WASTE PAPER: ONE OF THE COMPOSITIONS FOR PLASTERING MORTAR
RANDEVEN J. BAYO
DANNICA T. LACARAN
HIRAH GRACE I. MONCADA
THESIS MANUSCRIPT SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY
CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY – TUBURAN CAMPUS, TUBURAN CEBU
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
AUGUST 2022
THESIS/RESEARCH TITLE APPROVAL SHEET
FEBRUARY 07, 2022
Date
The Chairman
Research and Development
Cebu Technological University
Tuburan Campus, Tuburan, Cebu
Sir/Madam:
The undersigned hereby submit for approval the following proposed titles of
his/her research study:
1. Waste Paper: One of the Composition for Plastering Mortar
2. Development of a Drainage System on a Lowland Area at Brgy. Fortaliza,
Tuburan
3. Crushed Waste Glass Bottles as an Additive on Making Concrete Hollow
Blocks
Very truly yours,
RANDEVEN J. BAYO
DANNICA T. LACARAN
HIRAH GRACE I. MONCADA _
Name and Signature of Students
Recommending Approval:
ENGR. RAYMOND BENEDICT MATELA
Name and Signature
Thesis/Research Adviser
Topic No.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
The author was born on January 17, 2000 in Cebu Province. She is the second
child of the four children of Mr. and Mrs. Danny P. Lacaran and Mrs. Marietez N.
Tanghal. She finished her elementary education from Tubigagmanok Elementary
School, Asturias, Cebu where she graduated salutatorian and her secondary education
at Isler Superior High, Inc. Poblacion, Asturias, Cebu. At young age she managed to
deal different situations and overcome the struggles of life after she witnessed and felt
the hardships of her mother’s suffering and strongly fighting a disease. This molded her
to become a strong independent individual as she also stand a role model to her
younger brother and sister. The poverty and challenges of life serve as her basis to
continue dreaming and believing that nothing is impossible with hard work and prayers.
Her love to the work of her grandfather as a carpenter and her father as a woodcrafter
inspires her to pursue Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
DANNICA T. LACARAN
The author was born on August 22, 1999 in Kalangahan, Tuburan, Cebu. He is
the eldest son of the three children of Mr. and Mrs. Elvis Bayo and Mrs. Eda Bayo. He
finished his elementary education from Kalangahan Elementary School, Kalangahan,
Tuburan, Cebu and his secondary education at Kalangahan National High School,
Kalangahan, Tuburan, Cebu. His interest in mathematics and leadership prompted him
to pursue Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
RANDEVEN J. BAYO
The author’s name is Hirah Grace I. Moncada, she was born in Bago, Asturias,
Cebu on October 23, 1999. She is the second daughter of Leah I. Moncada and
Marciano A. Moncada Jr. She graduated from Lanao Elementary School as Class
Valedictorian. And, she finished her secondary education from Sta. Rita National High
School, who received a recognition as With High Honors. In growing up, financial
support towards her study was really a problem due to the poor income of her family yet
she continue in pursuing her dreams. Additionally, her journey to become an
engineering student was never on her timeline but the motivation coming from her
family pushed her to enroll Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering as her chosen
degree program. Her biggest learnings so far upon choosing this degree program is to
keep on believing herself that she’s capable of becoming a licensed civil engineer.
HIRAH GRACE I. MONCADA
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
To our loved ones, our beloved family especially to our hardworking and loving
parents, our heartfelt thanks for the unconditional love, care, and unending support
financially, spiritually, and emotionally you have given to us since from the start. We
wouldn't be here without all of you, Thank you so much, we love you all!
Above all, to our Almighty God, for his unconditional love, and for all the blessing he
is showering upon us each day of our life. With love and gratitude, we thank him during
the days of making this work. For the provision and wisdom, he bestowed upon us, for
keeping us and our loved ones safe and healthy especially now that we are facing the
pandemic. For giving us enough knowledge and ability to perform each procedure to
make this work successful. For the challenges he has given us that made us even
stronger. We thanks him for his comfort during the times we are thinking of giving up. By
his grace, we was able to finish this paper without any conflict.
Thank you once again to everyone who is a big part of making this piece of work
successful.
