Department of Education

Region V
Division of Sorsogon
BULAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

MASST:
Mauritius Hemp (Furcraea foetida), Snake Plant

(Dracaena trifasciata) Leaves, Salago (Wilkstroemia

indica) and Toog (Petersianthus quadrialtus) Bark

for Soil Reinforcement Geotextile Rope

Researchers:

Jemima Ruby G. Bitancor

Drix C. De Guzman

Angel Lyra A. Escandor

Gail Khrysha D. Gemina

Shekinah B. Gogolin

Research Adviser:

Oliver G. Gliban
 INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Based on the Status of the World’s Soil Resources (2015),

soil is being degraded by several factors like water erosion 59%,

wind erosion 30%, chemical degradation 10% and physical

degradation which consist of 2%. It is also stated in the report

that deforestation is the most dominant causative factor for soil

erosion followed by agricultural activities and overgrazing.

Due to human activities like illegal logging and some

agricultural doings, soil erosion becomes one of the greatest

problems here in Philippines. Because of the causes that

triggered this, soil erosion creates bigger damage that affects

not only our environment, but also us.

Soil erosion is also known as land degradation that has a

significant negative influence on the amount and quality of

ecosystem services provided by soil. (Pereira Rojas 2017). It is

where the soil is being transported by the natural forces. It

refers to the erosion of the top layer of dirt, which is the

material vital to life. This depends and speeds up, on many

factors like intensity of wind and rain and human activities.

(Mulvihill 2020).

Soil reinforcement methods are adopted to improve the

strength and stiffness of soil layers. Different ground

improvement techniques are used to enhance soil strength, like

vibro replacement stone and sand columns, by providing root

piles-soil nailing, strips and membranes, stone columns, and

granular blankets. After improvement, soil can withstand large

tensile strength. The above soil reinforcement methods are

employed in various construction projects as per the requirement

depending on the existing soil condition to prevent the failure

of soil slopes and improve the soil’s bearing capacity (Catibak,

2018)

Statistically, it is reported that 80% of global agriculture

land, (Tiziano Gomiero 2016), 84% in Asia (Xin Dou, et.al 2021),

79% in Philippines, 269,147 hectares in Bicol Region (Simplicio

Medina 2019), and 107.865851 total area of barangay in Bulan

(wvphilippineshea.files.wordpress.com 2014) are undergoing a

severe erosion and landslide.

 According to the news reported by Bicol News (2020), a

significant and unanticipated soil erosion occurred in San Roque,

Malilipot Albay, back in November 202. The municipality

immediately informed the citizens to evacuate to prevent

furthermore accident. The government also implemented a law,

discussing the policy about the Soil, it is the Republic Act No.

3082, also known as “Five-year Soil Survey and Conservation Act.

According to Republic Act No. 3082, “Five-year Soil Survey

and Conservation Act”, seeks to protect and conserve soil while

also encouraging wise water use. It broadens the Soil and Water

Conservation program and focuses on erosion prevention. The

Bureau of Soils is required by the act to develop erosion

management strategies based on soil survey data. The Director of

Soils must form implementation terms in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao,

as well as field terms to promote conservation and control soil

erosion. Geotextile rope is a well-known method for reducing or

preventing soil erosion.

Geotextiles are the sheets that keep our soil during rainy

days. This are thin and strong fabric that is widely used to
reinforce soil or improve soil structure, separation in road

constructions and filtration. It also enhances and reduces the

process of wind and water erosion. These textiles prevent soil

erosion but at the same time allows water to drain off and

improves the soil characteristics (Aimil 2018). There are many

ways to make this, it can be mechanical or old-fashioned. This

also fall in 3 categories, which are Knitted, Non - Woven, and

Woven Fabric Geotextile. (Mahajan 2022)

Based on the article "Geotextiles: Types, Properties,

Functions, Applications, & Market" by Textile blog (2021). Woven

geotextiles are the type of textiles used to separate and

increase soil resistance. It has more tensile strength than

nonwoven geotextiles resulting in it taking a lot of loads. This

is especially widespread beneath driveways, parking lots,

residential streets, and highways. This has also been shown to be

effective in bridging in wet, weaker, less acceptable subgrade

materials, and it provides long-term separation and stabilization

at the same time. (Ejprescott.com 202. Since geotextiles help in

improving the soil structure, many people conduct a study of it.

