Influence of Variation in the Composition of Fine Aggregate on the Properties of Sandcrete Blocks
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Date
2017-06
Authors
Ameh, John , O.
Nwaigwe, Daniel, N
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Covenant Journal of Research in the Built Environment
Abstract
Abstract: Sandcrete block is predominantly used for the construction of walls. Sandcrete block is made from a mixture of cement and fine aggregate (sharp sand). This study investigates the influence of variation in the composition of fine aggegate on the properties of sandcrete block. Laboratory experiments were conducted on the materials used as well as on the hollow sandcrete block samples. A total of 120 sandcrete block samples were produced using cement and sharp sand at different mix ratios of 1:6 or 1:8 mixes, as well as mixes containing partial replacement of sharp sand with fine sand or granite dust at 1:6:2, 1:5:3 and 1:4:4 by volume. Result revealed that the compressive strength at 21 and 28 days curing age for 1:6 mixes are 3.87 N/mm2 and 4.17 N/mm2 respectively and for the 1:8 mixes are 2.81 N/mm2 and 2.95 N/mm2 respectively. For cement, sharp sand and fine sand constituents of 1:6:2, 1:5:3 and 1:4:4; the compressive strength at 28 days curing is 2.24 N/mm2, 1.72 N/mm2 and 2.5 N/mm2 respectively. Similarly, for cement, sharp sand and granite dust constituents, 28 days compressive strength are 2.13 N/mm2, 1.61 N/mm2 and 1.42 N/mm2 respectively. The study recommends appropriate mix proportion for sandcrete block constituents to avoid huge lifecycle maintenance cost.
Description
Keywords
Granite dust, masonry units, material properties, sandcrete blocks
Citation
Ameh, O. J & Nwaigwe, D. N. (2017). Influence of variation in the composition of fine aggregate on the properties of sandcrete blocks. Covenant Journal of Research in the Built Environment, 5(1),1-10