“Hallow Blocks: Manufacturing Recycled Bottles

To Make an Eco-Friendly Blocks”

CHAPTER 1

The Problem

INTRODUCTION

“You can’t build a great building on a weak foundation. You

must have a solid foundation if you’re going to have a strong

superstructure” – Gerdon B. Hinckley. One of our society’s major

problems is the lack of a stronghold in their houses as a result

of the usage of a weak foundations and materials. This study

focuses on the proper use of Recycled Bottles to Make an

EcoFriendly Blocks. A study centering on the geared towards using

Eco-Friendly blocks in making building or in construction, a

useful method to lessen the huge amount of scattered plastic

bottles in our society. Burying and discarding are the common

method used by people for disposing of the used plastic bottles

or any plastic wastes. The researchers focuses to the right waste

management that will enhance the materials flows where there is

an improvement and growing result of this study and will be

regarded as an upgraded valuable resources. In addition, using

plastic bottles as a mixture in making hallow-blocks can be a big

help to enhance block’s solidity and toughness.

The vision of the study is also to have affordable

ecofriendly blocks and by this study it will make a big

difference when it comes on lessening the greenhouse pollution

due to inaccurate waste disposal. Since plastic bottles are

polymers comprised of long string molecules consists of carbon

atoms coupled with other elements like hydrogen, nitrogen and

other atoms, they cannot be readily crush or damage as a binding

material or aggregate. The usage of such plastic bottles helps

decrease the amount of plastic bottles thrown in the society

especially at the iConnect Global Institute, Inc. When plastic

bottles are used to make building materials, the amount of new

materials production required is reduced. This decreases the

overall environmental burden of plastic manufacturing.

Recycled bottles are able to make hallow-blocks that are as

strong and long lasting as the commercial hallow-blocks. With

correct processing and procedures, recycled bottles can be

processed and combined to form a durable building material. This

substantially reduces the negative effect of conservation but

also provides low-cost alternative traditional construction

materials. The researchers observed that the students of iConnect

Global Institute, Inc. loved to drink bottled softdrinks, that is

why the researchers came up to this study, and also to reduce the

amount level of pollution in theenvironment and at the iConnect

Global Institute, Inc.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study entitled “Hallow-Blocks: Manufacturing Recycled

Bottles to Make an Eco-Friendly Blocks” sought to answer the

following questions:

1.How does the use of recycled bottles to be manufactured as

hallow-blocks can reduce plastic bottles at iConnect Global

Institute, Inc.?

2.Is there a difference in the amount of water absorbed by

commercial than the recycled hallow-blocks?

3.Does the use of recycled plastic bottles as hollow blocks

can help to make the construction industry more sustainable and
environmentally friendly?

4.Are the hallow-blocks manufactured from recycled bottles

are as strong and durable as traditional blocks?

Objectives of the Study

This study entitled “Hallow-Blocks: Manufacturing Recycled

Bottles to Make an Eco-Friendly Blocks” aimed to determine the

use of plastic bottles in making eco-friendly hallow-blocks, this

study aimed to:

 1. To find out the use of recycled bottles for the

manufacture of hallow-blocks reduces plastic bottles at

iConnect Global Institute, Inc.

2.Determine the difference in the amount of water absorbed by

the commercial than the recycled hallow-blocks.

3. Determine the use of recycled bottles for the manufacture

of hallow-blocks helps to make the construction industry

more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

4.To find out the hallow-blocks manufactured from recycled

bottles as strong and durable as the commercial blocks.

Significance of the Study

The result of this study would be beneficial to the following:

Community. The community will use this as a new product which

contains recycled materials with good durability and strength

that will help them to build a strong and tough buildings or

houses.

Environment. It will have a good impact to our environment

because by this study it will lessen the pollution of the

scattered bottles and it consumes less energy than manufacturing

recycled bottles materials to a raw resource.

 Future Researchers. It will serve this as their guide or

references to their study that also talks about recycling

materials to valuable resources.

