Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Concrete is an artificial stone-like mass, which is the composite material

that is created by mixing binding material like cement or lime along with the

aggregates such as sand, gravel, stone, block chips, water, admixtures in specific

proportions. The strength and quality are dependent on the mixing ratios.

Concrete is a significant and useful material for construction work. Once all the

ingredients-cement, aggregate, and water unit of measurement mixed inside the

required proportions, the cement and water begin a reaction with one another to

bind themselves into a hardened mass. [25]

Figure 1.1 Concrete as Mortar [14]

Interlocking blocks are made to fit each other. It is possible to build a

strong wall without mortar with the use of interlocking concrete blocks. Each

block is designed to have vertical holes which means, not only saving on the

number of materials used in its production but also allowing metal rods to be

inserted or cement to be filled in to increase its structural strength during

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College of Engineering and Architecture Introduction | 2

construction. Today, the construction industry has internationally recognized the

role of the interlocking block system. Using traditional materials, the interlocking

blocks system may solve some construction issues. [19]

Figure 1.2 Sample Design of Interlocking Blocks [20]

An interlocking concrete block is one way to build a well-built mortarless

wall. Some blocks are made with rims that slip by the rear edge of the leading

row; others depend on a system of joins. With the couple types, you don't have

to practice delivering mortar or mounting blocks. [13]

Figure 1.3 Mortarless

Interlocking Masonry System [15]

Comparative Study of Interlocking Concrete Blocks Using Standard Aggregates and

Crushed Glass
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College of Engineering and Architecture Introduction | 3

The main objective of this study is to make a comparison between an

interlocking block with crushed glass and crushed stone. The study primarily

aims to: first, identify the different aggregates of concrete used today and its

compressive strengths. Second, test the compressive strength of interlocking

blocks with crushed glass as a substitute for crushed stone. Third, develop an

alternative construction material that would minimize environmental and

economic issues. Fourth, compare interlocking block with crushed glass, and with

crushed stone in terms of its compressive strength and water absorption. Fifth,

to find out if interlocking blocks with crushed glass can minimize the cost of

construction. And lastly, apply engineering techniques in the comparative study

of concrete blocks using crushed glass.

The result of this study will benefit the construction companies because it

will lessen their cost of labors and materials for their construction works. It will

be beneficial too for Don Amadeo Perez Sr. Memorial Central School West for the

output of this study is a study shed. This study will provide students of this

school a learning place. The findings of this study have the potential to enrich

the teaching approaches of the instructors in education for the students. Using

the interlocking concrete blocks provides a low cost of housing, which will be

beneficial to the community. Also, the students will benefit because the study

aims to discover what strategies they are going to use as their reference for the

Comparative Study of Interlocking Concrete Blocks Using Standard Aggregates and

Crushed Glass
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College of Engineering and Architecture Introduction | 4

learning process for the construction. The research reflected on the practices for

the students for improving the alternative way of building construction.

The scope of the study is more on enhancing the concrete compressive

strength and design of interlocking blocks. It aims to give data that using

crushed glass bottle as coarse aggregate for interlocking blocks is a good quality

of aggregate. This study will also include testing and identifying the compressive

strength of blocks made of cement, sand, and gravel, and blocks with crushed

glass bottles as coarse aggregate.

Due to the high cost of gravel in the market, this research of using

crushed glass will give a result that could be a substitute to minimize the cost of

entire house construction. This study is limited to the investigation of the

capability of blocks made up of crushed glass for low-cost housing.

The researchers will build a study shed made of interlocking blocks as an

output of the study. The chosen place for the output was in Don Amadeo Perez

Sr. Memorial Central School West beside Urdaneta City University.

Comparative Study of Interlocking Concrete Blocks Using Standard Aggregates and

Crushed Glass