Youth Venture

April 23, 2009 - 11:24am — epine99

VENTURE: Palm Fronds Cement Blocks

VENTURE: Palm Fronds Cement Blocks

by: Charles Tsai

Mark Gersava, 24, Philippines - Palm fronds is a waste product came from Palm Oil Plants, the increase of this waste residue was just thrown away and burned to decrease its amount.

In search for an alternative that would answer the environmental problems caused by Palm Fronds burning and arrest the rising cost of construction materials, I with my adviser came up with a research on Palm Fronds Cement Bonded Blocks on October 2007. This technology utilizes Palm Fronds as substitute for sand in making construction blocks.

To help answer these problems, the Palm Frond Cement Bonded Blocks will be introduced to the residents of the province and train them on the skills needed in the fabrication of the said blocks and educate the residents on the environmental and health hazards caused by improper burning of this agricultural residue.

The Palm Fronds Cement Bonded Blocks was tested using the Universal Testing Machine conducted at the Department of Public Works and Highways. Results show that the bonded blocks passed the requirements set by the American Cement Institute.

The use of this agricultural residue in the construction Industry would be useful in reducing environmental problems and financial cost in housing.

Goals:

* To educate residents on health and environmental hazards caused by improper palm fronds burning
* To train participants on skills needed in making palm fronds blocks
* To create business opportunities around agricultural wastes
* To educate community on current environmental issues

originally posted at: http://genvcampaigns.org/2009/04/12/venture-palm-fronds-cement-blocks/