Physical and mechanical property characterization of lightweight concrete block utilizing recycled cork as partial aggregate replacement / April Maan S. Alde, Vic Daniel B. Alquiza,Jeff Micole G. Francisco, Ryan Anvil L. Loyola, Vincent Alghigo P. Quizon, and Aubrey Joi C. Sorra .--

Bachelor's thesis

College of Engineering .-- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering; Technological University of the Philippines, 2024.

Includes bibliographic references and index.

Frequently discarded cork is used to make shoe insoles and wine bottle seals. The Philippines is one of the major importers of natural corks from Portugal. Although not dangerous by nature it might be useful in construction. To support sustainability and innovation in civil engineering this study attempts to assess the mechanical and physical properties of cork as a partial aggregate replacement in concrete blocks. Three mixtures with different sand-cork ratios and curing durations were tested. Before being molded into blocks the cork was processed and combined with sand and cement. To evaluate these blocks performance mechanical and physical tests were conducted. According to the findings of the study, the utilization of ground cork as a partial replacement for sand results in a decrease in thermal conductivity, moisture content, density, and in terms of mechanical properties 10% replacement of fine aggregates obtained the highest compressive strength compared to 20% and 30% replacement. The results are 2.187 MPa, 4.180 MPa, and 4.976 MPA at 7, 14, and 28 days, respectively, and an increase in water absorption, based on the volume of cork. It also has a high resistance to fire, since the cork concrete maintains its cellular structure, which allows the specimen to withstand high temperatures. Future researchers may evaluate and test cork concretes acoustic properties in greater detail and consider its potential as a soundproofing material and consider how the cork sizes and shapes affect the concretes mechanical and physical properties. Performance may also be enhanced by optimizing the mix design by considering elements like the water-to-cement ratio and curing conditions. Through investigating these domains future researchers can further unleash corks potential as an inventive and sustainable building material.

Keywords: cork, concrete, sustainability, mechanical & physical properties, aggregate