Construction Of Load-bearing Walls Research Articles

Effects of burnt sawdust ashes from timber species on the strength properties of laterite-interlocking blocks

The most basic problem facing man is shelter, apart from food. This problem is acute in Ghana and other developing countries due mainly to the high growth rate of the population, inflation, unemployment and poor economic resources. Today in Ghana both middle and low income earners can hardly afford their own houses. From one point of view one can see that some of the materials used in building are of good quality and can last. The study aimed to partially replace ordinary Portland cement (oPc) with burnt sawdust ash (BSDA) from different timber species (Wawa, Mansonia, Teak, Odum, Ceiba, Essah and Mahogany) in making interlocking laterite blocks by replacing 0–30 wt %. Mix proportion was 1:8 (cement + BSDA: laterite) with a 0.60 water-to-cement ratio. 528 specimens of size 185 mm × 220 mm × 120 mm were produced and cured at normal temperature and humidity under shady and sunny conditions for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Compressive and tensile strengths were subsequently evaluated. However, an initial strength increase was observed with curing time for specific wood species (Wawa, Mansonia, Teak, Odum, Essah, Ceiba, and Mahogany). Notably,Wawa, Mansonia and Odum ash exhibited superior strength performance at 10–20% replacement levels, potentially satisfying relevant standards for load-bearing wall construction. This research suggests that up to 10% replacement with Wawa, Mansonia or Odum BSDA presents a promising eco-friendly approach for partially substituting oPc in LIB production.

Exploring the viability of fly ash bricks as an alternative material for building construction

Fly ash, which is recovered from the gases produced when coal is burned to produce power, is essentially a fine glass powder. Fly ash is a siliceous substance that has an amorphous or glassy bulk associated with it. These tiny earth elements are mainly composed of silica, alumina, and iron. When flyash is combined with lime and water, a cementitious substance is created. Under conditions of high steam pressure and temperature, the components of flyash combine with lime to form calcium silicate-hydrate and calcium aluminate hydrate. Portland cement and this newly produced solvent have characteristics that are very comparable. Due to their similarity, fly ash and cement can be substituted as a fundamental element in concrete, with fly ash having certain clear quality advantages. The surfaces produced by this concrete's formation are smoother, tighter, and denser, improving the characteristics of fly ash. In developing countries, flyash bricks are an economical and efficient means of low and medium-rise building construction, using very less resources. This paper examines the case of Flyash bricks for load-bearing wall construction as well as filler material and also discusses the engineering viability and properties of such Flyash bricks. The paper comes to the conclusion that Flyash bricks are a practical substitute for traditional bricks with more ancillary advantages.

Phase composition of earthquake-resistant bricks fired at various temperatures based on inter-shale clay and aluminium-containing slag from the production of metallic chromium

Most low-melting (brick-tile) clays in the Russian Federation are classified as semi-acidic and acidic, and not baked with a high content of coloring oxides (Fe 2 O 3 > 3 %) and a low content of aluminum oxide (12‒15 %). With such a content of aluminum oxide in clay components, it is impossible to get bricks of M150 or more grades from them. For the construction of load-bearing walls of the lower floors of high-rise buildings (10 floors or more), ceramic bricks of the M150‒M300 grades are required. In this work, a ceramic earthquake-resistant brick was obtained based on waste oil shale-inter-shale clay used as a clay component and aluminum-containing slag from the production of metal chromium, used as a thinning agent without the use of natural traditional raw materials. Earthquake-resistant bricks fired in the temperature range of 1050‒1100 o С had a grade of M150‒М175. Studies of the phase composition of ceramic bricks showed that at a temperature of 1100 o С in had a grade of M150‒М175. Studies of the phase composition of ceramic bricks have shown that at a temperature of 1100 oС, mullite is formed in the samples.

Bond Strength of Coir Fibers in Cement-Stabilized Rammed Earth Matrix

AbstractCement-stabilized rammed earth (CSRE) is a monolithic construction used in the construction of load-bearing walls. CSRE predominantly undergoes catastrophic shear failures under compression...

