Lateritic Sand Research Articles

Integrated Geophysical and Geotechnical Methods for Pre-Foundation Investigations at Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Southwestern Nigeria

The recurrence of building collapses and resulting casualties is overwhelming in Lagos State as the state records the highest cases in recent times. This work used geophysical (Ground magnetic (GM) and Electrical resistivity imaging (ERI)) and geotechnical (Dynamic cone penetration test (DCPT)) methods in delineating the subsurface conditions for its competence in foundation structures. Ten profiles of 200 m ground magnetic data were collected at 2 m spacing likewise for Wenner arrays on each profile. DCPT data were collected at points 0 m, 50 m, 100 m,150 m, and 200m to the depth of 3 m on each of the profiles occupied by GM and ERI. The data obtained were processed and interpreted using RES2DINV software for ERI, Excel package for both Magnetic and DCPT. The ground magnetic results gives the minimum relative magnetic intensity as -1689.78 nT representing possible fault/fractured zone and maximum value of 2943 nTindicating area of competence for foundation structure. ERI results gives a resistivity value ranging from 2 Ωm – 7602 Ωm depicting four zones of incompetent/sub-competent clay/sandy clay, moderately competent clayey sand, competent sand and highly competent lateritic sand. DCPT results is in the average range 11.20% to 39.87% representing Clay materials fairly competent for foundation structures, sand and well graded gravel that is competent for construction purposes. To prevent building collapsed in the study area, areas of incompetent materials should be excavated, refill and compact with lateritic sand before foundation is put in place.

Application of Electrical Resistivity Sounding Method for Groundwater Exploration in Ugboshi-Afe, Akoko-Edo, Southwestern Nigeria

Schlumberger configuration of Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) was deplored for groundwater exploration in Ugboshi-Afe study location. A total of nine (9) vertical electrical sounding (VES) locations, spread across the community were occupied to gain insights on the hydrogeological settings within the area. Quantitative computer interpretation of the data yielded three to six geoelectrical layers. The geoelectrical interpretation models were geologically interpreted as: clayey sand/sandy topsoil with resistivity values ranging from 54 Ohm-m to 424 Ohm-m, this is underlain by a relatively high resistivity layer (228-868 Ohm-m) interpreted as lateritic sand, and below this the low resistivity (21.38 Ohm-m – 42.4 Ohm-m) interpreted as clay, then the fractured/weathered geoelectric layer (95Ohm-m to 385Ohm-m), while the fresh basement has resistivity greater than 400 Ohm-m. Several maps such as fractured window thickness map, isoresistivity map of the fractured interval, overburden map were generated to investigate trends that may hold prospects for groundwater exploitation. Furthermore, hydro-resistivity parameters such as Total Transverse Resistance, Total Longitudinal Conductance, Resistivity Reflection Co-efficient and Resistivity Contrast values were calculated for further screening of the study site for groundwater development. The VES1, VES2, VES6 and VES7 locations were concluded as holding prospects for groundwater potentials in the study area.

Determination of groundwater potential using electrical resistivity survey and borehole logging in sites I and III of Delta State University, Abraka Nigeria

This study examines the aquifer properties and lithological structure of Abraka, Nigeria, specifically the Delta State University Site I and III environs. Ten Schlumberger geoelectric soundings, geophysical well logging and pumping test method were employed using an ABEM Terrameter. A drilled water well and existing borehole data were used for this study. The result of the lithological study revealed that the subsurface formations consist of topsoil, lateritic sand, fine and medium grain sand mixed with clay. The topsoil is brownish with thickness of 2 m, the laterite is reddish with thickness of 4 m, the fine sand is whitish with thickness of 10 m, and the medium sand is also whitish with thickness >12 m. The results of the evaluation of the geoelectric data using curve matching and Win Resist computer iteration was in strong agreement with that of the well record, with a subsurface that is composed of 4 to 6 geo-electric layers. The depth ranges from 13.5m to 97.8m while the resistivity ranges from 1021.2 Ωm to 9092.4 Ωm. A core soil sample collected at an interval of 5m, spontaneous potential and resistivity logs were carried out on the well. The hydraulic conductivity, well's transmissivity, storativity, and specific capacity are 102.7m2/day, 5.14 m/day, 0.00062 and 0.39 m3/m respectively. It is recommended that a drill depth of 30 m and above should be accessed for potable water in the area. From the result of this survey, we infer that this aquifer is confined and capable of supplying the people with adequate and good quality drinking water.

