STM217_GROUP3-final

Research Overview: The study focuses on using potato (Solanum tuberosum) and carrot (Daucus carota) peels as additives to enhance the properties of unfired mud bricks.
Purpose: To determine if these organic materials can improve the compressive strength and water resistance of conventional mud bricks, which are commonly used in construction, particularly in areas with hot, dry climates.
Relevance: Mud bricks, while low-cost and environmentally friendly, are susceptible to extreme weather conditions, leading to structural weaknesses. This study aims to address these weaknesses.

Historical Context: Mud bricks have been used for thousands of years in construction, primarily in regions with limited resources. They are made from locally sourced natural materials and are low-cost alternatives to modern building materials.
Challenges: Despite their benefits, mud bricks have low tensile strength and are brittle, which can lead to significant failures during natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods (Afzali et al., 2017).

Main Aim: To experimentally investigate the effectiveness of potato and carrot peels as enhancement additives in unfired mud bricks.
Specific Goals:
- To assess how the modified bricks perform in terms of compressive strength and water absorption compared to traditional mud bricks.
- To conduct compressive strength and water absorption tests to establish the performance standards of the modified bricks.

Variables:
- Independent Variables: Mud bricks with varying percentages of potato and carrot peel additives (0.5%, 2.5%, and 4.5%).
- Dependent Variables: Physical properties of the bricks, specifically compressive strength (target mean of at least 3.5 MPa) and water absorption (should not exceed 20%).
- Mediating Variables: Quantity and distribution of additives, curing conditions, and soil composition.

How do the new mud bricks with peels perform in compressive strength and water absorption tests?
What is the standard average compressive strength for various treatments with natural additives?
Is there a significant difference in compressive strength between groups?
How do properties of mud bricks with enhancement additives compare to traditional bricks?

Null Hypotheses:
- There is no significant change in compressive strength or water absorption due to the introduction of potato and carrot peels.
- The properties of the bricks with enhancement additives are not significantly different from those of traditional mud bricks.

Focus: The study specifically explores the compressive strength and water resistance of unfired mud bricks with potato and carrot peel additives. It does not address other physical aspects such as shape or size.
Materials: Only focused on the impact of the selected organic additives and does not consider other potential materials.
Testing Limitations: Confined to two key tests (compressive strength and water absorption).

Target Beneficiaries:
- Contractors: Ensures higher quality materials for construction projects.
- Engineers and Architects: Provides sustainable options while maintaining budgetary constraints.
- Students and Future Researchers: Serves as a reference for similar studies and promotes innovation in sustainable building materials.
Environmental Impact: Utilizing agricultural waste reduces environmental footprints and promotes sustainable practices in construction.

Potato Peels: Rich in starch, serve as a binding agent in the brick-making process, enhancing mechanical strengths.
Carrot Peels: Contain cellulose, which improves compressive strength and reduces cracking due to hydration.
Mud Brick: A cost-effective building material that can be enhanced with organic additives to improve strength and durability.
Additives: Ingredients added to improve the properties of a base material such as mud bricks.

The literature review will encompass existing knowledge regarding the properties of mud bricks, the effects of various additives, and relevant studies exploring sustainable construction materials. It will highlight past findings that support the integration of natural additives in improving mud brick performance.