Authors : Shittu, Sheriff Adekola

Volume/Issue : Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://bit.ly/3TmGbDi

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/268u5bx4

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8149845

Abstract : The construction industry in developing countries faces challenges due to high costs of building materials, often imported. Nigeria, where construction costs are high, is increasingly aware of the need for local materials for functional but low-cost dwellings. Sandcrete hollow blocks, a common walling material in Nigeria, are made from a mixture of river sand, cement, and water. However, the strength of some sandcrete blocks has been found to be below recommended standards, resulting in expensive repair works and reconstructions. Several low-cost materials have been identified as strategies to reduce construction costs, such as compressed stabilized laterite bricks (CSLBs), bamboo fibers as reinforcement in concrete, rice husk ash as a replacement for cement in sandcrete blocks, and ungrounded rice husk ash for lightweight sandcrete with insulating properties and reduced costs. This study aims to develop an alternative cost-effective means of producing sandcrete blocks by a partial replacement of conventional fine sand with sharp coarse sand. Coarse sand is readily available and extensively used in Nigeria in the manufacturing of concrete, producing higher strength concrete than washed fine sand. The study investigates the structural properties of sandcrete blocks produced with varying proportions of coarse sand, cement, and water. The objectives include determining the particle size of the fine and sharp sand used, investigating the structural properties of sandcrete blocks produced with varying proportions of sharp sand, determining the compressive strength of sandcrete blocks produced from fine sand, and determining the optimum percentage of sharp sand that could improve structural performance of sandcrete blocks. Sandcrete blocks are a popular walling material in Nigeria, but they have been linked to failures in the form of cracks and collapses. Poor quality sandcrete used in construction has led to inconsistent quality of sandcrete blocks. Sandcrete blocks are widely used as walling materials in Nigeria and other developing countries, as they are designed to support loads other than their own weight. Recent structural collapses in Nigeria have raised concerns for more in-depth study on the resistance mechanisms of all components of the structure. Researchers have studied the strength deformations and failure mechanisms of concrete masonry under static and dynamic loads. The study aims to address the connection between mixed composition and compactive effort on the strength and economy of sandcrete masonry. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIS) specified two types of sandcrete blocks: load bearing (load bearing) and non-load bearing (non-load bearing). The project methodology used fine sand, sharp sand, cement, and water for the production of hollow sandcrete blocks. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the strength characteristics of the sandcrete blocks, with results showing a compressive strength range of 2.5N/mm2 to 3.45N/mm2. The study aims to improve the strength and economy of sandcrete masonry by using reduced-scale blocks, reducing laboratory space requirements, and enhancing research in areas where sophisticated and heavy equipment is not available.