Rammed Earth with Straw Fibers and Earth Mortar: Mix Design and Mechanical Characteristics Determination

Raw earth is one of the oldest building materials, which is suitable for various uses: from the construction of load-bearing walls to use for plasters and finishes. The presence of straw fibers can give different behavior to this material. The present paper illustrates preliminary sensory and qualitative analyses, and subsequent laboratory tests that allow the characterization of the raw earth material with straw fibers for rammed earth constructions through mechanized compaction and the identification of a compatible earth mortar. The raw material considered in this study is mainly clayey; for this reason, a mix design usable with the pisé (or clay) technique has been developed. Cylindrical samples have been made through a press and subject to unconfined compression and indirect tensile tests. The results of the tests showed consistent tensile and compressive strength values in the context of earth materials. At the same time, a study for the realization of a mortar with the same base soil was carried out considering four mixtures, in order to investigate the best compromise between workability, shrinkage and compressive strengths. The purpose of the study was to investigate the mechanical characteristics of the local material through preliminary and laboratory tests, to classify it according to the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) and to verify its suitability for a possible use in the construction field.

ПОЛУЧЕНИЕ СЕЙСМОСТОЙКОГО КИРПИЧА НА ОСНОВЕ ШЛАКА ОТ ВЫПЛАВКИ БЕЗУГЛЕРОДИСТОГО ФЕРРОХРОМА И НЕКОНДИЦИОННОЙ ГЛИНЫ

In the Russian Federation, most low-melting clays used in the production of ceramic bricks have a low content of aluminum oxide (Al2O3=12-15%). With such a low content of aluminum oxide in clay materials, it is impossible to obtain bricks of grades M150 and higher from them. For the construction of load-bearing walls of the lower floors of high-rise buildings (15 floors or more), ceramic bricks of the M150-M300 brands are required. In such clay materials, to obtain earthquake-resistant bricks M150 and higher, it is necessary to introduce a thinning agent containing A12O3>50%. Taking into account the reduction of reserves of traditional high-alumina natural raw materials, it is necessary to find new ways to replace it with various types of waste. The experience of advanced foreign countries has shown the technical feasibility of this direction and its application as a tool for protecting the natural environment from pollution. In this paper, instead of natural traditional desiccants, it is proposed to use slag from the smelting of carbon-free ferrochrome containing A12O3=55.8%. As a clay material, substandard beidellite clay was used, which is not suitable for the production of ceramic bricks without thinners. A ceramic earthquake-resistant brick M125-M175 was obtained on the basis of slag from the smelting of carbon-free ferrochrome and substandard clay in the temperature range of 1050-1100oC

Fabricación de ladrillos con polvo-residuo de mármol en México

Resumen
 La industria del mármol genera gran cantidad de desperdicio en polvo. Estos desechos carecen de un adecuado plan de manejo, además de resultar altamente contaminantes a la población que rodea el lugar de los depósitos de estos materiales. Para ofrecer una solución, en este artículo se presentan los resultados del desarrollo de un ladrillo a base del polvo de mármol. El programa experimental incluye 16 dosificaciones diferentes en las que se varía la cantidad de cemento, cal y arena, y se deja constante el polvo de mármol. El programa incluye el ensayo a compresión de 160 ladrillos, 3 ensayos a compresión en muretes, 3 pruebas de adherencia a compresión en muretes y 48 pruebas de absorción. Los resultados de compresión y adherencia demostraron que estos ladrillos podrían ser utilizados para la construcción de muros de carga en vivienda desarrolladas en zonas de amenaza sísmica baja.
 Palabras clave: 
 Absorción; adherencia; compresión; muros de carga; vivienda
 
 Abstract
 The marble industry generates large amount of dust waste. These wastes do not have a proper management plan, as well as being highly contaminating the population surrounding the site of the deposits of these materials. To offer a solution, this article shows the results of the development of a brick-based marble powder to achieve sufficient compressive strength to construction masonry walls in low-rise housing. The experimental program includes 16 different dosages that varies the amount of cement, lime, and sand, and keeping constant the marble powder. The program includes the compressive tests for 160 bricks, compressive tests for 3 small walls, validated adherence under compression tests for 3 small walls, and absorption tests for 48 bricks. The results of the test showed that the compression strength of the individual bricks and wall is 4.0 MPa y 1.9 MPa, respectively, and the absorption of the bricks es 21 %. This results of absorption , compression and adhesion are a first indication of the feasibility of used these bricks for the construction of load-bearing walls in housing developed in areas of low seismic demands.
 Key Words:
 Absorption; adhesion; compression; load-bearing walls; housing

Comparative study on use of precast framed structure and precast load bearing wall structure

