Enhancement of the compressive strength of concrete paving blocks with pulverized tilapia fish scale as mineral filler/ Naomi Elyza S. Alcala, Geo B. Cayagaya, Aejean G. Ponting, Jay Mark V. Suarez, and Justin Paul E. Valenzuela.--

Bachelor's Thesis

College of Industrial Technology.-- Bachelor of engineering technology major in construction technology: Technological University of the Philippines. 2024.

Includes bibliographic references and index.

In the Philippines, tilapia is the second most important fish raised. Fish scales are
frequently viewed as abandoned garbage from the aquaculture sector, which presents
significant problems with material waste and environmental harm. Tilapia fish scales are
primarily composed of calcium carbonate, which has the structure of calcium
hydroxyapatite and adds to the compressive strength of the building material. Research
suggests that tilapia fish scales may benefit concrete mixtures, particularly concrete paving
blocks, voids, and compressive strength. This study investigates the use of pulverized
Tilapia fish scales as a mineral filler to improve the compressive strength of concrete
paving blocks. Pulverized Tilapia fish scales were used to make concrete paving blocks
with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. The cement-sand-aggregates ratio is 1:1.5:1:5 with
water-cement ratio of 0.30 while 0.31 for 0% pulverized Tilapia fish scales. The blocks
underwent a 28-day curing process. All necessary specifications and standard tests methods
followed the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), including ASTM C936
for target compressive strength and water absorption by using ASTM C140 as standard test
method. Based on water absorption test results, mix 2 has the lowest with 8.93%. Based on
compressive strength test results, mix 1 has the highest with 56.84 MPa. Using the TUP
Instrument Evaluation Form, thirty (30) respondents including engineers, architects, and
other professionals in the construction industry assessed the developed prototype. The
evaluation received a descriptive score of "Very Acceptable" and an overall mean of 4.22.