Abstract
In this study, Coconut Shell Ash (CSA) has been used to partially replace cement in Sandcrete Block (SB) manufacture in order to determine the quality of the SB produced in terms of compressive strength and durability. CSA has pozzolanic properties and as such, could serve as a partial replacement for cement and thus offset the cost of SB production. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine some engineering properties of the SB including compressive strength, water absorption, sorptivity and average density of SB with 0%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% cement replacement. The compressive strength was measured for 3, 14 and 28 day curing period. Results obtained clearly showed that increase in percentage of CSA in the mix produced SB of lower density, sorptivity and water absorption. Also, compressive strength of the SB increased at 10% replacement by 9% and 16% for SB of end-web to center-web ratios of 1:1 and 1:2 respectively. In addition, it was observed that the compressive strength of the SB only improved after 28 days curing. The SB produced in the course of this research is more resistant to ingress of moisture and suitable for walling in areas where surface and ground water impacts are significant and also in applications where light weight walls are desirable.
Highlights
According to Nigerian Industrial Standard (2000), Sandcreteblock (SB) is composed of materials which includes cement, sand and water, that has been formed into solids of different sizes
It is clear from literature that not much research has been conducted on the effect of partial replacement of cement with Coconut Shell Ash (CSA) on the compressive strength of hollow SB
Results for the compressive strength, water absorption, sorptivity and average density measurements are presented in graphical forms
Summary
According to Nigerian Industrial Standard (2000), Sandcreteblock (SB) is composed of materials which includes cement, sand and water, that has been formed into solids of different sizes. Ezeokonkwo (2012) opined that the increasing demand for SB by builders have projected the pressure on the supply of the raw materials and has posed the issue of sustainability of the raw materials and affordability of buildings He further asserted that in an attempt to minimize the quantity of materials used in the manufacture of a block unit, blocks are molded in such a way as to contain voids of different sizes and geometries. The ultimate effect of cavity size on the strength of sandcrete hollow blocks is necessary in the manufacture of quality SB as it has been shown that the strength of a block is dependent on its average solid thickness (Eze-Uzomaka, 1977)
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