 In the study named "Corn (Zea mays L.) Stalk Geotextile Net

for Soil Erosion Mitigation" conducted by Cristina S. Decano

(2016), the study was conducted to introduce the new natural

fibre, which is the Corn Stalk, as an ingredient to produce

geotextile net for soil mitigation. Results showed that treatment

A2 and A3, significantly decreased sediment yield and an increase

in the soil loss reduction efficiency.

Aside from this, there are also leaves or plant that contain

fibre that can be an ingredient for the geotextile rope, it is

the Mauritius Hemp that has a scientific name (Furcraea foetida).

Mauritius hemp (Furcraea foetida), also known as green aloe,

is a part of Furcraea genus that grows in Tropical regions or

warm and wet environments like the Philippines. This is long,

sword-shaped, and has variegated leaves that grow 5 feet tall up

to 8-feet wide. It is commonly used as an ornamental piece in

gardens and as a source of natural fiber. These plants are

drought-resistant because of their large root system (Vanzile

2021). Its fibre is thinner and softer that decomposes into salt

water but is resistant to fresh water. This fibre is used as an

ingredient for ropes, hammocks, sacks, and other products (Fern

2014). Aside from this there are also leaves that contain fibre,

that have a potential to be a geotextile, one of these is the

Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata).

Sansevieria trifasciata also known as Snakes plant which

have a scientific name of Dracaena trifasciata are plants that

can grow in wide varieties of habitats, commonly in tropical

areas like Philippines (Si 2022). These plants belong to the

family of Asparagaceae and have leaves that are sword-shaped

which are erect and have colour of green or striped green. These

are commonly used as a decoration in homes and parks. Aside from

being a decoration, this plant is also used as a raw material for

textiles since, it is rich in fibre. Its fibre is a white strong

elastic fiber that is widely used in the production of rope,

clothing, fishing lines, bowstring, fine matting, and cordage.

(Adeoyo, Adeniyi, Ighalo 2020).

Aside from this, there are also leaves or plant that contain

bark that can be an ingredient for the geotextile rope, it is the

Salago Tree Plant that has a scientific name (Wikstroemia ovata)

 Salago (Wikstroemia spp.) is a shrub with an exceptionally

high fibre potential. Fibres extracted from its bark are

excellent materials for the manufacture of high grade paper used

in bank notes, cheques, paper for legal documents and other

specialty papers requiring strength and durability. Four species

of this genus are known for their quality fibres, namely: small

leaf salago (Wikstroemia indica); lance leaf (W. lanceolata);

large leaf salago (W. meyeniana) and round leaf salago (W. ovata)

(Brown 1921). This natural fiber composite's qualities, including

density, heat deflection temperature, thermal behavior, and

mechanical strength, have been compared to those of glass fiber

composites. Salago fiber composite obtained a lower density and a

higher thermal deflection temperature even though the glass fiber

composite still outperformed it in terms of flexural and impact

strengths. (Lopena, Millare, 2022). Natural fibers are used as

alternative reinforcements due to their biodegradability, low

density and cost. In this research work, short salago fibers were

reinforced in soil random orientation. Mechanical properties of

salago, fiber composites were characterized through tensile,

flexural and impact tests. fiber loading shows significant

improvements on tensile modulus and impact strength as geotextile

soil reinforcement. However, decrease on tensile and flexural

strengths were observed as the fiber content increases.

Nonetheless, noticeable improvement on thermal stability was

obtained. (Pouriman, Dahresobh, 2019).

Aside from this, there are also leaves or plant that contain

fibre that can be an ingredient for the geotextile rope, it is

the Toog Tree Plant that has a scientific name (Petersianthus

quadrialtus).

