Name: Engr. Fritze Ann T.
Nuique
Title: Sustainable Concrete Hollow Blocks Using Banana Fiber and Napier Grass Ash as Partial
Cement Replacements
Introduction and Research Goal:
This study explores the use of banana fiber and Napier grass ash as partial cement replacements in
concrete hollow blocks (CHBs). Portland cement production is costly and emits large amounts of
CO₂. In contrast, agricultural waste like banana fiber and Napier grass ash is locally available and
often discarded. The goal is to develop an alternative CHB mix that reduces cement usage without
compromising performance.
Research Question:
1. Can banana fiber and Napier grass ash effectively replace a portion of cement in CHB
production?
Methodology:
The methodology builds on the approach of Canseco-Tuñacao et al. [1], who investigated Napier
grass ash as a partial cement replacement. Napier grass will be harvested, dried, and incinerated to
produce ash rich in silica, known for its pozzolanic activity [9]. Banana fiber, noted for its tensile
strength and bonding capacity [2], [6], will be processed through extraction, cleaning, and cutting
into usable lengths. This approach follows the practice used in studies involving other natural
fibers like bamboo and coconut coir [5], [3].
Concrete hollow block samples will be produced using varied proportions of cement, banana fiber,
and Napier grass ash, including a 100% cement control group. The samples will be tested for
compressive strength following ASTM C90 standards, water absorption, and visual durability,
similar to testing procedures used by Calixto et al. [4] and Carig et al. [7].
Data Collection:
Data will be collected from laboratory test results. Each CHB sample's compressive strength (in
MPa), water absorption (%), and observable durability (e.g., cracking) will be recorded. At least
three replicates per treatment will be tested to ensure statistical validity.
Significance of the Study:
This research supports sustainable construction by turning waste into usable building material. It
could reduce environmental impact, cut costs, and promote local material use—ideal for low-
income and rural housing projects.
Limitations:
This study is limited to lab tests and does not include long-term exposure or large-scale field
testing.
References:
[1] H. A. R. Canseco-Tuñacao, J. M. A. Nogra, M. F. M. Rosell and J. C. L. Alquilita,
"Viability of Napier Grass Ash as Partial Substitute of Cement in CHB," IOP Conference
Series: Earth and Environmental Science, vol. 1184, no. 1, p. 012027, 2023.
[2] R. Bhatnagar, G. Gupta and S. Yadav, "A review on composition and properties of banana
fibers.," Cellulose, vol. 60, p. 65, 2015.
[3] B. Morato, V. Guedes, R. Barbosa, L. Branco, S. Ribeiro, J. Flor and M. Almeida,
"Influence of coconut fiber waste and rice husk ash on green concrete," Revista de Gestão
Social e Ambiental, pp. 1-18, 2024.
[4] J. Calixto, A. Bannawi, K. Andres, V. Marcos, D. Pregillana, C. Cortez and L. Sarmuyan,
"COCONUT FIBER AND PULVERIZED RICE HUSK AS ALTERNATIVE
INGREDIENTS IN CONSTRUCTING CEMENT BOARD," International Journal of
Innocation and Industrial Revolution, vol. 6, no. 16, pp. 95-109, 2024.
[5] C. Andales, L. Animas, M. Dalit, C. Noriega and J. Famadico, "Utilization of bamboo fiber
and coconut coir in the production of cement--bonded board," Journal of BIMP-EAGA
Regional Development, vol. 5, p. 2, 2019.
[6] V. Kavitha and G. Aparna, "A review on banana fiber and its properties," Asian Journal of
Pharmaceutical Research and Development, pp. 118-121, 2021.
[7] J. Carig, J. A. D. Garcia, A. V. Lim, C. P. Nicolas, D. Saiyari, D. Saiyari and J. Acosta,
"Utilization of rice husk ash (RHA) as partial replacement to ordinary portland cement
(OPC) in thermal resistant concrete hollow blocks (CHB)," In International Conference on
Environmental Quality Concern, Control and Conservation, pp. 2-3, 2015.
[8] K. Amoit, " Investigating the effectiveness of polypropylene cement bags in reinforcing
concrete," 2023.
[9] K. Reddy, C. Maheswari, M. Shukla and A. Rajulu, "Chemical composition and structural
characterization of Napier grass fibers," Materials letters, pp. 35-38, 2012.
[10] J. Lumbab, J. Bongo, R. Moralde and G. Villaceran, "Coconut shell ash as partial substitute
to cement in concrete hollow blocks," In IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental
Science , vol. 1184, p. 012024, 2023.
