Improvement of Paving Block Quality Using Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) Based on Renewable Energy in MSMEs in Seuneubok Punteut Village defry basrin (a), Irwansyah (a*), Muhammad Amin (b) Haikal Fajri (a), Ipak neneng MB (a) wan alamsyah (a) Iqbal (c)
(a) Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Sains and Technology, Universitas Samudra, 24415 Langsa City, Indonesia.
(b) Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Sains and Technology, Universitas Samudra, 24415 Langsa City, Indonesia.
(c) Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cut Nyak Dhien Sains University, 2435 Langsa City, Indonesia
Abstract
Seuneubok Punteut Village, located in Peudawa District, East Aceh Regency, has a significant paving block processing center that contributes to local economic development. However, one of the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in this village still relies on conventional production methods, which adversely affect the quality of the paving blocks produced. Testing results indicate that the quality of the paving blocks only reaches 10-15 Mpa, categorized as Class C according to SNI, which indicates low durability. This type of paving block is only suitable for non-structural construction components. The main factors contributing to this low quality include the manual mixing process conducted with a shovel on the ground, leading to inconsistencies in the mixture. Additionally, the manual compaction without adequate equipment also contributes to suboptimal results. Non-compliance with job mix design procedures results in inconsistent material mixtures, thereby lowering the final product quality. This research aims to identify and address these issues by proposing the use of palm kernel ash as an additive. Palm kernel ash, a waste product from the combustion of palm kernel shells at high temperatures (700-800Celcius), has the potential to enhance the mechanical properties of paving blocks and bricks. By incorporating palm kernel ash into the mixture, it is expected that the product quality can be improved to meet the required standards for various construction applications. This research is anticipated to serve as a model for the development of material processing industries in other regions facing similar challenges.
Keywords: Improvement of Paving Block Quality, Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA), Renewable Energy, Seuneubok Punteut Village
