Utilization of Sawdust in Making Concrete Blocks: An Experimental Research on

Hollow Concrete Block’s Rigidity

Joefil Carl O. Dacorro

University of Mindanao – Digos College
Digos City, Davao del Sur, Philippines
balongdacorro@gmail.com

Tomas Jr. A. Diquito

Secondary Education Program Head
University of Mindanao – Digos College
Digos City, Davao del Sur, Philippines
tomasdiquito23@gmail.com

Abstract
The construction industry has been grappling with what waste material can substitute for sand
in producing quality hollow concrete blocks. This gap motivated the researchers to conduct this
study, which aimed to investigate the rigidity of concrete blocks using sawdust as a substitute for
sand. The study was designed to test the compressive strength of developed hollow concrete
blocks and compare it with the acceptable standard set by the Department of Public Works and
Highways in the Philippines. The researchers obtained the results through a thorough
observation of the 28-day curing process and compressive strength value using the Department
of Public Works and Highways compressive strength machine. The mean and compressive
strength formula (F=P/A) was used to analyze the result of the sampled hollow concrete blocks.
Based on the forenamed findings, the researchers observed that the compressive strength and
the mass of concrete samples decrease as sawdust increases. However, these data are insufficient
to conclude that the concrete samples achieved the properties of a durable and robust concrete
block. Thus, the researchers profoundly suggest increasing the number of samples to validate the
findings. Moreover, other tools that can be used to analyze the rigidity of developed hollow
concrete blocks using sawdust as a substitute for sand are also recommended.
Keywords: Concrete Blocks, Sawdust, Compressive Strength Machine, Aggregates

INTRODUCTION
Concrete blocks are regarded as a necessary material in all construction projects.
Compared to clay bricks, concrete blocks are the most popular building material because they
are inexpensive and available. Due to a lack of natural resources, the development movement
raises the demand for vital building materials such as sand. However, the availability of sand
comes at a cost. With the increasing demand for rigid concrete and the scarcity of sand, the
construction industry will face an economic dilemma in meeting consumer demand for rigid
concrete. Furthermore, with increased environmental awareness, extensive study has been
conducted globally on exploiting waste materials and by-products as construction materials
(Abdul Awal, Mariyani, & Hossain, 2016). One viable solution to this predicament is to utilize
sawdust as a fine substitute for sand. Sawdust is a natural fiber that is used as a filler. Sawdust

Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4095273

is a fine particle collection of intricate softwoods. This substance is a by-product made by
chopping wood using a saw (Zakaria, 2016). Because sawdust is relatively abundant and
inexpensive, recycling such wastes into new construction materials could solve the emission
problem and the difficulty of high building material costs that developed and developing
countries are currently confronting.
Going through the operational progress is remarkable; the growth of a developing
economy and working industrialization is highly significant to sustaining the needs and
demands of a community. In South Asia, India is determined to achieve high growth in
infrastructure (Dangra, 2016). The value of urbanization has been highly centralizing the urban
population in a big city, insisting on affordable and proficient housing design with several
developments in short-run production. But the immense utilization of sand in concrete
structures likewise confronts a shortage of sand, raising environmental concerns. Removing
sand from the river might create ecological problems in the future. Reducing the usage of sand
in a concrete mix will eventually lessen the construction expenses (Iwaro & Mwasha, 2019).
In addition, when sand is decreased, the general cost of construction materials can be reduced
as sawdust can be acquired economically at a sawmill and sometimes for free. Sawdust is a
waste product of woodworking operations such as sawing, sanding, milling, and routing with
fine wood particles. In addition, sawdust has unique characteristics and is competitive with
other building materials (Suliman, Razak, Mansor, Alisibramulisi, & Amin, 2019).
Concrete blocks are one of the types of precast concrete items that are used in buildings.
The term precast refers to the blocks being shaped and cured before being sent to the job site
(Thorat, Papal, Kacha, Sarnobat, & Gaikwad, 2015). A concrete block is mainly used in the
construction of walls as a building material. It is also known as a concrete masonry unit (CMU).
The majority of concrete blocks have one or more hollow cavities, and their sides may be
smooth or patterned. To shape the ideal length and height of the wall, concrete blocks are
stacked one at a time and kept together with fresh concrete mortar. Hollow concrete blocks are
more practical, and the most significant aspect is their ease of ventilation because of their
lightweight (Varshney, 2018). It lowers the cost of building by reducing the amount of cement
used in masonry work. Cement concrete hollow blocks (CHB) play a significant role in the
current building industry in the Philippines; they are utilized as a building material in the
construction of walls. Concrete blocks are a type of precast concrete product that is used in
buildings. They are a more cost-effective and better alternative to bricks due to their high
durability, fire resistance, partial sound resistance, thermal insulation, low dead load, and fast
construction. The construction industry is a booming sector in today's world. The demand for
this project is always high in cities and other urban regions and rural areas due to the
development of residential flats, commercial buildings, industrial buildings, and minor
constructions. This research aims to develop or construct a concept for dealing with the high
demand for CHB. The study concentrated on developing a low-cost CHB molder capable of
producing sufficient concrete blocks to begin a construction project. It is even possible to
provide a bespoke hollow cement block in these cases.
The compressive strength of concrete blocks indicates the maximum load that the
sample can bear until the crack or crush, divided by the sample press's cross-sectional area
(Taufieq, Pertiwi, & Ahmad, 2019). One of the most important properties for the design of
masonry walls in various loading situations is compressive strength. After that, several research
studies investigating the compressive behavior of concrete block masonry have been launched

Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4095273

in the past (Zahra, Thamboo, & Asad, 2021). The compressive strength of a concrete block
differs significantly from that of solid brick masonry. Shapes and types of the blocks, mortar
bedding types, curing, cement and sand type, and grout strength all play a role in the overall
responses (Fonseca, Fortes, Parsekian, & Camacho, 2019). For industrial concrete, the average
compressive strength of hollow concrete block units is approximately 7.8 MPa at dimensions
190 ×190 × 390 mm (Yang, Zhang, &Wang, 2019). Moreover, the Department of Public Works
and Highways indicated that an average of 3.45 MPa (Megapascals) is an individual block unit
(Department of Public Works and Highways, 2016). The test results of Ghosh (2018) show that
it is possible to manufacture concrete containing sawdust with properties similar to those of
natural concrete if the percentage of sawdust replaced by sand is between 10% and 20%.
Beyond that, it violates the IS code requirement because the strength of concrete decreases as
the percentage of sand replaced by sawdust increases. Further, construction industries have a
continuing predicament about what waste material could be used as a fine substitute to sand in
manufacturing hollow concrete blocks. This gap, therefore, motivated the researchers to
conduct this study which aimed to study the rigidity of concrete blocks with the waste product
sawdust as a fine replacement for sand.

METHOD
Research Design
The experimental design was used in this study which aimed to develop an acceptable
concrete mixture with sawdust particles as a substitute for fine aggregate that can be used for
building construction, particularly in a residential-class concrete slab, and analyze the effect of
sawdust concrete mixture. This study design was made to provide accurate experimental
procedures in pretreating the procured sawdust and using it as an acceptable aggregate
substitute in hollow concrete block production, developing a good concrete mix, observing the
blocks during the curing process, and examining the physical properties and strength of the
sawdust-concrete. Observations from the tests and examinations performed were conducted in
the laboratory where precise data can be gathered and wholly attained. Moreover, instruments
used in this study include a shovel, sand sieve, concrete molder, compressive strength machine,
digital weighing scale, floor weighing scale, and measuring cup.
Data Gathering Procedure
To facilitate the gathering of the data needed, the following steps were followed:
Procurement of Materials Needed in Making Concrete Blocks. Sawdust fibers are
obtained from lumber stores. A 9-kg of sawdust is shredded to get an acceptable aggregate
standard. Moreover, one bag of cement and fine aggregate is being used in the estimation of
materials.
Pretreatment of Sawdust. The substances inside the timber fiber are being removed;
otherwise, the binding process of the block will be affected. The pretreatment process consists
of soaking the acquired sawdust with a limewater mixture. The percentage of lime
concentration to that of the overall mix of the concrete is 0 L, 0. 25 L, 0. 50 L, 0. 75 L, 1.0 L,
and 1.5 L. The process lasted for 60 minutes before mixing.

Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4095273

 The Production of Concrete Block with Sawdust as Fine Aggregate. In the construction
of concrete blocks, the following steps are carefully performed. Four samples of concrete block
mix proportions with a mortared 1:2 ratio are cast – 5% (0.50 kg) sawdust replacement to sand,
10% (1.0 kg) sawdust replacement to sand, 15% (1.50 kg) sawdust replacement to sand are
investigated, and 0% (0 kg) sawdust replacement to sand. Firstly, the researchers mixed the
cement, 95% sand, and 5% sawdust along with the water, 10% sand, 90% sawdust and water,
and 15% sand, 85% sawdust and water. Afterward, the researchers placed the combinations in
the molder and removed them subsequently, and set it aside in preparation for curing after the
mixture was complex.
Table 1. Detailed Information of Each Block Sample.
Sample Sawdust Sawdust Cement Aggregate Lime
Concentration Concentration
(%) (Kg) (Kg) (Kg) to Sawdust (L)
1 0% 0 Kg 5 Kg 10 Kg 0L
2 5% 0.50 Kg 5 Kg 9.50 Kg 0L
3 5% 0.50 Kg 5 Kg 9.50 Kg 0.25 L
4 5% 0.50 Kg 5 Kg 9.50 Kg 0.50 L
5 10% 1 Kg 5 Kg 9 Kg 0L
6 10% 1 Kg 5 Kg 9 Kg 0.50 L
7 10% 1 Kg 5 Kg 9 Kg 1L
8 15% 1.5 Kg 5 Kg 8.50 Kg 0L
9 15% 1.5 Kg 5 Kg 8.50 Kg 0.75 L
10 15% 1.5 Kg 5 Kg 8.50 Kg 1.5 L

Curing of Concrete Blocks. In curing concrete blocks, the researchers have sprinkled
sufficient amounts of water to avoid cracking blocks. In this research, the curing has run for
28 days only.
Weighing. The cured blocks have been placed on a floor weighing scale to measure the
average mass of each sample. The unit of measurement that is used to express the mass of the
block samples in kilograms (kg).
Compressive Testing. The cured samples are transported to DPWH for compressive
strength testing. Since, after the compressive test, the blocks will be futile, the researchers have
produced two blocks from each type of concrete block for the first test and another for the
second test.

Statistical Tool
The statistical tool used in this study are the following:
Mean. It was used to indicate the average load or compressive strength of the block samples.
Cross-sectional Area Formula. Measurement of cross-sectional was based on the dimension
of the concrete molds using the formula:

Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4095273

 A (cross-sectional area) = b x h
Where A is the cross-sectional area of the specimen (mm²), b is the length of the block
sample (mm), and "h" is the height (mm).
Compressive Strength Formula. Measurement of compressive strength using the formula:
F (compressive strength) = P / A
Where F = compressive strength of the specimen (MPa), P = maximum load applied to the
specimen (N), and A = cross-sectional area of the sample. The unit “mm²” was used to evaluate
the block's rigidity.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Mass of Concrete Blocks with and Without Sawdust as Fine Aggregate Substrate
Table 2 presents the mass of all block samples after 28 days of curing. Using a floor
weighing scale, the researchers can investigate the effects of sawdust on the hollow concrete
blocks according to their mass. The weight of concrete is a great factor in whether a concrete
block is durable or not. Based on the table provided, block samples with the least sawdust
replacement percentage are heavier than those with a substantial portion of sawdust
replacement. Among those block samples that achieved a high mass are Sample 1 (0%
Sawdust), Sample 2 (5% Sawdust), Sample 3 (5% Sawdust), and Sample 4 (5% Sawdust).
Block samples with 10% and 15% - Sample 5 (10% Sawdust), Sample 6 (10% Sawdust),
Sample 7 (10% Sawdust), Sample 8 (15% Sawdust), Sample 9 (15% Sawdust), and Sample 10
(15% Sawdust) – sawdust replacement achieved a lower mass than the mass achieved by the
block samples with 5% sawdust replacement.