Toog is an emergent tropical rainforest tree species in the

Lecythidaceae family.Its strong and durable wood makes it an

ideal choice for furniture, flooring, decking, cabinetry, and

construction. Toog is a deciduous, medium-sized to large tree

that can reach 40 m in height and 100 (-250) cm in diameter. The

trunk is straight, cylindrical, and branchless, measuring 20-30 m

in length. Buttresses can reach heights of up to 2 meters at

times. The bark's surface is flaky and fissured, and it ranges in

color from dark brown to brownish red; the inner bark is strong,

fibrous, and pinkish. The leaves are spirally organized, simple,

and alternating. Flowers are panicles with four white petals. The

fruit contains four seeds, which are enclosed in a capsule and

have four papery wings. (JM, AD, 2021). According to There are

just two species of Petersianthus. One can be found in tropical

West Africa. P. quadrialatus (Merr.) Merr. is the second species.

(Combretodendron quadrialatum (Merr.) Knuth) is only found in the

Philippines. Agusan, Surigao, Davao del Norte, Leyte, Samar,

Negros, and Masbate are all rich in toog. It is also said to be

expanding in Laguna, Sorsogon, and Bataan. Its fiber is used in

used for manufacture of face veneer and fancy plywood, pulp and

paper making. Toog Bark Fibre is a good choice for this study

because it has a rough and firm texture.

The reason mentioned above prompted the researchers to

conduct a study aimed to make a geotextile rope using Snake Plant

fibre and Mauritius hemp. This study can also be a great help to

lessen the environmental impact such as landslides, water

sources, land, etc. from erosion, help drainage and maintain soil

stability.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to make a rope using Mauritius Hemp

(Furcrea foetida), Snake Plant Leaves (Dracaena trifasciata),

Salago (Wikstroemia indica) and Toog (Petersianthus

quadrialtus) Bark for Soil Reinforcement Geotextile Rope.

Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What are the effects of using geotextile rope in terms of:

I. Application in Geotextile

a. Runoff Reduction

b. Water Permeability

II. Reinforcement of Soil

a. Tensile Strength

b. Soil Reinforcement

c. Water Permeability
d. Durability

2. Which set-up is the most effective as geotextile rope for

soil reinforcement in high slope areas, in terms of Runoff

Reduction?

I. Application in Geotextile

a. 100g Hemp Rope

b. 100g Snake Plant Rope

c. 100g Salago Bark Rope

d. 100g Toog Bark Rope

e. 50g Mauritius Hemp, 50% Snake Plant Rope

f. 50g Salago Bark, 50g Toog Bark Rope

g. 25g Snake Plant, 75g Mauritius Hemp Rope

h. 25g Salago Bark, 75g Toog Bark

i. 25g Snake Plant, 25g Mauritius Hemp,

25g Salago Bark, 25g Toog Bark Rope

II. Reinforcement of Soil

a. 100g Hemp Rope

b. 100g Snake Plant Rope

c. 100g Salago Bark Rope

d. 100g Toog Bark Rope

e. 50g Mauritius Hemp, 50% Snake Plant Rope

f. 50g Salago Bark, 50g Toog Bark Rope

g. 25g Snake Plant, 75g Mauritius Hemp Rope

h. 25g Salago Bark, 75g Toog Bark

i. 25g Snake Plant, 25g Mauritius Hemp,

25g Salago Bark, 25g Toog Bark Rope

3. Which set-up is the most effective as geotextile rope for

soil reinforcement in terms of Tensile Strength:

