Thesis (B.S.) -- Cagayan State University, 2024.
Includes bibliographical references.

This study investigates the impact of incorporating sawdust as a partial replacement for fine aggregates on the mechanical properties of concrete paver blocks. With the construction industry continuously seeking sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional materials, sawdust offers a promising solution. The research focuses on evaluating the compressive strength and water absorption of concrete paver blocks containing 5%, 10%, and 15% sawdust, compared to conventional paver blocks. Mechanical properties were tested after 14, 21, and 28 days of curing. ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests were conducted to analyze the statistical significance of the results. The findings reveal that higher sawdust content generally leads to lower compressive strength. Specifically, significant reductions in compressive strength were observed at 10% and 15% sawdust content across all curing periods. The 14-day compressive strength results indicated that 10% and 15% sawdust significantly reduced strength compared to the control, while 5% sawdust had an insignificant impact. At 21 days, the trend was more pronounced, with higher sawdust contents showing a substantial decrease in strength. By 28 days, even moderate sawdust content (10%) significantly reduced compressive strength. Additionally, water absorption tests indicated that paver blocks with higher sawdust content exhibited increased water retention, which could impact durability. The findings reveal that higher sawdust content generally leads to lower compressive strength, highlighting the necessity of optimizing sawdust proportions to balance environmental benefits and structural performance. This study contributes to sustainable construction practices by demonstrating the feasibility of using sawdust waste in concrete production, potentially reducing material costs and environmental impact.

Keywords: Mechanical Properties, Sawdust, Paver Blocks, Fine aggregates, DPWH.