Design and Development of a Petrol-Powered Hammer Mill Machine

A conventional hammer mill is a device consisting of a rotating head with free- swinging hammers, which reduce rock, grains or similarly hard objects to a predetermined size through a perforated screen. Hammer mills can be used for grinding laterite sand in its not-so-fine form into a finer/smaller form for sand production for the building/housing sector. This project is focused on the design, development, and testing of a hammer mill that has a small scale production capability for usage by small and medium scale (SME’s). The grinding process is achieved by the use of a hammer in beating the material fed into fine particles; the fineness aimed depends on the detachable screen with aperture sizes ranging from 87µm to 2 mm. The conceptual design was based on the principle of design by analysis. The methodology adopted was to examine the most critical defects of conventional hammer mills and provide solutions. The major components of the new hammer mill are Inlet tray, Throat, Magnetic chamber, Rotor, Crushing chamber, Hammer mill body, Hammers/Beaters, Screen, Bearings, Discharge, Table or stand, Mechanical drive, Pulleys, The simple aim of this paper is to develop a hammer mill machine that will enhance the efficient grinding operation of laterite rock into a sandy profile to be used in the construction/housing sector. This paper presents the design of an efficient hammer mill machine that was developed with locally sourced materials with ease of maintenance amongst other advantages. The machine is driven by an electric motor of 7.5kW at a speed of 1440rpm and with the appropriate pulley ratio, the machine operated at a speed of 4320RPM with an operating rate of 250kg/hour. Several fabrication techniques such as welding, machining, etc. are adopted for the fabrication of the machine. Dry rocky laterite sample was tested with the machine for operational effectiveness and the result shows that the machine has a grinding capacity of 250kg/hr and grinding efficiency 0f 98.2%. The fabricated laterite grinding machine performed well with high sieving efficiency, reliability, durability with an estimated cost of 965,000.00 Nigerian Naira.
 The study was carried out in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. A performance evaluation was carried out on the machine and the grinding efficiency of 94.4% was achieved.

Design and Development of a Low Cost Laterite Sieving Machine

Sieving has been an essential process in the use of laterite for building, agriculture, etc. However, manual laterite sieving results to drudgery, fatigue, and time wastage during the processing. The method of laterite sieving is still being done manually in some parts of the country and therefore labour intensive. This is because a lot of Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs cannot afford the existing sieving machines because of their cost implications and availability. The simple aim of this paper is to develop a laterite sieving machine that will enhance the efficient sieving of laterite sand to be used in the construction/housing sector and also to reduce drudgery. This paper presents the design of an efficient laterite sieving machine that was developed with locally sourced materials with ease of maintenance amongst other advantages. The machine motion was designed with the concept of crank and slider mechanism. The machine is powered with a 2.43kW, 2600 RPM diesel engine and with the appropriate pulley ratio, the machine operated at a speed of 440RPM with an operating rate of 300kg/hour. The machine component parts include prime mover, Hopper, driving/driven pulley, belt guard, sieving unit and the machine frame. Several fabrication techniques such as welding, machining, etc. are adopted for the fabrication of the machine. Dry laterite sample was tested with the machine for operational effectiveness and the result shows that the machine has a sieving capacity of 300kg/hr and sieving efficiency ranging from 92 - 97%. The fabricated laterite sieving machine performed well with high sieving efficiency, reliability, durability with an estimated cost of 646, 684.00 Nigerian Naira.
 The study was carried out in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. A performance evaluation was carried out on the machine and the sieving efficiency is 96% was achieved.

Evaluation of groundwater resources protection within mega school, Ayeka, Southwestern Nigeria

Electrical Resistivity method involving Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) was carried out within the Maga school, Ayeka, southwestern Nigeria. This was carried out with aim of evaluating the protective capacity of the layers overlying the aquifers in preventing pollution from getting to the groundwater resources within the area. A total of twelve Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) were acquired using the Schlumberger configuration. The half-current electrode spacing (AB/2) of the Schlumberger configuration was varied from 1 to 225 m. The sounding curves derived from the VES data were quantitatively interpreted using partial curve matching and further refined using computer assisted program. From the interpreted geoelectric result, four lithological layers were delineated; the topsoil, the sandy clay, the lateritic sand and the clayey sand/sand. The topsoil resistivity ranges from 89 to 162 Ωm and its thickness varies from 0.9 to 2.0 m, the sandy clay resistivity varies from 215 to 512 Ωm and its thickness ranges from 3.1 to 7.6 m, the lateritic sand resistivity varies from 1025 to 2611 Ωm and thickness ranges from 13.3 to 23.9 m and the clayey sand/sand resistivity ranges from 183 to 522 Ωm with a depth range from 19.7 to 30.4 m. The protective capacity map revealed that all the parts of the study area fall within a weak protective capacity zone. This is informed by the low longitudinal conductance which suggests a weak protective capacity rating. As a result of this, the study area is therefore vulnerable to pollution if it is exposed to contaminant sources which could come from septic tanks, underground petroleum storage tanks, industrial waste and landfills.