Table 2. Mass of Each Concrete Block.

Sample Block Number Mass Mean
(Kg) (Per sample)
1 #1 7.73
#2 7.76 7.75
2 #1 7.33
#2 7.35 7.34
3 #1 7.38
#2 7.18 7.28
4 #1 7.10
#2 7.26 7.18
5 #1 6.60
#2 6.76 6.68
6 #1 5.57

Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4095273

 #2 5.75 5.66
7 #1 6.19
#2 6.31 6.25
8 #1 5.83
#2 5.92 5.88
9 #1 6.47
#2 6.42 6.45
10 #1 5.57
#2 5.49 5.53

A standard lightweight concrete block can achieve a mass ranging between 5 and 14
kg, depending on the mineralogical composition, particle shape, and aggregate grading
(Gündüz & Kalkan, 2020). One objective of this research is to produce a lightweight concrete
hollow block with sawdust as a substitute for sand, the fine and generally recognized aggregate
agent of any concrete. The dropping mass of each concrete sample as the amount of sawdust
replacement progresses indicates that sawdust is a viable agent in the production of lightweight
concrete blocks. Thus, all block samples acquired the mass a lightweight concrete block should
possess (Iwaro & Mwasha, 2019). Moreover, when lightweight aggregates or coarse aggregate
are used in concrete production, the resulting block is lightweight concrete masonry. However,
fine aggregates are utilized to produce lightweight hollow concrete blocks in this research.
Aside from sawdust, which is the observed factor why the mass of concrete blocks drops as
the percentage of sawdust replacement increases since coarse aggregates are not utilized, fine
aggregates can also be considered a lightweight agent in the production of lightweight concrete
if the coarse aggregate is omitted in the concrete ratio. Furthermore, sand is denser than water.
Hence it settles to the bottom; wood (sawdust) has a lower density than water. Thus, sawdust
will float on top of the water. Therefore, lowering the density leads to a reduction in weight,
which leads to a reduction in total load (Winarno, 2019).

Average Load of Concrete Blocks with and Without Sawdust as Fine Aggregate
Substitute
Table 3 presents the average load (kN) of all block samples that can withstand the
compressive strength test. Table 3 shows that, unlike the mass, the average load that the block
samples can withstand drops significantly as the percentage of sawdust replacement increases.
Using the compressive strength machine, the researchers gathered the needed data to calculate
the compressive strength of a block sample and unit. Data shows that Sample one (1) (Block
Number 1 and 2) has a greater comprehensive strength result (x=130.00 kN) than other samples
with sawdust and fine aggregates. The result shows that as the amount of sawdust added
increases, the block's average load decreases.

Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4095273

 Table 3. Average Load of Block in kN.
Sample Block Number Load Mean
(kN) (Per sample)
1 #1 140.65kN
#2 119.35 kN 130.00 kN
2 #1 98.05 kN
#2 91.45 kN 94.75 kN
3 #1 70.75 kN
#2 65.50 kN 68.13 kN
4 #1 51.25 kN
#2 62.05 kN 51.65 kN
5 #1 70.30 kN
#2 88.75 kN 79.53 kN
6 #1 41.65 kN
#2 32.50 kN 37.08 kN
7 #1 56.65 kN
#2 49.00 kN 52.83 kN
8 #1 71.50 kN
#2 62.05 kN 66.78 kN
9 #1 51.25 kN
#2 51.40 kN 51.33 kN
10 #1 24.10 kN
#2 29.50 kN 26.80 kN