RANDEVEN J. BAYO
DANNICA T. LACARAN
HIRAH GRACE I. MONCADA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TITLE PAGE
i
APPROVAL SHEET
ii
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
v
LIST OF TABLES
vii
LIST OF FIGURES
viii
ABSTRACT
ix
CHAPTER
I
II
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
1
Definition of Terms
3
Hypothesis
4
Scope and Limitation
4
Objectives of the Study
5
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Waste Paper as Environmental
6
Threat
Utilization of Papercrete as
7
Building Material
Utilization of Waste Paper in
10
Plastering Mortar
Structural Properties of a Material
Made of Waste Paper
11
Environmental Impact of
12
Adding Waste Paper in
Construction Materials
III
IV
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Materials Required
13
Methodology
17
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Data Analysis
18
Experimental Study
19
Test Results
21
Water Absorption
23
Fire Resistance
24
Discussion
26
Application
28
Cost Comparison
30
Between Traditional
And With Paper Pulp
V
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND
RECOMMENDATION
REFERENCES
Summary
31
Conclusion
32
Recommendation
34
35
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE
TITLE
PAGE
1
Questions and Answers of the Survey
18
2
Specimen Types and Contents
20
3
Test Results of 𝑆1 to 𝑆3 with Cement
Content
22
4
Water Absorption Test Result
24
5
Class A Mixture of Mortar Recipe in Cups
28
6
Quantity of Cement and Sand for Plaster
29
per Square Meter Area
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURES
TITLE
PAGE
1
Waste papers that were
Collected
15
2
Manually crushed paper
Pulp
15
3
Mixing of paper pulp with
Cement
16
4
The materials used
16
5
Specimens ready for compressive
strength test
20
6
Specimens prepared and tested
Under compression
21
7
Concrete Compressive Strength
Test Results (ASTM C-39)
22
8
Cylindrical concrete specimen
during fire test
24
9
Cylindrical concrete specimen
after fire test
25
10
Specimens after compressive
strength test
27
11
Plastering of mortar in Cement
29
Hollow Blocks
12
108 days old plaster in Cement
Hollow Blocks
29
ABSTRACT
Title
: WASTE PAPER: ONE OF THE COMPOSITIONS FOR
PLASTERING MORTAR
Researchers
: RANDEVEN J. BAYO
DANNICA T. LACARAN
HIRAH GRACE I. MONCADA
Degree
: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
Adviser
: ENGR. RAYMOND BENEDICT B. MATELA
Institution
: CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Tuburan Campus
Year Completed
: AUGUST 2022
This experimental research study, aims to minimize the use of fine sand (river
sand) in plastering mortar and to utilize the waste paper instead of putting it to garbage,
as one of the compositions in the plastering mixture. To gather data about the waste
paper disposal, the researchers randomly picked 100 respondents, 50 students and 50
teachers from different High School of Asturias, Cebu. The data gathered proved that
the amount of waste paper being put in the garbage is increasing. Along this study,
three different tests are conducted specifically compressive strength, fire resistance
test, and water absorption test to identify the properties, characteristics, and quality of
plastering mortar with waste paper pulp. This experimental findings revealed that the
increase of paper pulp content of the plastering mixture provides a slightly decrease of
its compressive strength. The researchers found out that the plastering mortar with
waste paper pulp content is not advisable for external walls due to its high water
absorption capacity. On the other hand, adding paper pulp to concrete mortar for
plastering doesn’t concern fire safety. In conclusion, using waster paper pulp intended
for internal walls is possible and beneficial.
Keywords: waste paper pulp, plastering mortar, compressive strength, fine sand,
fire resistance, disposal
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
RATIONALE
The researchers want to address the problems that our world is facing today,
specifically pollution that comes from school offices, printing and publishing companies,
paper companies and the like that uses massive numbers of papers, and individuals
that contributes to these waste materials. Thus, converting waste papers to a useful
product in developing a much effective, sustainable, economical and eco-friendly
environment is a great help.
In the developing countries, the disposal of waste paper is a major problem.
According to an article from paper world counts, entitled “Paper Waste Facts”, 50% of
the waste of businesses is composed of paper and it accounts for 25% of landfill waste
and 33% of municipal waste. Pulp and paper are the 3rd largest industrial polluter of air,
water and soil. Chlorine-based bleaches are used during production which results in
toxic materials being released into our water, air and soil.
Paper is a primary material which is being used in companies, school, home and
more to follow for its specific purposes. It’s undeniably true that the importance of paper
is high and continuous in matter thus making it a part in the daily lives of various
individual who are either working professionally or not. This only means that regardless
of one’s age, work status, and etc. every individual is capable of using a paper. It is
therefore of great importance to recycle this solid waste material to lessen or even
eradicate the issues concerning to land-filling, human’s health and the environment. The
great number of consumers of the papers put the risks of both the human being and the
environment due to its composition which cannot be decomposed easily. The
consumers produce wastepaper every day without them knowing that it stays still for
about a month or more in the landfill.
Baleforce Recycling Equipment (2021) indicated that, “Paper Waste is a severe
problem in many industries and offices. Because of printing mistakes, junk mails,
billings, and packaging, the paper may comprise up to 70% of a company’s total waste.
An average office employee would be using about 10,000 sheets of paper in a year.”
In fact, a paper will take two to six weeks before it completely decomposes which
is seriously taking a lot of time. The bad effects may not be seen or felt rapidly but as
time passes by it will surely occur. This solid waste will only bring additional issue in the
landfill such as shortage of space if not being look for a helpful solution. As a consumer,
the way we use and dispose of paper and other paper products greatly affect our paper
waste. These small efforts on our part will be a valuable contribution in the resolution of
our pollution problems today.
On the other hand, sand, a non-renewable resource also in need of attention as it
will affect our environment because of sand mining happening around the world. The
volume being extracted is having a major impact on rivers, deltas and coastal and
marine ecosystems, sand mining results in loss of land through river or coastal erosion,
lowering of the water table and decreases in the amount of sediment supply.
These problems made the emergence of using waste papers as a composition
for plastering mortar. This will save paper waste as well as reduce the use of river sand.