Geophysical Resistivity Survey (VES) for Selection of Artificial Recharge of Appropriate Artificial recharge for Augmentation of Ground Water Resources In Paithankheda Village, M. S. India

In this study the data generated while conducting electrical resistivity surveys through Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) at 22 sites in different location along with a available geological &hydro-geological information of Paithan Kheda village were analyzed. The objective are (i)to understand the nature and extent of aquifer(ii)to find out the location and thickness of unsaturated zones and (iii)to evaluate and extent of appropriate artificial recharge structures at suitable locations across the village. Interpretation of the top sounding curves indicates presence of three to four subsurface geo-electric layers across the study area. The top soil ;layer has range of resistivity values from 2 to 30-ohm m & litho logy comprise clay with kankar,lateritic sand. This is followed by the weathered and jointed Basalt layers with resistivity values 100 300-ohm m could be identified below the depth of 45m.At some places, doleritic dykes were also observed with resistivity values >300-ohms. The interpretation of VES data when correlated with the available lithilog data indicates a prominent water bearing zone between 30 and 45 mbgl.The underlying hard and compact Basalt has very little possibility of occurrence of groundwater. The top unsaturated and unconfined granular zone up to adept of 30mts could therefore be easily recharged artificially through rainwater harvestining measures thereby augmenting the groundwater resources of the existing aquifers. Site specific artificial recharge measures from amongst counter banding ,gully plugs ,check dams, percolation tank. Recharge shafts subsurface dikes have been identified across the village for effective recharge of the aquifer especially in its north eastern &southern blockregions.Considering the deteeoriating groundwater sitution, these initiatives would be significant in catering the needs of future generations.

Experimental study on compressive strength of Interlocking Hollow Block System (IHBS) using fly ash

Interlocking Hollow Block System (IHBS) is a reasonable solution for conventional block masonry due to its structural ability and building capability. In addition, economic and ecological building of brickwork can be achieved by incorporating fly ash into IHBS. The main aim of the research is to produce interlocking compressed hollow block that satisfy the standard requirement as in Eurocode 6. The study is essentially divided into 2 phases, block production and block compression testing. This paper studies on the compressive strength of interlocking hollow clay block with various compositions including laterite soil, cement, sand and fly ash. The optimum mix design is achieved with minimum compressive strength of 7 MPa, which comply with the standard BS 5628-1:1992 Code of practice for Use of masonry – Part 1: Structural use of unreinforced masonry. Test result on addition of fly ash revealed that the optimum fly ash content was 2% with the highest compressive strength of 10 MPa. The results of this study show that the proposed block mixture meets the standard strength requirements and the structural performance of the masonry block is improved by adding fly ash into the mix design.

Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) for the Investigation of Erosion site in Oredide Village, Auchi in Etsako West LGA of Edo State, Southern Nigeria

The Dipole –Dipole array was used for Constant Separation Traversing (CST) to investigate subsurface lithology in Oredide village, Auchi, Edo state with a view to determining the vulnerability or otherwise of the menace of erosion in the area. All the traverses were carried out with electrode spacing of 10 m with a spread of 200 m. The data was obtained using Pasi terrameter (16-GL) and processed with the Dipro software. The results revealed that the subsurface is underlain by the topsoil, lateritic sand, sand and sandstone. 2D results indicate topsoil with resistivity value range of 309 to 40130 Ωm within the depth range of 0 to 5 m. The second layer corresponds to sandy, lateritic sand, sand and sandstone having resistivity values ranging from 2186 to 60350 Ωm to a depth of 10.0 m. The third layer has resistivity values indicating lateritic sand, sand and sandstone layer with resistivity values ranging from 2186 to 60350 within the depth of 20 m. The fourth layer connotes lateritic sand, sand and sandstone to a depth of 30 m. The fifth horizon has resistivity values in the range of 585.2 to 35732.4 Ωm which is representative of sand and sandstone.The maximum depth imaged was 47.7 m.The inverted 2-D resistivity structure shows high resistivity distribution near-surface >1000 Ωm, which are indications of vulnerabilities to erosion in the study area with depth of scouring being 15 m.