I. Application in Geotextile

a. 100g Hemp Rope

b. 100g Snake Plant Rope

c. 100g Salago Bark Rope

d. 100g Toog Bark Rope

e. 50g Mauritius Hemp, 50% Snake Plant Rope

f. 50g Salago Bark, 50g Toog Bark Rope

g. 25g Snake Plant, 75g Mauritius Hemp Rope

h. 25g Salago Bark, 75g Toog Bark

i. 25g Snake Plant, 25g Mauritius Hemp,

25g Salago Bark, 25g Toog Bark Rope

II. Reinforcement of Soil

a. 100g Hemp Rope

b. 100g Snake Plant Rope

c. 100g Salago Bark Rope

d. 100g Toog Bark Rope

e. 50g Mauritius Hemp, 50% Snake Plant Rope

f. 50g Salago Bark, 50g Toog Bark Rope

g. 25g Snake Plant, 75g Mauritius Hemp Rope

h. 25g Salago Bark, 75g Toog Bark

i. 25g Snake Plant, 25g Mauritius Hemp,

25g Salago Bark, 25g Toog Bark Rope

4. Which set-up is the most effective as geotextile rope for

soil reinforcement in terms of Soil Reinforcement

a. 100% Mauritius Hemp Rope

b. 100% Snake Plant Rope

c. 100% Salago Bark Rope

d. 100% Toog Bark Rope

e. 50% Mauritius Hemp, 50% Snake Plant Rope

f. 50% Salago Bark, 50% Toog Bark Rope

g. 25% Snake Plant, 25% Mauritius Hemp,

25% Salago Bark, 25% Toog Bark Rope

5. Which set-up is the most effective as geotextile rope for

soil reinforcement in terms of Water Permittivity:

a. 100g Hemp Rope

b. 100g Snake Plant Rope

c. 100g Salago Bark Rope

d. 100g Toog Bark Rope

e. 50g Mauritius Hemp, 50% Snake Plant Rope

f. 50g Salago Bark, 50g Toog Bark Rope

g. 25g Snake Plant, 75g Mauritius Hemp Rope

h. 25g Salago Bark, 75g Toog Bark

i. 25g Snake Plant, 25g Mauritius Hemp,

25g Salago Bark, 25g Toog Bark Rope

6. Which set-up is the most effective as geotextile rope for

soil reinforcement in terms of Durability:

a. 100g Hemp Rope

b. 100g Snake Plant Rope

c. 100g Salago Bark Rope

d. 100g Toog Bark Rope

e. 50g Mauritius Hemp, 50% Snake Plant Rope

f. 50g Salago Bark, 50g Toog Bark Rope

g. 25g Snake Plant, 75g Mauritius Hemp Rope

h. 25g Salago Bark, 75g Toog Bark

i. 25g Snake Plant, 25g Mauritius Hemp,

25g Salago Bark, 25g Toog Bark Rope

 7. Is there a significant effect in using Snake Plant fibre,

Mauritius Hemp, Toog bark, Salago bark as a geotextile rope

for soil reinforcement in high slope areas in terms of:

a. Runoff Reduction

b. Tensile Strength

c. Soil Reinforcement

d. Water Permittivity

e. Durability

Hypothesis

There is no significant effect in using Snake Plant fibre,

Mauritius Hemp, Salago Bark and Toog Bark as a geotextile rope

for soil reinforcement in high slope areas in terms of:

a. Runoff Reduction

b. Tensile Strength

c. Soil Reinforcement

d. Water Permittivity

Scope and Delimitation

 This study focuses on the effectiveness of Mauritius hemp,

snake plant, salago bark, and toog bark fiber for soil

reinforcement geotextile rope. The main materials to be used were

the leaves of Mauritius hemp and snake plant and the bark of

Salago and Toog, while the roots of Mauritius hemp and snake

plant will be excluded, as well as the roots, branches, and

leaves of Salago and Toog tree. The geotextile rope will be

tested in terms of: Runoff Reduction, Tensile Strength, Soil

Reinforcement, Water Permittivity, Durability. There are 7 setups

in this study: Set up a, 100% Mauritius Hemp Rope; Set up b, 100%

Snake Plant Rope; Set up c, 100% Salago Bark Rope; Set up d, 100%

Toog Bark Rope; Set up e, 50% Snake Plant and 50% Mauritius Hemp

Rope; Set up f, 50% Salago Bark and 50% Toog Bark Rope; Set up g,

25% Snake Plant, 25% Mauritius Hemp, 25% Salago Bark and 25% Toog

Bark Rope. There will be no heavy materials used. This study will

start on the month September until the the end of school year.

This study is experimental.

