Authors : S.B. Tuyi, E.O. Odeyemi, O. Daodu and O.A. Olaonipekun
Abstract: This research work aimed at investigating the strength characteristics of commercially produced sandcrete blocks in Omu-aran, Nigeria where Landmark University is located. It involved visiting and collecting blocks from selected block making industries, determining their physical and mechanical properties (bulk density, moisture content, water absorption capacity and compressive strength) and highlighting the levels of compliance of the various industries with the relevant standards. The results of the physical and mechanical tests (bulk density, moisture content, water absorption capacity and compressive strength) revealed that none of the commercially produced blocks in the study had a compressive strength that was up to the minimum recommended standard 2.5 N/mm2 for individual blocks and 3.45 N/mm2 for 5 blocks as recommended by the Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS 87: 2000). The overall average compressive strength for 6-inch blocks was 0.44 and 0.28 N/mm2 for 9-inch blocks. The average location compressive strength ranged from 0.24-0.65 N/mm2 for 6-inch and 0.12 -0.64 N/mm2 for 9-inch blocks which was far below recommended standards. The bulk density was found to be over the minimum recommended limit of 1500 kg/m3 for Type A: dense aggregate blocks with individual bulk densities for 6-inch blocks ranging from 1510.62-2124 kg/m3 and 1399.7-1751.1 kg/m3 for 9-inch blocks. The overall average bulk density for 6-inch blocks was 16954.4-1597.8 kg/m3 for 9-inch blocks. The water absorption capacity for individual 6-inch blocks ranged from 151.6-339.9 kg/m3 and 130.92-434.79 kg/m3 or 9-inch blocks. Location average water absorption capacity ranged from 169.09- 271.79 kg/m3 for 6-inch blocks and 160.87-340.4 kg/m3 for 9-inch blocks while the averages were 236.37- 226.33 kg/m3 respectively. The maximum recommended limit was pegged at 240 kg/m3 from ASTM C140. Half of the locations did not meet up with standard for both 6 and 9-inch blocks.
S.B. Tuyi, E.O. Odeyemi, O. Daodu and O.A. Olaonipekun, 2019. Characterization of Strength of Sandcrete Blocks in Omu-Aran Metropolis. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 14: 2369-2374.