weighing of Gravels per design mix sample.

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For every three (3) 100-millimeter (radius) by 300-millimeter

(length) cylindrical molds we used 7.83 kg of gravel passing through 1‟‟
sieve and retaining in ¾‟‟ sieve, 10.46 kg of gravel passing through ¾‟‟
sieve and retaining in ½‟‟ sieve, 18. 29 kg of gravel passing through 3/8‟‟
sieve and retaining in ¼‟‟ sieve (First photo in Figure 9), 15.66 kg of sand,
11.54 kg fly ash (Middle photo in Figure 9), 0.141 kg bamboo fibers
(0.5%), 0.282 kg bamboo fibers (1.0%) and 0.42 kg bamboo fibers (1.5%)
(Third photo in Figure 9).
For the urethane coating application and mixing process (Shown in
Figure 10), we used 2.9 Kg sodium silicate solution and 1.16 Kg sodium
hydroxide solution for every three (3) 100-millimeter (radius) by 300-
millimeter (length) cylindrical molds.

Figure 10. Urethane Coating Mixture

Right after we finished 1 set of mix, we then put it in a 100

millimeter (radius) by 300 millimeter (length) cylindrical molds (Figure 11).
The molds were placed promptly on a stable, horizontal surface, free from
vibration and other disturbances, at a place as near as practicable to the
location where they are to be stored. The molds were subjected with
grease to avoid sticking of samples during demolding. Concrete was
placed in the molds using a container large enough to fill each mold in one
lift. After filling, we stroked off excess concrete from the surface with a
trowel as required. We performed all finishing with the minimum
manipulation necessary to produce a flat even surface that is level with the
rim or edge of the mold and that has no depressions or projections. We
finished the top surfaces by striking them off with a wood plate or trowel in
order to get the required tolerance to produce a flat even surface. 9. After
 22

that, the samples were ready to be stored within 21 days for the curing
period (Figure 12).
Supposedly, the end of the 21-day curing period was on April 4,
2019, but due to the global effect of this current pandemic, the lockdown
and all restrictions, we failed to conduct the compressive test required
after the said period. It was on April 15, 2019 when we got the chance to
check the samples and noticed that there were honeycomb present in our
samples. By further inspections, we can also say that though it hardened,
OPC Concrete displays a more rigid form.

Figure 11. 100mm by 300 mm Cylindrical Molds

Figure 12. Samples stored for 21 days of curing

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SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION

We set out to test the compressive strength of fly ash concrete with
Bamboo blumeana fiber as admixture; the intent of our research was to
exceed the compressive strength of an ordinary Portland cement concrete
designed for walkway. The discontinuance of our research led us to have an
unprecise observation-based result. Nonetheless, we want to emphasize that
conducting this experimental study taught us things that are out of the book.
We learned how to cooperate and communicate with our local government
employees especially in DPWH, managing a good relationship with the
people we have meet in gathering our materials and off course time
management is very useful. Also having the best groupmates really eases the
difficulties we faced. Being comfortable with the group help us discussed the
problems we are dealing with. We learned that through setting aside our
differences makes things easier. In terms with our research, we concluded
that the experimental proportion of fly ash concrete prepared by A Lloyd and
B V Rangan needed a small percentage of water but should not exceed the
content percentage of chemical activator. Multiple trials should be done to
have the appropriate mix. Although we noticed that bamboo fibers do really
help bond the concrete, the right proportioning of water and chemicals still
had the major impact on the strength of the sample. Reflecting all the things
we have done for this research, we realized that we have to be mindful of
every circumstance. We need to act immediately and responsibly to be able
to deal with any given situation. In this experience, it is very important to be
sure of the measurements especially that we are conducting an experimental
research. The ratio and proportions of every materials should be exact and
appropriate to the mixture that is needed to achieve the best results we try to
get. The process of mixing the ingredients of the cement mixture is also a
crucial part in the study and it should be followed accordingly. Our study
seems to be a failure but if given a chance to do it again with the complete
materials and having the right amount of each ingredient of the mixture for the
samples we will surely get a better result and justice to our study.