The researchers use structural method of testing the workability of concrete used for
plastering and comparing other mixes to identify and determine the effects of paper pulp
as alternative to fine sand.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Plastering is defined in construction as the process of covering
masonry/blockwork walls in the construction of houses and other structures with a
mixture of cement and sand along with the required quantity of water. (Team
Constructure, 2021)
Waste paper is a secondary raw material (for use in pulping), which can be
reused in the production of plastering mortar. It consists of clean rejects/trimmings that
comes from printing works, street litters, schools, offices & homes. (Google)
Paper pulp is a term used in this study in which the paper is being soaked into a
large quantity of water until it is soft, moist and crushed into its smallest pieces.
Composition is the act of putting something together, or the combination of
elements or qualities. (Your Dictionary)
Fine sand is a type of sand that is composed of grains ranging from 0.10 to 0.25
mm in diameter. (Merriam - Webster)
Municipal Waste or Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is a type of waste that consists
of typical, everyday items that are thrown away by the public. The definition excludes
waste from municipal sewage networks and treatment, as well as waste from
construction and demolition activities. (Archive Epa. Gov)
Disposal is the action or process of throwing away or getting rid of something.
(Google Dictionary)
Papercrete is an innovative construction material that consists of re-pulped paper
fiber that is stabilized with Portland cement and/or clay soil. (Google Dictionary)
HYPOTHESIS
Several assumptions were made during this research:
 It was assumed that paper pulp will absorb more water making it affects the workability
of concrete mixtures.
 It was assumed that plastering mixes that uses paper pulp cannot be used in outer part
of the wall which is exposed to direct water and sunlight
 It was assumed that the product will be lightweight and not smooth in surface
 It was assumed that the plaster will be fire resistant
SCOPE AND LIMITATION
Several limitations of this research were noted:
 This study was limited to structural industry, particularly plastering works.
 This study was limited to the use of papers (bond papers, yellow and intermediate
papers)
 This study was limited to the use of river sand
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The purpose of this research was to help, innovate and improve the structural
industry.
Thus, the following objectives were used to guide throughout this research:
 To make use of waste papers and contribute to the field of construction industry by
providing a low-cost plastering mortar
 To lessen the use of fine sand (River sand)
 Determine the advantages and disadvantages of using paper pulp compared to purely
fine sand in plastering
 To find out the water absorption capacity of concrete hollow blocks with plaster.
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
WASTE PAPER AS ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT
The paper is a common type of material that is being used by humans in their daily
life. This paper usually comes from various offices, schools and houses. There are many
human activities that include the utilization of paper in which it is found highly necessary
and helpful. In result, a great amount of waste paper is being produced every day because
of these human activities. The greater the amount of paper used the higher of its quantity
is being wasted. However, the burning of waste paper has an impact on the environment
which releases air pollutants into the atmosphere (Mitikie et al.,2020). Of the 100 tons of
waste papers produced in the Philippines, only 60% is recovered and the rest goes to the
dumpsite (Yu, 2005). Specifically, of the estimated 6,700 tons of wastes generated per
day in Metro Manila, approximately 720 tons per day are either recycled or composted
(ADB, 2004). In fact, paper and pulp is the third largest industrial polluter of air, water and
soil. When paper rots, it emits methane gas which is 25 times more toxic than carbon
dioxide as stated by The World Counts. Paper contains many toxins that leak into the soil
from open and covered landfills and into soil, where it causes ecological damage (Taylor,
2019). The Environmental Defense Fund, or EDF, asserts that by diverting paper to
recycling processing plants instead of landfills, recycling paper whenever possible helps
waste processors avoid having to build new landfills, where releases of harmful methane
gases and other toxins occur (Logan, 2017). In order to avoid the occurrence of large
amount of waste paper that is being thrown at the landfill, management of this waste
paper is essential. Waste management is commonly done through collecting,
transporting, treating and recovering of this waste paper. One of the best approaches of
waste management is through recycling the waste paper. A review of some of the waste
management strategies available in the United States uncovers myriad reasons why
recycling is more beneficial than landfilling (Bratcher, 2017). Every metric ton of recycled
paper eliminates the need for 3 cubic meters of landfills given that paper comprises 55
percent of today’s landfills, plastic about 14 percent (Parayno and Busmente, 2005). The
National Solid Waste Management Status Report that occurred from 2008-2018 stated
that recyclable wastes account for almost a third (27.78%) of municipal solid waste with
an estimated range of 4.1% to 53.3% in which paper and cardboard waste contributes
about 31%. This type of waste is a very component of urban and rural waste, which is
why paper and cardboard recycling is expected to represent an opportunity to reduce the
impact on forests and the environment (Aciu et al.,2014). The recycling of paper waste in
the building materials industry is an efficient solution with beneficial consequences for the
construction as well as for the environmental protection and improvement, contributing at
the same time to the conservation of natural resources (Aciu et al.,2014). Recycled paper
provides the most environmental benefits; that saves the most resources, that avoids the
most toxics and pollution (Susan Kinsella, 2012).
UTILIZATION OF PAPERCRETE AS BUILDING MATERIAL
Papercrete is an innovative construction material that consists of re-pulped paper
fiber that is stabilized with Portland cement and/or clay soil (Roberts, 2019). As large
quantity of paper waste is generated from different countries all over the world that causes
environmental problems, this waste was used as a partial replacement material in
concrete that is papercrete brick (J S Sudarsan et al., 2017). Papercrete have been
reported: to be cheap alternative building material; to have good sound absorption and
thermal insulation; to be a light weighted and fire- resistant material (Gorgis et al., 2017).
Papercrete is reported to have good sound absorption quality (Santamaria et al., 2006).