Conventional construction is predominantly adopted across the country. Over the last 10 yrs new technologies of construction as entered into the market viz. monolithical construction using aluminium form work, composite construction, insulated wall construction using shortcreting technique, precast construction. Number of entrepreneurs have set up the precast elements across the India and about 30 companies have been setup so far and the industry is gearing up precast construction in a big way departing slowly away from conventional construction Precast technology has many advantages such as time, quality and cost over traditional construction methods resulting in reduction in material consumption, easily buildable and less maintenance. Precast construction is one of the most appropriate solution for managing construction needs for urban areas. In this study we have carried out detailed study of various concepts of precast and found the facts associated with it. Major developers have adopted precast technology for faster project completion, to circumvent labour shortages and achieve quality construction with less wastage. Present paper provides a comparison of precast framed structure with AAC Block walls and precast load bearing wall construction. The purpose of this paper is to find the effective way of construction in terms of cost effectiveness and faster construction. As a part of practical study, have visited two ongoing construction sites of precast framed construction with AAC block walls and precast load bearing wall construction. Efficiency of various activities was measured directly by monitoring real works at site. Also this paper focus on the estimation of quantities of steel and concrete required in both precast framed structure and precast load bearing wall structure.

Utilization of granulated blast furnace slag and cement in the manufacture of compressed stabilized earth blocks

This study involves the investigation on utilization of granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) and cement in the manufacture of compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB). Two locally available soils from Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, India were tested for their index and strength properties with replacement of granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS). An optimum percentage of replacement of GBFS was established and then varying percentages of cement was added for the production of compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs). This stabilized soil was used for the manufacture of blocks of size 305 mm × 143 mm × 105 mm. All the blocks were cast to a target density, followed by the curing for 28 days. The blocks were subjected to compression test and water absorption test according to Indian Standard (IS) specifications. The test results showed that the CSEBs prepared with GBFS and cement can be utilized in masonry for load bearing wall construction. A small percentage of cement is sufficient for manufacturing the CSEBs when optimum GBFS content is replaced with that of soil, thereby reducing the energy consumption.

The Behaviour of Palm Oil Fibre Block Masonry Prism under Eccentric Compressive Loading

Dry-stacked masonry offers great benefits in constructing masonry buildings. Several examples from previous research show that dry masonry is reasonable alternative to the traditional building system. By addition of fibre, the ductility and the propagation of cracking will be improved. This study investigates the dry stack oil palm fibre block prisms which were subjected to eccentricity compression loads. These concrete blocks were cast using a single mould with suitable fibre-cement composition namely 1:4 (cement: sand) and 0.40 water to the cement ratio based on cement weight. Prisms test using 400 (length) × 150 (width) × 510 (height) mm specimen was carried under eccentric load. There were forty eight (48) prisms built with different configurations based on their volume of fibre. In this study, one types of grout were used namely the fine grout of mix 1:3:2 (cement: sand: aggregate (5mm maximum). Based on the test performed, the failure mechanism and influencing parameters were discussed. From compressive strength test result, it shows that the strength of concrete block decreased with the increase of fibre used. Although the control sample has the higher strength compared to concrete with EFB, it can be seen from mode failure of masonry prism that fibre could extend the cracking time. These results show that the oil palm fibre blocks can improve the failure behaviour and suitable to be used as load bearing wall construction in Malaysia.

Comparison of Two Ways of AAC Block Masonry Strengthening Using CFRP Strips - Diagonal Compression Test

In modern architecture, especially in dwelling buildings, one of the most popular and frequently used materials for construction of load-bearing walls are AAC blocks with thin layer joints. Such type of masonry units is recommended for construction of masonry walls with unfilled head (horizontal) joints. Construction speed using this technology is higher and brick work is easier. Unfortunately, there is also a negative aspect of unfilled head joints: such walls are characterised with low crack resistance, especially in case of shearing loads. This is a common problem in the buildings located in the areas of seismic influences, but also in buildings subjected to uneven settlements. One of the solutions to improve the crack resistance of the masonry walls made of AAC blocks is application of superficial strengthening using CFRP mats. This paper presents the results of laboratory tests which investigated the effectiveness of strengthening with carbon fibres strips in different assembly configurations. Three series of masonry specimens were tested: unstrengthened wallettes, small rectangular walls with strengthening on both sides with strips mounted on the surface and covering the head joints, and specimens with strengthening also on both sides but with CFRP strips mounted outside of the head joints. All specimens were subjected to diagonal compressive loading according to RILEM LUMB 6 recommendations. An increase of shear capacity of both types of strengthening with respect to the unreinforced elements was observed. In general, a positive effect of external strengthening was defined, however, the tests also showed that the number of CFRP strips can be reduced and what are their recommended location as well as orientation in relation to bed joints.