Scope and Limitations

This study entitled “Hallow-Blocks: Manufacturing Recycled

Plastic Bottles to Make an Eco-Friendly Blocks” focuses on the

usage of recycling plastic bottles to make a durable and long

lasting eco-friendly blocks. It also includes on lessening the

pollution of the scattered plastic bottles in the environment

and especially at iConnect Global Institute, Inc. School Year

2024-2025.
 CHAPTER 2

INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

This chapter presents the review of related literatures and

the studies from published articles and journals, the

theoretical framework, conceptual framework, the hypothesis of

the study, and the definitions of terms that will help the

researchers to deepen their study.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES

USE OF RECYCLED BOTTLE AS HOLLOW BLOCKS

According to (Lamba, P.,et. al 2022) study looks into the

usage of plastic bottles in concrete blocks and compares their

compressive strength to local concrete blocks. The results

demonstrate a 57% difference in strength when compared to local

blocks, indicating the need for additional research on concrete

mix design, cement amount, characteristics, and other technical

and non-technical variables to identify the right mix design and

practicality in the production business. To add with this (Lamba,

P., et. al 2021) The increasing plastic production and waste has

led scientists to explore sustainable ways to recycle plastic

waste. Construction material, converting waste plastic into fuel,

household goods, fabric, and clothing, has become a viable option.

Modifying construction materials with plastic waste reduces

landfill waste and mined materials, reducing environmental impact.

This paper reviews the use of plastic waste in construction

materials like bricks, tiles, concrete, and roads, discussing its

impact on strength, water absorption and durability.

However, the increasing environmental awareness has led to

concerns about the disposal of plastic and rubber waste, causing

landfill problems. Scholars have been actively addressing this

issue, with initiatives focusing on recycling waste plastic and

rubber as sustainable aggregate in concrete. This study uses a

scientometric analysis and literature review to evaluate the

effects of recycled plastic and rubber on concrete properties,

durability, functional, and microstructural properties. While it

has limitations, it suggests using recycled waste plastic and

rubber in construction for lightweight, thermal, and

soundinsulating composites (Alyousef, R.,et. al 2021). This

technically agreed upon our research because (Del Rey Castillo,

E., 2020) stated that the use of plastic waste-made artificial

aggregate in lightweight concrete revealed that increasing the

amount of artificial aggregate decreased the slump and density of

the concrete. The optimal mix, which replaced 15% of natural

aggregate, had a higher compressive strength of 20 MPa at 28

days. The study suggests that this concrete mix can be used for

various applications, including non-structural facades and sound

barriers for highways. However, further research is needed to

investigate the durability of the concrete with artificial

aggregate, especially in areas subjected to wear and tear.

WATER ABSORPTION COMPARISON

Alsayed, S. H., & Haque, M. N. (2021) conducted an

experimental study to evaluate the performance of hollow concrete

blocks containing recycled PET plastic fibers. Their research

focused on assessing the water absorption

characteristics of these blocks, comparing them to conventional

blocks without recycled fibers. Similarly, (Mirza, J., et. al

2020) explored the water absorption properties of concrete hollow

blocks incorporating PET and HDPE plastic waste fibers, aiming to

understand how different types of recycled fibers

influence water absorption.

(Patel, V., et. al 2019) investigated the water absorption

behavior of concrete hollow blocks incorporating recycled plastic

fibers, analyzing the impact of varying fiber content on water

absorption rates. (Raheem, A. K., et. al 2018) studied the effect

of plastic waste fibers on the water absorption properties of

concrete blocks, focusing on the interaction between fiber

content and water absorption. Additionally, (Selvaraj, D., et. al

2017) examined the water absorption characteristics of concrete

blocks with plastic waste fibers, comparing different fiber types

and concentrations to understand their influence on water

absorption.

PLASTIC BLOCK SUSTAINABILITY

Enshassi, A., et. al (2019) provided a comprehensive review

of the environmental and economic benefits associated with using

recycled plastic in concrete hollow blocks. Their review

synthesized existing literature to highlight the advantages of

incorporating recycled plastic materials in construction, such as

reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable

practices. Similarly, (Lee, J. H., et. al 2018) reviewed the

sustainable development of construction materials using recycled

plastic, emphasizing the potential of recycled plastic to address

environmental challenges and contribute to sustainable

construction initiatives.