Significance of the Study

The results of the study would be a great benefit to the

following:

Department of Science and Technology (DOST). This study can

benefit the Department of Science and Technology by developing

new technology in the use of natural fibers that can reduce soil

erosion on the environment. It also provides additional knowledge

to the existing information in the civil and construction

industries.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The

findings of this study aid the protection of our environment by

reducing landslides and stabilizing slopes and embankments unlike

many synthetic materials geotextile fabrics decompose harmlessly

once they have reached the end of their useful life or can be

readily recycled and reused without harming the environment.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This study

provides the Department of Public Works and Highways an

alternative type of geotextile that provide good quality easy

construction, cheap price and save construction time to

stabilized slopes and cease the land from soil erosion. A layer

of geotextiles also can be placed to prevent leaching of fine

material. They can be used for rock beaching or as mattress

structures for safeguarding roads and pavements.

Environment. This study may contribute to the decrease of the

environmental problem burden and developed environmentally

friendly materials that would lessen the used of synthetic and

disposable goods that would lead towards an ecologically well-

balance society. Applying natural geotextile would also have

positive impact on the waste management.

Community. This study would address and control the drastic

effects of different soil related issues on the community. It

prevents the soil from further degradation and used as the soil
cover to provide temporary protection which can effectively

control erosion that can cause damage to the community.

Barangay. This study would address and control the severe

consequences on the barangay of various soil-related and

landslide issues. It stops the soil from degrading further and

serves as a temporary shield, successfully controlling erosion

that might otherwise harm the barangay.

School. This study can assist our institution educate students on

how to reduce soil erosion and landslides. This may also have

significant advantages for preventing soil erosion in the coming

years.

Future Researchers. This study can assist our future researchers

by providing them with information, concepts, and understanding

regarding snake plant and Mauritius hemp salago and toog as

geotextile for soil reinforcement in high slope situations. This

can be used as a reference for doing future research on natural

geotextile.

Definition of Terms

Geotextile- According to Merriam-Webster.com, geotextile is a

strong synthetic fabric usually used in civil engineering

construction projects (such as highway or dam building) that

stabilizes loose soil and prevents erosion. Operationally, the

researchers made a geotextile rope using the leaves of Mauritius

hemp and Snake plant for high-slope areas.

Mauritius Hemp - According to Merriam-Webster.com, Mauritius Hemp

is a hard fiber obtained from the leaves of the giant cabuya and

used chiefly for cordage and sacking. Operationally, the

researchers will use the fiber of Mauritius hemp as a geotextile

for soil reinforcement.

Runoff Reduction - According to LawInsider.com, this refers to

the total yearly runoff volume that has been decreased to

preserve the pre-development runoff volume by canopy

interception, soil infiltration, evaporation, transpiration,

rainwater harvesting, engineered infiltration, or extended

infiltration. Operationally, the researchers will use the runoff

reduction as one of the parameters that will be measured in this

study.

Snake Plant - According to healthline.com, The snake plant,

commonly referred to as mother-in-law’s tongue, is a resilient

succulent that can grow anywhere between 6 inches to several

feet. Operationally, the researchers will use the fiber of the

snake plant as a geotextile for soil reinforcement.

Tensile Strength - According to ScienceDirect.com, tensile

strength can be the maximum stress a material can resist before

breaking when it is allowed to be stretched or pulled.

Operationally this will be one of the parameters to be measured

in this study.

Salago- According to fao.org.com Salago is a shrub with an

exceptionally high fibre potential. Fibres extracted from its

bark are excellent materials for the manufacture of high-grade

paper used in bank notes, cheques, paper for legal documents and

other specialty papers requiring strength and durability.

Operationally, the researchers will use the fiber of salago to

make geotextile rope for soil reinforcement.

Tensile Strength - According to ScienceDirect.com, tensile

strength can be the maximum stress a material can resist before

breaking when it is allowed to be stretched or pulled.

Operationally this will be one of the parameters to be measured

in this study.

TOOG- According to philippineflora.wordpress.com, Toog is a

deciduous, medium-sized to fairly large tree that grows up to 40

m tall and 100 (-250) cm in diameter. The trunk is straight,

cylindrical, branchless with a length of 20-30 m. Buttress is

occasionally up to 2 m high. Bark surface is flaky, fissured,

dark brown to grayish red; inner bark is tough, fibrous, and

pinkish. Leaves are arranged spirally, simple, alternate. Flowers

are in panicles and have four white petals. Operationally the

researchers will use the fibers of toog to make geotextile rope

for soil reinforcement.