It's also reported to be flame and fungus retardant, as well as bug, rodent and pest
resistant (Patterson, 2004).It is very clear that papercrete is a lightweight concrete
because of the contains present in the mixture. Lightweight concrete should not be used
for external walls and near-ground walls because of its high-water absorption capacity
(Akinwumi et al., 2014). When the amount of waste paper increased, the water absorption
of the concrete mixes also increased (Ritzzawaty and Naser, 2013). Papercrete is fire
resistant, its resistance can be increased by adding more Portland Cement or mineral
material (Roberts, 2019). Papercrete is found that for non-load bearing walls papercrete
bricks are best suited (JS Sudarsan et al., 2017) and its compressive strength, splitting,
tensile strength and flexural strength for mixes decrease with increasing amount of
wastepaper (Gorgis et al., 2017).
In a study, “Experimental Investigation of Papercrete Concrete” by T. Subramani
and V. Angappan in 2015, the materials they used to make a papercrete concrete are
cement, quarry dust, paper, water, water proofing compound for concrete and ground
granulated blast furnace slag. It is discussed and concluded from their experimental
studies that; the bricks are suitable for non-load bearing walls only, the weight of this brick
1/3 to 2/5 lesser than conventional clay brick, these bricks are not suitable for water
logging and external walls, due to less weight of these bricks, the total dead load of the
building will be reduced, and the bricks are relatively light weight and more flexible these
bricks are potentially ideal material for earthquake prone materials. However, in our
research, we will investigate if the use of waste paper in order to reduce the quantity of
plastering mortar ingredient such as Portland cement and fine sand (river sand) is
applicable to external plastering work of walls and if it is economical.
The use of waste paper to produce concrete is tested in previous studies by various
authors. When a higher amount of paper pulp was included in the mixture, it required
more water to achieve a given slump. The workability of concrete containing paper-mill
residual was improved by the addition of excessive water instead of admixtures (Balwaik
and Raut, Vol.1, Issue 2, pp.300-309). The materials they used in the mixture are Portland
Cement, paper pulp, fine aggregate (river sand) and coarse aggregates (crushed stone).
Also, they stated that there was an increase in water absorption of the concrete mixes as
the content of the paper pulp increased. This phenomenon is expected since more
amount of paper pulp in term of quantity will involve in the hydration process. Therefore,
additional amount of water was required for cement hydration which is the common
solution to this kind of problem. However, higher water content decreases the strength of
concrete.
Ritzawaty binti Mohamad et al. prepared concrete mixes containing various
contents of paper and tested the basic strength characteristics such as compressive
strength, flexural and tensile. This will determine where the lightweight concrete will be
applicable to use based on the type of structure. The workability was introduced by
Dunster(2007), he said that the addition of 20% calcined paper sludge with cement paste
accelerate setting time by 60 minutes, but results in reduction of workability.
UTILIZATION OF WASTE PAPER IN PLASTERING MORTAR
The use of waste paper as one of the compositions in plastering mortar is a helpful
solution to reduce the quantity of cement and fine sand in the mixture. There are various
experimental studies that explained the behavior of plastering mortar on the applied
surface area provided that it contains waste paper.
A study from the 7th International Conference Interdisciplinary in Engineering by
Claudiu Aciu et al., presented four mortar recipes with different quantity of ingredients
used. In the first recipe, it composed of 200 kg of cement, 300 kg of sand (0.4 mm
granularity), 320 liters of water, 810 kg of copy paper, and 50% used paper. Second
mortar recipe composed of 400 kg of cement, 400 kg of sand (0.4 mm granularity), 440
liters of water, 810 kg of copy paper and 40% used paper. In their third mortar recipe, it
composed of 400 kg of cement, 400 kg of sand (0.4 mm granularity), 440 liters of water,
810 kg of newsprint paper and 40% used paper. The last and fourth mortar recipe
composed of 500 kg of cement, 400 kg of sand (0.4 mm granularity), 440 liters of water,
810 kg of newsprint paper and 38% used paper. Out from their performed study of the
mortar recipe the author reported that the optimal proportion in the production of
ecological plastering mortars based on paper waste is around the value of 40%. The
authors also added that plastering mortar containing paper waste is a material that can
improve the energy performance of buildings because of the fact that each grain of sand
in the cement matrix is surrounded by paper fibers and pores that increase the heat
transfer duration. Paper fibers are saturated with cement and consequently, oxygen
cannot penetrate the mass of the material to support burning (Aciu et al., 2014).
Another study entitled, “Recycling paper industry effluent sludge for use in mortars:
A sustainability perspective” by Afonso R.G. de Azevedo et al., in 2018, they performed
a test replaces lime, one of the most expensive mortar components with high
environmental impact, with waste sludge in contents of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. The
authors performed analysis on the given samples to assess the primary technical
characteristics of these incorporated mortars such as the consistency index, heat of
hydration, content of incorporated air, water retention, mechanical strength and the
capillarity coefficient. From the sample conducted, the authors reported the result that
showed the level of incorporation should not exceed 10% when use for wall and ceiling
mortars because higher levels yield lower values of mechanical strength resistance,
incompatible with market requirements. The recycling waste sludge has important
environmental benefits, by preventing soil and water pollution caused by inadequate
disposal and by reducing the depletion of natural resources, such as lime, used in
cementitious materials (Azevedo, et al.,2018).
STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF A MATERIAL MADE OF WASTE PAPER
In a study entitled, “Structural Properties of a New Material Made of Waste Paper”
by Santamaria et al., in 2006, they obtained some mechanical and physical parameters
of papercrete by doing some laboratory tests. The tests that they performed includes
compressive test, pull-out test and creep test. In order to perform the tests, the authors
visited several papercrete structures and also interviewed practitioners as part of
anecdotal evidence in their study. The structures involved in the study are papercrete
domes and vaults built without interior reinforcement and papercrete house built in a small
community. It was found that the locations of the structures represent a cross-section of
climate and geography. Many of these structures are standing for years and they are quite
attractive as stated by the authors. The authors concluded that papercrete has wideranging implications for home construction and the environment. They added that more
research is needed in order to learn more about the material and to its properties. The
results of their study indicated that papercrete, properly mixed and applied, should be
safe and practical for two-story residential home construction.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF ADDING WASTE PAPER IN CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS
Paper recycling is increasingly important for the sustainable development of the
paper industry as an environmentally friendly sound (Cabalova et al., 2011). According
to the Environmental Protection Agency, recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees and
more than 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space. Paper recycling represents an energy
saving of 64%, saving of 58% of water (Raoelivololona, T. et al.,2020). It can prevent
the release of greenhouse gases. It is also referred to as methane, which is released
when the paper starts to decompose. The greenhouse gas, can lead to climate change
(Spokes, 2016). The use of waste materials and a wise use of natural resources will
improve environmental impact and reduce carbon dioxide emission and natural raw
material extraction from quarries (Mitikie et al., 2020).
CHAPTER III
MATERIALS AND METHOD
This research was conducted using an experimental method, namely by testing
concrete samples. The samples were tested between normal concrete and concrete
with a mixed composition ratio using paper waste. The research items to be carried out
consist of research on concrete composition materials and the workability of concrete.
The recycling of paper waste in the building materials industry is an efficient
solution with beneficial consequences for the construction industry as well as for
environmental protection and improvement, contributing at the same time to the
conservation of natural resources. One ton of recycled paper is equivalent to saving 17
trees, 4102 KW and 26000 liters of water, as well as the non-release of 27 kg toxic
agents in the atmosphere (Claudiu et, al. 2013). In this context, the study on the use of
waste paper waste in order to obtain ecological plastering mortar is presented. The
materials used for the experimental part were:
MATERIALS REQUIRED
 Cement is one of the binding materials in this project. Cement is the important binding
material in today’s construction world.
 Fine Aggregate: Concrete produced from fine gravel alloy (Sand), a binder (cement)
and water. Fine-gravel Concrete is similar to building mortars in its composition and
some features. It is mainly used for the manufacture of thin and conventional reinforced-
concrete structural Parts and products. Fine-aggregate concrete because it is used in
highway and airfield construction Higher tensile strength results from its Fine-grained
structure. Lack of coarse aggregates (Crushed stone or gravel) considerably easier
Concrete manufacturing, transportation and keeping, especially when using concrete
pumps.
 Paper is a material produced by the cellulose pulp derived from wood, rags or glasses
and drying them into flexible sheets. This is a most available material with many
purposes, including writing, printing, packaging, cleaning, a number of industrial and
construction processes.
 Paper pulp, the papers, which were collected, cannot be utilized immediately. It should
be made into a paper pulp before mixing with other ingredients. The papers were kept in
the water tank for 2 to 3 days, otherwise until the papers degrade into a paste-like form.
Then the paper was taken out of the water and make it as a paper pulp and subjected to
medium rotation for not less than 1 min. Fig.1 shows waste papers that were collected
by researchers, Fig.2 shows the crushed paper pulp manually and Fig.3 shows mixing
of paper pulp with cement.
Figure 1: waste papers that were collected
Figure 2: Manually crushed paper pulp
Figure 3: Mixing of paper pulp with cement
 Water, potable water should be used for both soaking and mixing of concrete. It should
be free from organic matter.
 Concrete Hollow Blocks, Concrete blocks are basic materials needed to build great
and sturdy structures. These blocks are usually made from a mixture composed of
cement, gravel, and other materials depending on its use. This will be used as a testing
of plaster in different mixtures
Figure 4: The materials used
METHODOLOGY
Survey method with the use of questionnaire through google forms was used for
data collection. Data collected was primary through a well-defined questionnaire. There
are two interview guides: one for the teachers and the other for the student
respondents. The questions in the interview guide for the teachers were prepared to find
out the respondent’s profile, the information they know about the waste disposal, the
type of tips and ways they used to mitigate them and the type of tools and equipment
they acquire. The questions asked to the students aimed to answer the same as the
teachers except for their profile. The researchers used quota sampling method to
achieve the exact number of respondents from different High Schools in Asturias, Cebu.
The teachers interview guide has 6 questions relevant to paper waste. The student’s
interview guide has 4 questions inquiring about the challenges mitigating wastes. The
researchers find and interview a prescribed number of people in each of the categories.
The student respondents were randomly picked and asked the same with the teacher.
Data generated from the survey interviews were used to generate information on how to
make use of waste paper and provide an experimental investigation whether it will be
used in developing a new way of making plastering concrete. All data gathered are
based on the answers from the interview, survey and meetings with the members who
take part in working and decision making in the scope of this research.