Compressive Strength of Concrete Blocks with and Without Sawdust of Fine Aggregate
Substitute
Table 4 shows the compressive strength of all block samples as measured in
megapascals (MPa). The MPa of concrete determines how strong the material is and how
probable it fail. Using the compressive strength formula, the average load of all block samples,
and the cross-sectional area of the concrete mold, the researchers obtained the final
compressive strength of all block samples. The same scenario is obtained in the final
conversion of the compressive strength unit. Like the mass and average load, the final
compressive strength measure decreases as the percentage of sawdust replacement increases.
Another observation was that for 5% and 15% sawdust replacement, the block's compressive
strength decreases as the number of lime concentrations increases.

Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4095273

 Table 4. Comprehensive Strength of Block in MPa
Sample Block Comprehensive Rating based on Mean (per
Number Strength DPWH Standard sample)
(MPa) (3.45 MPa and (MPa)
above)
1 #1 3.52 Passed
#2 4.98 Passed 4.25
2 #1 2.45 Failed
#2 2.29 Failed 2.68
3 #1 1.77 Failed
#2 1.64 Failed 1.71
4 #1 1.28 Failed
#2 1.55 Failed 1.42
5 #1 1.76 Failed
#2 2.22 Failed 1.99
6 #1 1.04 Failed
#2 0.81 Failed 0.93
7 #1 1.42 Failed
#2 1.23 Failed 1.33
8 #1 1.79 Failed
#2 1.55 Failed 1.67
9 #1 1.29 Failed
#2 1.29 Failed 1.29
10 #1 0.60 Failed
#2 0.74 Failed 0.67

As noted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (2018), the mean
compressive strength of a block unit should be 3.45 MPa and above. Only the blocks of Sample
one (1) have reached the average mean compressive strength of 4.25 MPa and have exceeded
the standard concrete strength set by DPWH. However, 3.45 MPa can only be used as a
standard for individual block units with a 1,680 kg/m³ to 2,000 kg/m³ of density or a 1:3 ratio
for concrete hollow blocks which is one (1) part of cement and 3 parts of fine aggregate.

Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4095273

 CONCLUSION
This study aimed to test the feasibility of utilizing sawdust as a partial substitute for
sand in concrete. The researchers obtained these findings based on the present experimental
results: the heavier the block is, the higher its compressive strength. The highest compressive
strength achieved among all blocks is 4.98 MPa; 2.45 MPa for blocks incorporated with
sawdust. Based on the forenamed findings, the researchers concluded that the compressive
strength, average load, and mass of concrete block decreases as the percentage of sawdust
replacement increases. There is a difference in the compressive strength, the total mass of
concrete blocks, and concrete with sawdust at 5%, 10%, and 15% sawdust. In addition, all
block samples were assessed and tested in a compressive strength machine. However, Sample
1, with a mean compressive strength of 4.25 MPa, reached the compressive strength criterion
of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The findings of this study agree
that the compressive strength and weight of concrete decrease as the percentage of sawdust
increases (Ghosh, 2018; Mangi, Jamaluddin, Siddiqui, Memon, & Ibrahim, 2019).

RECOMMENDATIONS
After a thorough analysis, the researchers came out with the following
recommendations:
The number of specimens should be increased. There should be sufficient test materials
for flexural and tensile strength tests to determine if sawdust, as a partial replacement in fine
aggregate in concrete, is efficient for construction industries. The density and water absorption
of concrete block samples must also be assessed to gain more data on the drying phase and
curing of the concrete blocks. Biowastes such as animal manure and food scraps can also be
added to sawdust to create an alternative to a fine and coarse aggregates in manufacturing eco-
friendly concrete blocks.

