A comparative analysis of the quality of concrete blocks produced from coconut fibre, oil palm empty fruit bunch, and rice husk as filler material

Abstract

The accumulation of coconut fibre (CF), oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB), and rice husks (RH) every year can reduce the fertility of soil and water absorption, and causes water acidification. Waste utilization as a filler material of concrete blocks was discussed in this research. Experimental design was used by comparing the quality of concrete blocks based on 36 specimens with varied compositions of waste (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% by dry weight of total sand) and 3 specimens (0%) as control specimens with 3 replications for each composition. The quality of paving blocks was determined based on the testing of water absorption, porosity, compressive strength, and density. The results revealed that the quality of concrete blocks with the composition of CF (1% and 2%), OPEFB (1% and 2%), and RH (1%) meet the requirements of SNI 03-0691-1996 criteria in category B for parking paver and the maximum composition of each waste materials (3% and 4%) still comply SNI 15-2094-2000 in class 100 and 150 for the block walls. Statistical analysis revealed that the best treatments for compressive strength was RH (1%) and for water absorption it was RH (2%) and CF (4%).