The Effectiveness of Sustainable Construction Materials by Using U-Shaped Composite Spacer Block (UCop)​

Abstract

Nowadays in construction development, the needs of construction materials that have a unique reinforced concrete design with good quality, reasonable market price, and easy installation techniques has been prioritized. Therefore, this study aimed to produce an alternative new construction material that can fulfill the requirements. The U-shaped composite spacer block (UCop) through the production of Cement Bonded Particle Board (CBPB) as a specimen block was produced from the wood waste of carpentry work combined with Shorea spp. (Seraya red and white) particle size approximately 0.4mm - 2.00 mm. Then it was mixed together with Portland cement by using a ratio 1:2.5. The mixture was then added with Ammonia Chloride (Al2SO4) and Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) act as additives for this product. The physical and mechanical tests were conducted in this study. The results were showed that the thickness expansion was achieved an average of 1.79 %, which was passed the minimum requirement of MS934:1986 standards. However, the flexural strength did not meet the minimum standards. The poor mixing technique was attributed to the results. However, UCop still could contribute as an alternative solution in ease the concrete pouring process using a special binder, giving the spacer block any resistance to formwork of columns or beams is filled with concrete. The high-impact innovations of this product in construction such as it can help the process to be more efficient and to reduce construction costs, next indirectly preserve the nature.