Study on density and water absorption properties of timbercrete block

Abstract

The demand for sand as natural aggregates has recently increased in building and construction, resulting in a significant decrease in resources and a rise in prices. At the same time, developing countries are concerned about managing sawdust waste. This experiment investigates the density and water absorption properties of timbercrete block (cement-sand-sawdust). This study partially substituted natural sand with sawdust to create lightweight material. The demand for sand as natural aggregates has recently increased in building and construction, resulting in a significant decrease in resources and a rise in prices. At the same time, developing countries are concerned about managing sawdust waste. The sand replacement with sawdust was at four (4) levels (0, 5, 10, and 15%) at two (2) levels of mix proportions: 1:4 and 1:6, and curing age at five (5) levels (7, 14, 21, 28 and 56 days). A total of one hundred and twenty (120) cubes were used to measure the density of the material at five different levels (7, 14, 21, 28, and 56 days). In comparison, 16 cubes were explicitly used for the water absorption test after seven days of curing. “Full immersion” was employed as a method of choice for curing. The results revealed that the water absorption rate increases for the two mix proportions as the replacement percentage with sawdust increases from 5 to 15%. In comparison, density declines as the percentage of sawdust replacement increases from 5 to 15%. The study concluded that for mix ratios 1:4 and 1:6, a maximum of 5% sawdust should be utilised to avoid excessive loss of mortar physical properties, which will also contribute to the reduction of sawdust waste generated in society. However, the best mix proportions at a maximum of 5% substitution of natural sand with sawdust is 1:4.