CHAPTER IV
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In this study, paper has been re-used in the form of pulp as the plastering
mortars agent together with cement. The recycling of paper waste in the building
material industry is an efficient solution with beneficial consequences for the
construction industry as well as for environmental protection and improvement,
contributing at the same time to the conservation of natural resources. In this context,
the study of the use of paper waste in order to obtain ecological plastering mortar is
presented.
1. DATA ANALYSIS:
The survey were answered by 11 students of Isler Superior High, Inc. 9 at Sta.
Rita National High School, 13 at Looc Norte National High School, and 17 at Sta. Lucia
National High School. A total of 50 students, and 50 teachers composed of 5 teachers
at Isler Superior High, Inc. 10 teachers at Sta. Rita National High School, 13 at Looc
Norte National High School, and 17 at Sta. Lucia National High School.
The questions and answers of the survey is shown in table 1:
Table 1: Questions and answers of the survey.
QUESTIONS
How many pieces of bond
paper, yellow, and
intermediate paper do you
use every single day?
CHOICES
10 – 20 pcs.
RESPONDENTS
STUDENTS
TEACHERS
50 %
40 %
20 – 40 pcs.
50 %
60 %
40 pcs. or more
0%
0%
10 – 20 pcs.
20 – 40 pcs.
100 %
0%
100 %
0%
40 pcs. or more
0%
0%
How many times can you
only reuse the bond paper,
yellow, and intermediate
paper?
Twice
Thrice
Four or more times
66. 7 %
33.3 %
0%
60 %
20 %
20 %
Is waste paper a threat to
Environmental problems?
YES
NO
100 %
0%
80 %
20 %
How many pieces of bond
paper, yellow, and
intermediate paper do you
throw every single day?
Where did the modules that
printed last school year
placed?
Where did the answer
sheets of the students be
placed?
In the garbage
Used for the next
school year
Others
In the garbage
Returned to the
owner
Others
TEACHERS
0%
80 %
20 %
TEACHERS
20 %
60 %
20 %
2. EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Within the scope of this experimental study, three cylindrical concrete specimens
of 4” x 8” have been prepared with its specific mixtures are mentioned in Table 2 in
which its size complies with ASTM and AASHTO requirements. The specimens were
cured and saturated in until the date of testing and tested under compression in order to
obtain 7 day compressive strength. The mix-design proportions of the constituent
materials by weight for each trial set labelled as 𝑆1 to 𝑆3 for which 𝑆3 correspond to the
control groups without paper and tabulated in Table 2.
Table 2. Specimen types and contents
SPECIMEN NO.
Sand (Cups)
1
2
3
0
6
13
CONTENTS
Cement (Cups)
Water (mL)
7
6
6½
800
530
400
Waste Paper
(cups)
14
6
0
Where:
𝑺𝟏 = 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝟏
𝑺𝟐 = 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝟐
𝑺𝟑 = 𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝟑
The set specimens, 𝑆1 − 𝑆3 were produced using the mixing proportions
presented in above to determine the compressive strength values for each testing set
(Figure 5).
Figure 5. Specimens ready for compressive strength test.
The compression experiments have been conducted by the testing machine
having a
capacity of 200kN in E.B Testing Center, Inc. (Materials Testing and Geotechnical
Engineering Laboratory). Eventually, the cylindrical concrete specimens have been
prepared and tested under compression (Figure 6).
Figure 6: Specimens prepared and tested under compression.
2.1. TEST RESULTS
The maximum compression force and the unit weight values obtained from each
series of specimens for which 𝑆1 − 𝑆3 corresponding to the testing set with cement as
binder.
The testing was carried by following the procedures and calculation method of
ASTM [21]. Calculation of the test results was done by applying the equations 1 and 2:
ƒcm =
4000𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑥
𝜋 𝐷2
(1)
Inch-pound unit:
ƒcm =
4𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑥
(2)
𝜋 𝐷2
Where,
ƒcm = compressive strength, MPa (psi)
𝑃𝑚𝑎𝑥 = maximum load, kN (lbf), and
D = average measured diameter, mm (in)
Specimen Types
Strength
(Mpa)
Strength
(psi)
7 Days
Mass
(kg)
𝑺𝟏
0.1
10
1.914
1.9
280
2.675
𝑺𝟐
𝑺𝟑
4.7
680
3.045
Table 3. Test Results of 𝑆1 − 𝑆3 specimens with cement content
Figure 7: Concrete Compressive Strength Test Results (ASTM C-39)
Unit Weight
𝑘𝑔⁄
𝑚3
1160
1845.45
1621.21
The experimental findings revealed that compressive strength values determined
from the specimens containing only cement and sand (𝑺𝟏) is higher than those prepared
with added paper (𝑺𝟏 − 𝑺𝟐) regardless of its paper contents quantity within the concrete
mixture. The 7 day compressive strength results derived from the strength values of the
specimens with cement, paper, and sand are found in table 3.
WATER ABSORPTION
Water absorption test was carried out for all mixtures and percentage water
absorption was measured. The percentage water absorption increased with increase in
waste paper pulp content. The lowest value of water absorption was found for concrete
mix without waste paper pulp content. In literature, similar results matched by the study
of Ritzzawaty and Naser, 2013 “When the amount of waste paper increase the water
absorption of the concrete mixes also increase”. Table 4 depicts the percentage water
absorption for all mixtures.
