College of Engineering Education

CE 400 - Methods of Research

THE TITLE PROPOSAL

Research Title: Use of Cocoa Pod Husk Ash as Admixture of Fiber Cement
Board

Proponents: Julius L. More

Jhon Clyde G. Sepada

A. Description of the Study

1. Rationale:

We believe that improving the performance and quality of fiber

cement board as building material using organic material can help to
decrease a costly construction in the near future.

2. Objectives of the Study:

2.1 General Objective/s

This study aims to improve the quality and performance of fiber

cement board; it sought to address the following objectives:

2.2 Specific Objectives

1. Determine the physical properties and find out the

significant difference between commercial fiber cement
board among:

a. Water Absorption
b. Thickness Swelling
c. Weight Density

2. Determine the average flexural strength

3. Methodology
1. Material Gathering
2. Manufacturing Procedure
a. Collection of cocoa pod husks
b. Grinding of cocoa pod husks
c. Mixing the cocoa pod husks and cement
d. Molding of boards
e. Demolding and curing of boards
3. Compute water absorption

(𝑊𝑤 − 𝐷𝑤)
Wa% = 𝑥100%
𝐷𝑤

Where:
Wa- is the water absorption
Ww- weight of the blocks after soaking
Dw- weight of the blocks before soaking

4. Compute thickness swelling

(𝑇𝑤 − 𝑇𝑑 )
TS% = 𝑥100%
𝑇𝑑

Where:
Ts- Is the thickness swelling.
Tw- thickness of the board after soaking.
Td- thickness of the board before soaking.

5. Compute the density

𝑤
D=
𝑉

Where:
W – is the weight of the madre de cacao blocks
V – is the volume of the madre de cacao blocks
D – is the weight of the madre de cacao blocks
6. Material Testing
4. Scope of Work (Expected Output)

The study was limited only in the usage of Cocoa Pod Husk Ash fiber
cement board. It was intended for small construction like house or any
low-rise building and applicable for ceiling and partitions.

5. Research Study Duration

The study will consume one and a half years to be completed.

6. Approximate Budget to Complete the Study

Materials Budget
Course Aggregates Php 2,500.00
Cocoa Pod Husks Php 2,500.00
Material Testing Php 15,000.00
TOTAL Php 20,000.00
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