2D ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY TOMOGRAPHY FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF MINERALS’ OCCURRENCES IN UGONEKI, EDO STATE, SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA

Geophysical investigation using the 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) was carried out to assess the subsurface of Ugoneki and its environs in order to investigate for minerals. A total of six (6) traverses, 200 m long each, three (3) transverse lines were in the North-South direction and the other three (3) traverses in the West-East direction using the Wenner electrode configuration. 2D Wenner resistivity data were acquired along each traverse. The data were inverted to reveal a spatially continuous resistivity distribution in 2D within the study area. The 2D results reveal a depth of 39.6 m across each traverse. Resistivity values vary from 87.1 – 3423 Ωm in the entire study area. From the standard resistivity table, the following solid and non-metallic type of minerals can be delineated in the study area which is representative of sandy clay, lateritic clay sand, sandstone and limestone with resistivity values that range from 87.1 – 89.9 Ωm, 1201 – 1462 Ωm, 2069 – 3423 Ωm, and 2069 – 3423 Ωm respectively. The implication of this research is to know the type and the particular location where these non-metallic solid minerals are located in the subsurface for future exploration. The results of resistivity values are compared with those in the literature and are found to be in good agreement. In order to quantify these minerals, it is also recommended to use higher dimension (3D) of resistivity method (ERT) in the study area.

A 3-D geoelectric model over mineralized zone of Ugonoba, Edo State, Nigeria

The occurrence of solid minerals in Ugonoba community was investigated using the 3D electrical resistivity method. Data was acquired using PASI 16GL Terrameter using the wenner electrode configuration with a view to delineating mineral deposits in the study area. During the reconnaissance survey, the outlook of some geological features in the form of outcrops on the surface formed part of the motivation for the geophysical survey within the Ugonoba area. Ten traverses of 200 m maximum spread and 10m electrode spacing with total depth of 40.07 m were obtained in the study area to form a square grid. The acquired data was first processed and inverted using RES2DINV software to generate ten 2-D model images and later collated into 3-D using the inversion code of RES3DINV software which automatically determines a horizontal 3D depth slice, cubes and block models of resistivity distribution. These models generated were interpreted and used to ascertain the true resistivity, lithologic formation, depth extent to any buried mineral and aggregate deposited in the study area. The extracted 3D model images revealed evidence of some geological materials/minerals in the study area which fall within the high resistivity range of 2500 Ωm to 14376 Ωm. It can therefore be inferred from the standard resistivity table that the lithology of study area is composed of non-metallic type of mineral resources which are: clayey sand, lateritic clayey sand, sandstone and limestone. The estimated quantity in metric ton for the dominant lithology (sandstone, granite and limestone) is ± 10% of 1,257,142.9 which can be commercially explored.
 Keywords: Wenner-wenner array, outcrop, minerals, RES3DINV, block models.

Delineation of groundwater vulnerability to pollution around dumpsites in Sapele, Nigeria

Fifteen vertical electrical soundings and six dipole-dipole profiles were conducted to determine the subsurface structure and groundwater vulnerability to pollution around dumpsites in Sapele, Nigeria. The result of the study showed that the subsurface consist of four geo-electric layers composed of topsoil, lateritic sand, fine sand and medium to coarse grain sand. The third and fourth layers were identified as the aquifer layers located at a depth ranging from 4.5-10.0 m. The analysis of the results obtained for the various geo-electric layers revealed that the resistivity values of the aquifer layers below the two dumpsites are lower than those of the control. This fact when compared with the values of the physico-chemical study of the groundwater, showed that the aquifer under the dumpsite is already been impacted. This is due to the inability of the first and second layers to protect the underlying aquifers. It is suggested that the dumpsites be relocated with special attention to the groundwater flow direction to avoid continuous contamination of the groundwater.

