Authors : G.L. Oyekan and O.M. Kamiyo
Abstract: Sandcrete block as a building component has been in use in Nigeria and many other nations for a very long time. However, the high and increasing cost of the constituent materials has contributed to the non-realization of adequate housing for both urban and rural dwellers in many African countries. Therefore, any material that can complement sand or cement thereby reducing the production cost will be of great interest. But, blocks, like any typical building component, have properties that are used for their classification, quality-determination and hence, their application. Each block has its unique set of properties based on its constituent mix, presence of admixtures and manufacturing process. In this study, tests were performed on hollow sandcrete blocks containing cement, sharp sand and granite fines in varying proportions to determine their structural and hygrothermal properties. The percentage of granite fines by volume of the total fine aggregate was varied in steps of 5% to a maximum of 30%. Results of the tests show that the inclusion of granite fines in the sand-cement matrix has a very significant effect on the compressive strength of sandcrete blocks. It was also, observed that for both mix proportions, 15% granite fines content is the optimum for improved structural performance. The hygrothermal properties of the block with 15% granite fines content indicate it as the most compact.
G.L. Oyekan and O.M. Kamiyo , 2008. Effects of Granite Fines on the Structural and Hygrothermal Properties of Sandcrete Blocks. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 3: 735-741.