House Built with Interlocking Blocks Containing Para-Wood Ash

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the optimal mixing ratio of rubberwood ash in the aggregate of masonry blocks. The most suitable ratio was selected to construct a prototype house wall using masonry blocks mixed with rubber wood ash. The cement-to-aggregate ratios tested were 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, and 1:8 by weight. The aggregate was a mixture of laterite and heavy rubber wood ash in ratios of 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50 by weight of the aggregate. The blocks were molded using a small-scale industrial press. The results were compared to the Community Product Standard 602/2547, which specifies that the compressive strength of non-load-bearing masonry blocks must be at least 25 kg/cm², while load-bearing blocks must have a compressive strength of at least 70 kg/cm² and a water absorption rate not exceeding 288 kg/m³. All ratios met the criteria for non-load-bearing blocks, while only 11 ratios met the standard for load-bearing blocks. These included a cement-to-aggregate ratio of 1:4 with aggregate mixed with 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 percent of rubberwood ash; a cement-to-aggregate ratio of 1:5 with aggregate mixed with 0, 10, 20, and 30 percent of rubberwood ash; and a cement-to-aggregate ratio of 1:6 with aggregate mixed with 0 percent of rubberwood ash. Therefore, the cement-to-aggregate ratio of 1:8 with 50% heavy rubberwood ash was the most suitable ratio for constructing a prototype house wall. The resulting blocks exhibited a maximum heat resistance of 2.0 degrees Celsius, were 60% cheaper than commercial products, did not develop mold or mildew, and had no odor of rubberwood ash. The masonry blocks mixed with rubberwood ash could be successfully used to construct residential walls and were deemed a practical building material. This innovative building material offers a cost-effective solution and effectively converts industrial waste into a valuable product.