Strength and microstructural behaviour of concrete incorporating laterite sand in binary blended cement

Laterite, due to its wide availability and low cost, is considered as a societal building material in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Excavation of the laterite leaves laterite stones as scrap which accounts for around 25-30%. These scraps being a hindrance for the further excavation of the laterite in the quarries can be crushed and used to meet the demand of fine aggregates in the construction industry. Performance indicators such as workability, compressive, split-tensile and flexural strength are measured to evaluate the suitability. M30 grade of concrete specimens were produced with these crushed scraps by replacing M-sand at the intervals of 25% ranging from 0% to 100%. Laterite replacement of 25% could enhance the performance after 28 days. Not limiting only to strength characteristics, its morphological features were also understood by conducting Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for the optimum mixes. Laterite, due to its wide availability and low cost, is considered as a societal building material in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Excavation of the laterite leaves laterite stones as scrap which accounts for around 25-30%. These scraps being a hindrance for the further excavation of the laterite in the quarries can be crushed and used to meet the demand of fine aggregates in the construction industry. Performance indicators such as workability, compressive, split-tensile and flexural strength are measured to evaluate the suitability. M30 grade of concrete specimens were produced with these crushed scraps by replacing M-sand at the intervals of 25% ranging from 0% to 100%. Laterite replacement of 25% could enhance the performance after 28 days. Not limiting only to strength characteristics, its morphological features were also understood by conducting Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for the optimum mixes.

Delineation of Near-Surface Structural Features Suitable for Groundwater Accommodation Using 1-D and 2-D Resistivity Methods in Igarra, Akoko-Edo, Southwestern Nigeria

Electrical resistivity methods using dipole-dipole and Schlumberger configurations of Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) were carried out to evaluate the near-surface structural and lithological features suitable for groundwater development in parts of Igarra, Southwestern Nigeria. Two profiles with lengths of greater than 350m were carried out. A total of fifteen sounding locations along the profile lines were occupied. Dipole-dipole data were interpreted using DiprofWin software while interpretation of the VES data followed two stages of qualitative and quantitative data interpretation using Resist software. Dipole-dipole interpretation results indicate the occurrence of local fractures while VES interpretation results reveal the typical basement rock profile ranging from topsoil, lateritic sand, weathered front, fractured to fresh basement. The significant variations in terms of persistence and thicknesses of these basement vertical rock profiles were revealed by the geoelectrical correlation panels, which indicate typical basement inhomogeneities over short distances. The local structural domains, the weathered front (where thick) and the fractured basement are demonstrably potential sources of groundwater, at least for domestic and small scale enterprises in this part of Igarra. 
 Keywords: 2-D Pseudosection, Dipole-dipole, Fracture Basement, Vertical Electrical Sounding

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Load and Geo-Electric Characterization of Soils from Ogale Community, Eleme, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons load in soils of Ogale community, Rivers State, Nigeria and as well delineate the lateral and vertical extensions of the soils and groundwater. Geo-electric characterization of the soils and groundwater, using Electrical Resistivity methods (vertical electrical sounding, VES by Abem Terrameter and Gas chromatograph - Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) for finger-print was employed. The interpreted VES results revealed four geo-electric subsurface layers. The first layer which has a resistivity value of 60Ωm and a thickness of 2.0M was interpreted as top soil. Underlying the first layer is the second layer which had a resistivity value of 122Ωm with a thickness of 3m, interpreted as lateritic sand. The third layer had a resistivity value of 750Ωm and a thickness of 9.0m, and is interpreted as coarse sand. The fourth layer which had a resistivity value of 1255Ωm and a thickness of 49m is interpreted as very coarse sand. Borehole one was used as control and it is 1.85km away from the Resistivity sampling points. The results revealed that the presence of C10-C40 hydrocarbon which indicates un-weathered to fresh hydrocarbon in parts of the study area and heavy metals were below detection limits. The vulnerability of the aquifer to hydrocarbon contamination was due to high permeability, unconsolidated coarse grained and poorly sorted sands, of the vadose zone as well as shallowness of the aquifer. It is recommended that boreholes in the study area should be of deeper depths, and well constructed to avoid contaminated water from the polluted zone entering the borehole through the annulus.

Determination of groundwater potential and aquifer hydraulic characteristics in Agbor, Nigeria using geo-electric, geophysical well logging and pumping test techniques