References
Abdul Awal, A. S. M., Mariyana, A. A. K., & Hossain, M. Z. (2016). Some aspects of physical
and mechanical properties of sawdust concrete. Faculty of Civil Engineering, University
Technology, Johor, Malaysia, 10, 1918-1923.
Dangra, A. (2016). The Missing Piece in India’s Economic Growth Story: Robust Infrastructure.
Retrieved from: https://www.spglobal.com/en/research-insights/articles/the-miss ing-
piece-in-India’s-economic-growth-story-robust-infrastructure
Department of Public Works and Highways (2018). Amendment to DPWH Standard
Specification for Item 1046- Masonry Works. Department Order No. 80. Series of 2018,
1.
Department of Public Works and Highways (2016). DPWH Standard Specification for Item
1046 Masonry Works. Department Order No. 230. Series of 2016, 1.
Fonseca, F. S., Fortes, E. S., Parsekian, G. A., & Camacho, J.S. (2019). Compressive strength
of high-strength concrete masonry grouted prisms. Construction Building Materials, 2
(2) 861–876.
Ghosh, B. (2018). Experimental Investigation on the Feasibility of Using Sawdust as Partial
Replacement of Fine Aggregate in Concrete. Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology,
Odisha, India.

Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4095273

Gündüz, L. & Kalkan, S. O. (2020). Lightweight Cellular Hollow Concrete Blocks Containing
Volcanic Tuff Powder, Expanded Clay, and Diatomite for Non-Load Bearing Walls.
Teknik Dergi, 1 (1), 10291-10313.
Iwaro, J. & Mwasha, A. (2019). Effects of Using Coconut Fiber-Insulated Masonry Walls to
Achieve Energy Efficiency and Thermal Comfort in Residential Dwellings. Journal of
Architectural Engineering. 25. 10.1061/(ASCE)AE.1943-5568.0000341.
Mangi, S. A., Jamaluddin, N. B., Siddiqui, Z., Memon, S. A., & Ibrahim, M. H. B. W. (2019).
Utilization of Sawdust in Concrete Masonry Blocks: A Review. Mehran university
research journal of engineering & technology, 38 (2), 487-494. Retrieved from DOI:
10.22581/muet1982.1902.23.
Suliman, N. H., Razak, A. A. A., Mansor, H., Alisibramulisi, A., & Amin, N. M. (2019)
Concrete Using Sawdust as Partial Replacement of Sand: Is It Strong and Does Not
Endanger Health? MATEC Web of Conferences, 258, Article ID: 01015.
Taufieq, N. A. S., Pertiwi, N., & Ahmad, I. A. (2019). Properties of Concrete Blocks Made
from Sugar Mill Waste. Journal of Physics, 3 (1). Retrieved from: DOI: 10.10881/1742-
6596/1244/1/012014.
Thorat, V. M., Papal, M., Kacha, V., Sarnobat, T., 4, & Gaikwad, S. (2015). Hollow Concrete
Blocks-A New Trend. International OPEN ACCESS Journal of Modern Engineering
Research (IJMER), 5, 19-26.
Varshney. H. (2018). A Review Study on Different Properties of Hollow Concrete Blocks
Harshit Varshney. Department of Civil Engineering Roorkee Institute of Technology,
Roorkee 247667, India, 4 (3).
Winarno, S. (2019). Comparative Strength and Cost of Rice Husk Concrete Block. MATEC
Web of Conferences. 280. 04002 10.1051/matecconf/201928004002.
Yang, X., Wu, H., Zhang, J., & Wang, H. (2019). Shear Behavior of Hollow Concrete Block
Masonry with Precast Concrete Anti-Shear Blocks. Tianjin Key Laboratory of Civil
Buildings Protection and Reinforcement. Retrieved from
https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/9657617
Zahra, T., Thamboo, J., & Asad, M. (2021). Compressive Strength and Deformation
Characteristics of Concrete Block Masonry made with Different Mortars, Block and
Mortar Beddings Types. Journal of Building Engineering. Retrieved from:
http://doi.org/10/1016/j.jobe.2021.102213
Zakaria, N. Z. (2016). Innovative Application of Sawdust Wastage Used as Alternative
Sustainable Construction Material. International Journal of Engineering Researches and
Management Studies, 3 (8), 12-18.

Electronic copy available at: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4095273