Furthermore, (Pacheco-Torgal, F., et. al. 2019) conducted a

review focusing on the carbon footprint of recycled aggregate

concrete, discussing how the use of recycled materials, including

plastic, can mitigate carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly

construction practices. (Sang, L., et. al 2019) provided a

comprehensive review on the mechanical properties of sustainable

concrete using waste materials, including recycled plastic,

highlighting the role of recycled materials in enhancing the

performance and durability of concrete. Additionally, (Vaidya,

A., et. al 2018) conducted a comprehensive review on the use of

waste materials in concrete for sustainable construction,

emphasizing the importance of incorporating recycled plastic to

reduce waste generation and promote resource efficiency in

construction projects.

STRENGHT OF RECYCLED BLOCKS

Guo, S., et. al (2018) investigated the mechanical

properties of concrete hollow blocks containing recycled plastic

fibers, focusing on factors such as fiber content and

distribution within the blocks. (Jayaprakash, R., et. al 2019)
conducted experimental tests to evaluate the strength
characteristics of hollow concrete blocks containing recycled
plastic fibers, analyzing the impact of fiber reinforcement on
compressive strength and flexural performance. (Mane, P., et. al
2020) conducted an experimental study to assess the strength
properties of concrete blocks using recycled plastic fibers as
reinforcement, examining the influence of fiber type and aspect
ratio on the mechanical behavior of the blocks.

Similarly, (Menon, D., et. al 2018) investigated the

strength and durability aspects of concrete hollow blocks with

recycled plastic fibers, analyzing the long-term performance of

these blocks under various loading conditions and environmental

exposures. Additionally, (Priyanka, B., et. al 2017) studied the

effect of recycled plastic fibers on the compressive strength of

concrete hollow blocks, focusing on the role of fiber morphology

and bonding characteristics in enhancing block strength and

durability.
Figure 1: THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK OF THE STUDY
This Theoretical Framework presents the theories that will help

the researchers deepen their understanding about their

study.

Theoretical Framework
The concrete block, also known as a hollow block, is a building

material made from construction for building walls, portions, and

other structural elements. There are two main theores about the

concrete block:

1. Solid Block Theory: This theory suggest that concrete

blocks should be solid, without any voids or hollow spaces

with them. Propenents of this theory argue that solid

blocks provide greater strength and durability, as they are

less susceptible to damage from moisture, pests, and other

factors. Solid blocks are often used in load-bearing walls

and other structural applications where strength and

durability are paramount.

2. Hollow Block Theory; The hollow block theory proposes that

concrete blocks should have hollow cores or voids within

them. This allow for better thermaland acoustic insulation

and cost-effectiveness are more important than strenght and

durability. Proponents of the hollow block theory argue

that the use of hollow blocks can help reduce the overall

cost
The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) suggests that an

individual's conduct is dictated by their intention to carry out

the behavior, which is affected by three elements: (1) Attitude,

which is shaped by beliefs about the results of the behavior and

the assessment of these results; (2) Subjective norms, which

comprises beliefs about the opinions of significant others

regarding the behavior and the individual's a reason to adhere to

these views; and (3) Perceived Behavioral Control, which

comprises beliefs about the existence of elements that may help

or hinder the behavior and the person's confidence in their

capacity to overcome these elements.

Figure 2. Conceptual Framework of the Study
 This conceptual framework follows the system approach model

of the Input Process-Output (IPO) as shown in Figure 2. The IPO

model serves as guide in the development and direction of the

study. This model identifies the inputs, outputs, and processing

tasks required to transform input into outputs.

INPUT. The input involves collecting recycled plastic

bottles from recycling centers, using manufacturing equipment and

materials, acquiring technical expertise, implementing quality

control measures, and adhering to environmental

regulations to convert them into eco-friendly blocks.

PROCESS. The process of Recycled plastic bottles will

undergo sorting, cleaning, slicing, melting, molding, cooling,

solidifying, quality control testing, and packaging before being

used in construction projects. These eco-friendly blocks are then

packaged and distributed for construction projects, ensuring

structural integrity, strength, and durability.