An Evaluation of the Effect of Instructional Methods on Student’s Achievement in Technical Colleges in Akwa Ibom State

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in students' achievement in the construction of loadbearing walls, block-laying and concreting after they had been taught using scaffolding,demonstration, and conventional instructional methods in technical colleges in Akwa Ibom State. The study was quasi- experimental, using a sample of 90 subjects drawn through purposive random sampling technique from a population of two hundred and forty six senior technical two students offering Block-laying and Concretingin public technical colleges in Akwa Ibom State. The experimental and control groups were taught block-laying and concreting topics from NABTEB syllabus and tested by the research atendants. An instrument titled Block- laying and Concreting Achievement Test (BCAT) was developed by the researchers and validated by three experts was used for data collection. The reliability co-efficient indices of the instrument using Cronbach's Alpha were established differently for each task of the topics taught. All the research questions were answered using the descriptive statistics; while the hypotheses were tested at .05 level of significance, using independent t- test and in the case of hypothesis 4, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results show that: scaffolding instructional method can be used in teaching workshops-based subjects such as Block-laying and Concreting; Scaffolding instruction method has been found to be a useful teaching method for teaching Block-laying and Concreting and; Scaffolding and Demonstration Instructional Methods were found to be better teaching methods than conventional instruction method in teaching Block-laying and Concreting work. Based on the findings of this study, the researchers recommended among others, that: Technical Teachers Training Institutions should incorporate Scaffolding Instructional Method as one of the methods in their curriculum used

Influence of the mineralogical composition on the properties of adobe blocks from Aveiro, Portugal

AbstractEarth materials have been used in the form of adobe or rammed products for the construction of load-bearing walls in buildings. In Portugal, the adobe has been used predominantly on the central coast, particularly in the Aveiro district. Although many old adobe buildings in Aveiro have been abandoned, some of them can be refurbished with minor maintenance and repair works.Representative samples from typical adobe blocks, from various constructions in the region were collected and characterized for their mineralogical composition, particle size, aggregate content, water uptake, durability and strength. These basic properties provide a basis for the development of adequate interventions, preserving the characteristics of the buildings. This study compares the main characteristics of adobes from two different locations (Anadia and Murtosa). The most important differences between the two groups of adobes are the particle size distribution, the mineralogical composition, the water absorption and the mechanical and durability properties. The study improved the knowledge of the traditional construction methods and will enable decisions for rehabilitation of adobe buildings to be made. Knowledge of the main characteristics of adobes allows those participating in the rehabilitation process to obtain the basis for the rehabilitation and conservation of old buildings.

An Assessment of the Energy and Resource-efficient Hybrid Composite Beams for Multi-residential Apartments

Apartments with load-bearing wall construction are used extensively in Korea, but have the disadvantage of a short life, causing serious economic losses in terms of construction waste, materials and energy consumption. This paper presents the findings on multi-residential apartments that utilise a hybrid composite frame as a viable alternative for the energy efficiency associated with construction materials. The hybrid composite frame consists of a structural tee, reinforcement steels and pre-cast concrete. The use of the hybrid composite frame reduces the overall amount of energy consumption. In addition, multi-residential apartments utilising a hybrid composite frame have advantages such as flexibility in planning and easier repair and remodelling. This study investigates tower-shape, multi-residential apartments of various heights and floor areas to compare the energy efficiency of the hybrid composite system with that of the bearing wall system. The multi-residential apartments that utilise the hybrid composite frame are analysed in terms of both reduced principal materials and reduced energy consumption compared with apartments of a load-bearing wall structure. Rapid demand for long life and multi-residential apartment construction is expected.

Caractérisation d'une maçonnerie composée d'éléments en aggloméré de chanvre

The tested masonry elements, made of an agglomeration of industrial hemp and inorganic binders, were prefabricated on a cement brick production with an objective to use them for light-weight load-bearing wall construction and for insulation purposes. The tests indicate that the load-bearing characteristics of such masonry construction is close to the present Swiss recommendations. Furthermore, the sound insulation characteristics are comparable to the numerous other traditional systems, but they are still not competitive compared to other existing systems from the point of view of thermal insulation.Key words: construction, brick, light weight, building materials, industrial hemp, mechanical properties, physical properties, sustainable development.