Water absorption formula:
𝑊𝑒𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 − 𝐷𝑟𝑦 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
Water absorption percentage formula:
𝑊𝑒𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 − 𝐷𝑟𝑦 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
× 100
𝐷𝑟𝑦 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
Specimen
No.
1
Paper
pulp
(%)
50
Dry Weight
of cylinder
(kg)
1.2999
Wet weight of
cylinder
(kg)
1.3498
Water
absorbed
(kg)
0.0499
Percentage
water
absorption (%)
3.84
2
25
1.5998
1.6375
0.0377
2.35
3
0
2.0997
2.1251
0.0254
1.21
Table 4. Water Absorption test result.
From the table above, the researchers found out that the plastering mortar with
paper pulp content is not advisable for external walls. In line with the study of (Akinwumi
et al, 2014) which states that “light weight concrete should not be used for external walls
and near ground walls because of its high water absorption capacity”.
FIRE RESISTANCE TEST
In this study, the 7-days cylindrical concrete specimen was burned through
equivalent cylindrical stove (sung agan) for almost 6 minutes as shown in the figure
below.
Figure 8: Cylindrical Concrete specimen during fire test.
Figure 9: Cylindrical Concrete specimen after fire test.
𝑺𝟏 and 𝑺𝟐 shows that there were no significant changes in the overall physical
appearance except for the changes in color due to smoke. Thus, adding paper pulp to
concrete mortar for plastering doesn’t concern fire safety. Similar test procedure for the
determination of thermal insulation property of papercrete was conducted by subjecting
each cubes to 1000 degrees Celsius for 5 minutes by Aciu et al, 2014. Also, according
the study of Gorgis et al, 2017, “papercrete have been reported to be cheap alternative
building material; to have good sound absorption and thermal insulation; to be a lightweighted and fire resistant material”.
3. DISCUSSION
The loss of strength was observed to be higher for the concrete mixtures
prepared with 50% paper pulp and 50% cement (𝑺𝟏) in comparison with the results
obtained from the tested specimens containing 25% paper pulp, 25% sand, and
50%cement (𝑺𝟐) and 50% cement and 50% sand (𝑺𝟑). The addition of paper pulp to
sand and cement instead of purely paper and cement has resulted with a significant
increase in the average 7-day compressive strength values. For the concrete
specimens with paper pulp ratio higher than 50%, the test results indicate that the loss
of strength is slightly changed with the increase in paper amount. The first set of test
specimen (𝑺𝟏) achieved the lowest compressive strength results as expected.
Failure modes and damage patterns of the specimens belonging to each set of
mix designs (𝑺𝟏 − 𝑺𝟑) under compression are shown in the Figure 10.
𝑺𝟏
𝑺𝟐
𝑺𝟑
Figure 10. Specimens after compressive strength test.
During the testing time of each specimen under compression, it was observed
that the series of specimens produced with purely cement and sand (𝑺𝟑) exhibited a
failure of mode where the damage was distributed over the total volume without losing
integration while reaching the peak compression load. Comparing the test results of the
samples that have varying amount of paper pulp, was noticed that the concrete mortar
exhibited a low compressive strength, which is compatible with the findings from the
previous studies (Fuller et. al, 2006) especially for the 𝑺𝟏 with 50% paper pulp and 50%
cement, the cylinder failed without disintegration before reaching the maximum load of 1
kN. On the other hand, 𝑺𝟐 with 25% paper pulp, 25% sand, and 50% cement, failed as it
reached the maximum load of 15.5 kN and lastly, 𝑺𝟑 with 50% cement and 50% sand,
failed as it reached the maximum load of 38.5 kN.
Evaluating the effect of waste paper use in plastering mortars, the test results
show that addition of paper in its mixture causes a significant reduction in compressive
strength values. The potential use of the concrete plastering mortars with recycled
paper as a lightweight construction material for infill walls is investigated in comparison
with the compressive strength and unit weight values of infill wall units that are mostly
used for buildings in general practice.
4. APPLICATION
Portland cement, sifted sand, papers and water was used. The study was
performed in three mortar recipes whose composition is shown in Table 5.
Table 5. CLASS A MIXTURE OF MORTAR RECIPE IN CUPS
RECIPE
CEMENT
SAND
WATER
WASTE PAPER
(CUP)
(CUP)
(CUP)
(CUP)
I
3
-
4
6
II
3
3
2
3
III
4½
9
2
-
𝑹𝟏
𝑹𝟐
𝑹𝟑
Figure 11: Plastering of mortar in Cement Hollow Block
𝑹𝟏
𝑹𝟐
𝑹𝟑
Figure 12: 108 days old plaster in Cement Hollow Blocks.
Where:
𝑹𝟏 = 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒆 𝟏
𝑹𝟐 = 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒆 𝟐
𝑹𝟑 = 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒆 𝟑
The researchers observed that after curing for long days, the 𝑹𝟐 is advisable to
use for plaster in internal walls with 25% paper content because it met the objectives of
this research which is economical. On the other hand 𝑹𝟏 is not advisable due to its high
water absorption.