OUTPUT: Eco-friendly Hollow Blocks, made from recycled

plastic bottles, are durable and contribute to reducing plastic

waste, while also fostering community engagement in recycling

initiatives.

HYPOTHESIS

There is no significant difference in the structural

integrity, strength, and durability of hollow blocks manufactured

using recycled plastic bottles compared to traditional blocks

made from conventional materials.

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

Plastic Bottles - containers made of plastic material that are

used to hold various liquids, including food liquids, household

liquids, and professional liquids.

Eco- Friendly Blocks - A sustainable substitute for construction

materials.

Waste Management - activities that include collecting,

destroying, and disposing of waste.

Green house Pollution - gases in the earth's atmosphere that trap

heat.

Environment - consists of the organization and its stakeholders,

social networks, the local community, and society.

iConnect Globe Institute Inc. - an organized institution that

provides education and instruction to students.

Students - person formally engaged in learning, especially one

enrolled in iConnect Global Institute Inc.

Recycling - the process of collecting and processing materials

that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them

into new products.

Manufactured - produce on a large scale using machinery.

Hollow blocks - a block made of concrete that has hollow spaces

between its walls.

CHAPTER 3
This chapter presents the overall research design and

Methodology used in the study. It discussed the research design,

research setting, research instrument, data gathering procedure

and method of analysis.

Research Design

The research design used in this experiment is experimental

design. Using an experimental design to evaluate the

effectiveness of making hollow blocks out of recycled plastic

bottles can provide valuable insights into the impact of the

intervention in real-world settings, while also considering

preexisting differences between groups.

In this study, the researchers will use experimental

research design because it enables researchers to systematically

investigate the feasibility and efficacy of manufacturing

ecofriendly hollow blocks from recycled plastic bottles, yielding

strong and reliable findings that contribute to the advancement

of knowledge in sustainable construction practices.

RESEARCH SETTING

This study will predominately take place around the premises

of iConnect Global Institute to collect plastic

bottles.

Sample Technique

The sampling technique that the researchers will be using in

this study is convenience sampling, it involves selecting

recycled plastic bottles readily available from accessible

sources. While convenience sampling has its limitations, such as

potential sampling bias and limited generalizability, it can

still serve as a useful starting point for this study on

manufacturing eco-friendly blocks from recycled plastic bottles.

It provides a pragmatic approach to sample selection,

particularly when resources and time are constrained, and can

help kick start your investigation into this innovative and

sustainable manufacturing process.

Method and Procedures

Using recycled bottles to make eco-friendly blocks is a

creative and sustainable way to repurpose waste materials. Here

are the methods and procedures that the researcher will do: (1)

Collect and sort plastic bottles around at iConnect Global

Institute Inc. (2) Cutting the bottles (3) Preparing the mixture
(4) Adding Recycled Bottles (5) Molding the blocks (6) Curing

and drying (7) Finishing touches (8) Testing and implementation.

By following these methods and procedures, the researchers

can effectively utilize recycled bottles to create eco-friendly

blocks that contribute to environmental conservation and

sustainable living.

Data Management and Analysis

Develop a data-driven approach formulating the cement

mixture by incorporating the properties of the recycled bottles.

The size, color, and material composition of the bottles will be

among the details the researchers will collect. A thorough

procedure of data management and analysis is required when using

recycled bottles to create environmentally friendly blocks in

order to guarantee the project's efficacy and sustainability.

Analyze the recycled bottles' strength, durability, and

appropriateness for block manufacture by conducting material

testing on them.

Determine the sustainability benefits of the eco-friendly

blocks by analyzing data on energy consumption and waste

reduction. The researchers may also conduct a cost analysis to

see how much more producing recycled bottles costs than using

traditional methods. Through efficient data management and

analysis throughout the creation of environmentally friendly

blocks utilizing recycled bottles, the researchers are able to

optimize production processes, make well-informed decisions, and

encourage sustainable practices in the construction industry.

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Alyousef, R., Ahmad, W., Ahmad, A., Aslam, F., Joyklad, P., &

Alabduljabbar, H. (2021)

Potential use of recycled plastic and rubber aggregate in

cementitious materials for sustainable construction: A review.

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Light-weight concrete with artificial aggregate manufactured

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