Authors : Vivian D. Arnaiz; Randy C. Mangubat; Sarah Jane P. Oclinaria; Jessabel I. Berdon; Romeo D. Dandan; Raymond C. Espina

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2n4d4zbv

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3uawjzmu

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr2448

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : This study investigates the structural viability of innovative, eco-friendly paving bricks formulated from dried mangrove leaves and alluvial silt, aiming to advance sustainable construction and local resource management. Utilizing a quantitative, experimental research design, the study was conducted between January and December 2025 at a state university in Cebu and a specialized processing site in Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines. Four prototype mixes were developed by integrating mangrove ash and air-dried alluvial silt with Portland cement and sand. A total of 16 specimens underwent a standard 28-day curing process before being subjected to Compressive Strength Tests (CST) via a Universal Testing Machine. Additionally, a survey of 30 educators and senior students in Civil Technology and Engineering was conducted to evaluate the ecological impact and feasibility of the material. The findings indicate high technical and environmental endorsement, with stakeholder ratings achieving an overall weighted mean between 3.14 and 3.34. Laboratory results successfully established a proof-of-concept; notably, Test Mix 3 reached a peak compressive strength of 18.73 MPa, exceeding the industry standard of 17 MPa. Furthermore, Test Mix 4 demonstrated superior engineering predictability and consistent strength throughout the curing phase. Statistical analysis revealed a strong positive Pearson correlation (r = 0.703), confirming that the mangrove-silt content serves as an effective strengthening agent. The study concludes that this composite is a structurally viable material for green infrastructure, proving that organic coastal residues can be successfully repurposed into high-performance technical components for sustainable development.

Keywords : Paving Bricks, Dried Mangrove Leaves, Alluvial Silt, Sustainable Development, Compressive Strength, Waste Utilization.

References :

1. Baloch, Q. B., Shah, S. N., Iqbal, N., Sheeraz, M., Asadullah, M., Mahar, S., & Khan, A. U. (2022). Impact of tourism development upon environmental sustainability: a suggested framework for sustainable ecotourism. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(3), 5917–5930. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362807880_Impact_of_tourism_development_upon_environmental_sustainability_a_suggested_framework_for_sustainable_ecotourism
2. CHED Memorandum Order No. 20, s. 2013 Commission on Higher Education (CHED). (2013). CHED Memorandum Order No. 20, s. 2013: National Higher Education Research Agenda 2 (NHERA-2). https://ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/CMO-No.20-s2013.pdf
3. Chen, L., Yang, M., Chen, Z., Xie, Z., Huang, L., Osman, A. I., Farghali, M., Sandanayake, M., Liu, E., Ahn, Y. H., Al-Muhtaseb, A. H., Rooney, D. W., & Yap, P.-S. (2024). Conversion of waste into sustainable construction materials: a review of recent developments and prospects. Materials Today Sustainability, 27, Article 100930. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtsust.2024.100930
4. Davidson, J. (2023). Mud, dung, banana fiber: Why are natural building materials making a comeback. Columbia Magazine.
5. Dwivedi, Y. K., Hughes, L., Kar, A. K., Baabdulla, A. M., Grover, P., Abbas, R., Andreini, D., Abumoghli, I., Barlette, Y., Bunker, D., Kruse, L. C., Constantiou, I., Davison, R. M., De', R., Dubey, R., Fenby-Taylor, H., Gupta, B., He, W., Kodama, M., ... Wade, M. (2022). Climate Change and COP26: Are Digital Technologies and Information Management Part of the Problem or the Solution? An Editorial Reflection and Call to Action. International Journal of Information Management, 63, Article 102456. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2021.102456
6. Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003) Congress of the Philippines. (2001). Republic Act No. 9003: Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2001/01/26/republic-act-no-9003/
7. Elena Mezentseva , Malika Baysaeva , & Nurulla Fayzullaev (2024). THE IMPACT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ON ECONOMIC GROWTH: BALANCING ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC FACTORS. Reliability: Theory & Applications, 19 (SI 6 (81)), 1269-1274. doi: 10.24412/1932-2321-2024-681-1269-1274.
8. Franesqui, M. A., Yepes, J., & Valencia-Díaz, S. (2024). Sustainable Pavement Construction in Sensitive Environments: Low-Energy Asphalt with Local Waste Materials and Geomaterials. Buildings, 14(2), 530. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378269100_Sustainable_Pavement_Construction_in_Sensitive_Environments_Low-Energy_Asphalt_with_Local_Waste_Materials_and_Geomaterials
9. Griefahn, N. S. (2022). Cradle to Cradle: Why we need to rethink the way we produce. Journal of Business Chemistry, 19(3). https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=1034358
10. Hoy, M., Horpibulsuk, S., Chinkulkijniwat, A., Suddeepong, A., Buritatum, A., Yaowarat, T., Choenklang, P., Udomchai, A., & Kantatham, K. (2024). Innovations in recycled construction materials: Paving the way towards sustainable road infrastructure. Frontiers in Built Environment, 10. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391076501_Innovations_in_recycled_construction_materials_paving_the_way_towards_sustainable_road_infrastructure
11. Huber, J., & Mol, A. P. J. (1985). On ecological modernization: Environmental reform in modern societies. Environmental Politics, 12(1), 41-66.
12. Kadam, P. P., Maske, M. M., & Patil, S. N. (2024). Development of eco-friendly paving blocks using waste plastic and construction demolition waste. AIP Conference Proceedings, 3111(1), 040009. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382541284_Development_of_eco-friendly_paving_blocks_using_waste_plastic_and_construction_demolition_waste
13. Manlapas, G. O. (2016). Coco Coir Fiber in Aggregates of Concrete Hollow Blocks (CHB). Imperial Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 2(10). Mohajan, H. K. (2021). Cradle to Cradle is a sustainable economic policy for the better future. Annals of Spiru Haret University. Economic Series, 21(4), 569–582. https://scispace.com/papers/coco-coir-fiber-in-aggregates-of-concrete-hollow-blocks-chb-5ddgs6fgj2
14. Mol, A. P. J. (2001). Globalization and environmental reform: The ecological modernization of the global economy. MIT Press.
15. Pavegen. (2024, April 12). Pavegen and World Future Energy Summit Announce Mangrove Planting Drive to Support UAE’s 2030 Goal. Pavegen Press Release. https://www.pavegen.com/world_future_energy_summit_press_release
16. Reuters. (2025, February 17). The dangers of ditching Europe’s Green Deal. https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/comment-dangers-ditching-europes-green-deal-2025-02-17/
17. The Guardian. (2025, February 26). EU climate goals and clean industrial deal.
18. UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda
19. V Perricone, M Mutalipassi, A Mele, M Buono, D Vicinanza, P Contestabile, Nature-based and bioinspired solutions for coastal protection: an overview among key ecosystems and a promising pathway for new functional and sustainable designs, ICES Journal of Marine Science, Volume 80, Issue 5, July 2023, Pages 1218–1239, https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsad080
20. Winterwerp, J. C., Erftemeijer, P. L. A., Suryadiputra, N., Van Eijk, P., & Zhang, L. (2020). Managing erosion of mangrove-mud coasts with permeable dams—lessons learned. Ecological Engineering, 158, 106078.
21. Zahedi, S. (2019). Sustainable Development Theory: A Critical Perspective and an Integrative Model. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development. https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:214320115