Professional paper

https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2023.054

Characterisation of Taal Volcanic Ash as a Potential Raw Material for the Construction Industry

Michael S. Lagmay orcid.org/0009-0004-0913-7035 ; Standards and Testing Division, Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Philippines *
Admer Rey C. Dablio orcid.org/0009-0000-7666-9737 ; Standards and Testing Division, Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Philippines
Elyson Keith P. Encarnacion ; Standards and Testing Division, Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Philippines
Ruth L. Damian ; Standards and Testing Division, Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Philippines
Emma D. Tayag ; Standards and Testing Division, Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Philippines
Liwayway M. Piquero ; Standards and Testing Division, Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Philippines
Noel Angelo P. Kalacas orcid.org/0000-0002-3507-7724 ; Standards and Testing Division, Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Philippines
John Joshua L. Sergote ; Standards and Testing Division, Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Philippines
Mark Anthony M. Principe ; Standards and Testing Division, Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Philippines
Joel B. Jane ; Standards and Testing Division, Industrial Technology Development Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Philippines

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

The phreatomagmatic eruption of Taal Volcano in Batangas, Philippines, in January 2020 resulted in a massive ash plume covering a large portion of nearby provinces, including Metro Manila. This event caused damage and disruptions to various sectors, including agriculture, the environment, health, infrastructure, and aviation. The challenge of managing the vast amount of collected tephra environmental waste prompted the initiative of converting it into a useful material. This study characterizes and evaluates the quality of the collected tephra as a potential raw material for the construction industry, based on the Philippine National Standard (PNS) 07:2018, to ensure structural integrity and public safety.
Four ashfall samples from strategic locations, identified by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), were obtained and analysed for specific chemical parameters using various analytical techniques. The results suggest that tephra has potential as a raw material for ground-level structures. However, further treatment is necessary to reduce the concentration of certain constituents. The material met the standard specifications for SiO₂, MgO, and SO₃. However, the levels of Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, total alkali, loss on ignition, and water-soluble and acid-soluble Cl– exceeded the threshold limits set by PNS 07:2018 and EN 197-1:2000.

Keywords

volcanic ash; construction materials; chemical analysis; oxides; waste management

Hrčak ID:

320561

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/320561

Publication date:

16.9.2024.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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