Geo-electric, geophysical well logging and pumping test were carried out in Agbor, Nigeria to determine the groundwater potential and hydraulic properties of the aquifer in the study area. Twenty vertical electrical sounding were conducted across the study area using the Schlumberger configuration and the field result were curved matched and iterated using the Win Resist software. A borehole was sank in the study area, where soil cuttings were collected to construct the lithology of the subsurface. Geophysical well logging comprising of electrical conductivity and spontaneous potential logs and pumping test were also carried out in the well. The result of the geo-electric study revealed five to six geo-electric layers which consist of topsoil, lateritic sand, clayey sand, fine sand, medium coarse sand and coarse sand. Analysis of the geo-electric result revealed that the aquifer was located within the fifth and sixth layers at a depth which ranged from 29 to 82 m, while the resistivity of the aquifer ranged from 1741 to 29,395 Ωm. Result of the geophysical logging revealed that the electrical conductivity and total dissolved solid of the groundwater are 253 µS/cm and 165 mg/L, respectively. These values indicate fresh to moderate mineralization of the subsurface and are within the permissible limit set by the Standard Organization of Nigeria for good quality water. The result of the pumping test which was analysed using the Cooper Jacob method revealed that the transmissivity, specific capacity and storativity of the aquifer are 0.0036 m2/min, 0.02 m3/m and 0.016, respectively. These values showed that the aquifer is high yielding and will be able to provide adequate water for domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes for the people of the area.

Study on the mechanical behaviour of different grades of concrete incorporating crushed laterite scraps as fine aggregate

This paper investigates the sustainable performance of concrete incorporating laterite as a fine aggregate replacement from 0 to 100% at 25% intervals. Preliminary tests were conducted to ascertain the properties of M-Sand and laterite sand. The performance characteristics of concrete mixes such as workability and mechanical strength were determined. Higher the laterite content and grades led to less-workable concretes with the enhancement of mechanical performance at 25% laterite sand replacement. Both M30 and M45 grade of concretes resulted in 11.85% and 8.15% increase in strength for the replacement of M-Manufactured Sand by 25% laterite than the control mix. Beyond 25% replacement, there is a reduction in compressive strength. Thereafter, durability properties namely water absorption and chloride penetration were evaluated for optimum and control samples and found to be greater for the optimum than the control mix. However, this increase is tolerable and does not affect the partial replacement of laterite sand.

Strength and microstructural behavior of concrete incorporating laterite sand in binary blended cement

Laterite, due to its wide availability and low cost, is considered as a societal building material in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Excavation of the laterite leaves laterite stones as scrap which accounts for around 25-30%. These scraps being a hindrance for the further excavation of the laterite in the quarries can be crushed and used to meet the demand of fine aggregates in the construction industry. Performance indicators such as workability, compressive, split-tensile and flexural strength are measured to evaluate the suitability. M30 grade of concrete specimens were produced with these crushed scraps by replacing M-sand at the intervals of 25% ranging from 0% to 100%. Laterite replacement of 25% could enhance the performance after 28 days. Not limiting only to strength characteristics, its morphological features were also understood by conducting Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for the optimum mixes. Laterite, due to its wide availability and low cost, is considered as a societal building material in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Excavation of the laterite leaves laterite stones as scrap which accounts for around 25-30%. These scraps being a hindrance for the further excavation of the laterite in the quarries can be crushed and used to meet the demand of fine aggregates in the construction industry. Performance indicators such as workability, compressive, split-tensile and flexural strength are measured to evaluate the suitability. M30 grade of concrete specimens were produced with these crushed scraps by replacing M-sand at the intervals of 25% ranging from 0% to 100%. Laterite replacement of 25% could enhance the performance after 28 days. Not limiting only to strength characteristics, its morphological features were also understood by conducting Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for the optimum mixes.

Effect on Compressive Strength of Concrete by The Use of Metakaolin, Laterite Sand and Quarry Dust

Effect on Compressive Strength of Concrete by The Use of Metakaolin, Laterite Sand and Quarry Dust

Compressive strength and workability of laterized quarry sand concrete

This paper presents an experimental study on workability and compressive strength of concrete using various combinations of lateritic sand and quarry sand as complete replacement for conventional river sand fine aggregate. Quantity of lateritic sand varied from 0 to 50% against quarry dust at interval of 10%. Concrete cubes were prepared for two mix ratios: 1:1.5:3 and 1:2:4 and three water/cement ratios: 0.5, 0.6 and 0.7 and were cured and tested in the laboratory for compressive strength. Slump tests were also carried out for each mix. For each mix and water/cement ratios, control samples were also prepared using river sand as fine aggregate. The resulting concrete cubes fall within the range for normal weight concrete and although laterized quarry dust concrete had poorer workability, their compressive strength compare favourably with those of conventional concrete. The use of laterized quarry sand concrete for structural members is therefore recommended when laterite content is not more than 50%. Keywords : Compressive Strength, Concrete, Lateritic Sand, Quarry Sand, Workability