5. COST COMPARISON BETWEEN TRADITIONAL AND WITH PAPER PULP
PLASTER
Cement in Bags
Mixture
Thickness of Plaster
Class
8 mm
12 mm
16 mm
20 mm
25 mm
A
.144
.216
.288
.360
.450
B
.096
.144
.192
.240
.300
C
.072
.108
.144
.180
.225
D
.060
.090
.120
.150
.188
Sand
.008
.012
.016
.020
.025
TABLE 6: Quantity of Cement and Sand for Plaster per Square Meter Area
TRADITIONAL PLASTER
1 sq. m (12 mm plaster) CLASS A
Cement: 1 x 0.216 = 0.216 bags x Php 250.00 = Php 54.00
Sand: 1 x 0.012 = 0.012 cu. m x Php 4,000.00 = Php 48.00
Php 102.00
WITH PAPER PULP PLASTER
Cement: 1 x 0.216 = 0.216 bags x Php 250.00 = Php 54.00
Sand: 0.5 x 0.012 = 0.006 cu. m x Php 4,000.00 = Php 24.00
Php 78.00
CHAPTER V
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, RECOMMENDATIONS
SUMMARY
An experimental study with the use waste paper procedures was conducted to
evaluate if using waste paper can be used as an additive of concrete ingredients.
Survey questionnaires were distributed to students and teachers to determine the
quantity of papers being subjected to garbage disposal or reused in other way. It shows
that the largest percentage of papers being used in schools were thrown to garbage
rather than recycling it.
Gathered data from survey were used as basis for recycling papers as additive to
concrete plastering mortars in order to maximize the use of waste papers as well as
producing the lightweight concrete without affecting the technical characteristics and
effects. ACI mix design method was used for the mix design process. Concrete
compressive strength was defined as the strength obtained from standard cylinders (4”x
8”) no admixtures for S3 and additives were use (paper pulp) for S1-S2. The concrete
compressive strength test (ASTM C-39) was performed in E.B Testing Center, Inc. to
determine and compare the results to the allowable strength provided by the ACI code.
The results shows that the increase of paper pulp content of the specimen
provides a slightly decrease of its compressive strength. Another series of test for
specimens has been conducted specifically water absorption and fire resistance test to
ensure the overall performance of the specimen in relation to the direct contact of
rainwater and sunlight if the plastering mortar will be applied to outer part of the
wall/building.The specimen with higher paper pulp content (S1) shows the highest water
absorption percentage compare to S2 which contains fewer paper pulp content. This
simply means that it is easier for the inter-fiber bonding of the cellulose fibers of paper
to get relax, thereby, absorbing more water. The exterior plaster is a protective layer
that helps prevent water of rain or other water sources from entering the building
through the walls, so the external plaster must be water resistant and low of
permeability.
CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of results obtained, following conclusions can be drawn:
1. Complete replacement of sand by waste paper showed roughly increase in
water absorption at 7 days thus affecting its compressive strength.
2. With increase in waste paper content, percentage water absorption increases.
3. With increase in waste paper content, average weight decreases thus making
waste paper concrete light weight.
4. Plastering with waste paper as constituent should not be utilized for external
walls and near-ground walls due to its high-water absorption capacity. If it has to be
used for external walls, the surface of the walls must be waterproof.
5. Use of waste paper in concrete can prove to be economical as it is non useful
waste and free of cost.
6. Use of waste paper in concrete will eradicate the disposal problem of waste
paper, reduce emission of harmful pollutants by cement manufacture industry into our
environment and thus prove to be environment friendly, paving way for greener
environment.
7. The use of paper pulp in concrete is not only for decreasing the environmental
pollution but also to decrease the cost of construction economically. This is the best way
to dispose the paper waste in an effective manner.
8. Fire resistance is good, because paper fibers are saturated with cement and
consequently, oxygen cannot penetrate the mass of the material to support burning. In a
fire, mortar will slowly turn black, but will not burn faster than traditional materials.
9. The results obtained in this study open the way to new recipes for the
manufacture of mortars and other building materials for which paper can be recycled
without affecting their technical characteristics that can even be improved.
10. The use of waste paper in concrete mortars as nonstructural lightweight wall
units in buildings will provide a good thermal insulation and increase the energy
performance of the building.
11. Comparing the results of 𝑆1 and 𝑆3, it shows that using paper pulp provides
lower compressive strength results but has a low-cost and lightweight plastering mortar.
Based on the findings of this study, it is therefore possible and beneficial using
waster paper as an additive for plastering mortars.
RECOMMENDATIONS
According to the studies and output previously, several suggestions for further
research work can be conducted to improve the integrity of the papercrete study, which
is summarized as follows:
1. In subsequent research, be more careful in the process of weighing and
mixing the concrete mixture so that there are no errors and loss of the concrete mixture
material.
2. With this research, it is expected that paper waste material can be an
alternative for added materials to concrete mixtures in the future.
3. This research is also expected to be used as a contribution to further research
for the added material for paper powder or other additives that can be used for concrete
mixtures.
4. In further research, a comparison of the addition of added material that has
been studied can be carried out with other comparisons so that we can determine the
certainty of the value of the change in the compressive strength of concrete with this
added material of paper powder.
5. It is necessary to do further research by testing the compressive strength of
concrete in 28 days which has not been carried out in this study.
6. Based on the results in this study, S2 is the recommended mixture in which its
compressive strength value is higher than that of S1 mixture.
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