Sandcrete Blocks Research Articles

Strength and Durability Assessment of Nanoquartz Sandcrete Blocks

Strength and Durability Assessment of Nanoquartz Sandcrete Blocks

The Inflation Rate and the Prices of Building Materials in Benin City

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the inflation rate and the price of building materials in Benin City to aid in mitigating the adverse effects of the inflation rate on the construction industry. The trend in the variables from 2017 to 2023 was investigated, and their relationship was assessed and determined using Spearman’s correlation and Regression analysis. Data on the inflation rate was collated from the Central Bank of Nigeria, while prices of the selected building materials were obtained from market surveys. Findings revealed that the inflation rate had the highest value in 2023, and the prices of the chosen building materials had an upward trend from 2017 to 2023. The yearly change in the variables revealed that a percentage increase in the inflation rate produced the highest increase of 3.34% in the price of 1.5mm single-coil cable and the lowest increase of 0.93% in the price of Granite. Correlation analysis indicated that the prices of the building materials had a direct relationship and an inverse relationship with the inflation rate. Regression analysis showed that for every unit increase in the inflation rate, the price of Granite would experience the highest increase by ₦5693. In contrast, the price of Sandcrete block would experience the lowest increase by ₦10. It was recommended that the Government provide an enabling environment that will promote the local production of building materials to reduce dependency on imports and the effect of inflation rate fluctuations.

Comparative evaluation of the compressive strength of treated drill cutting blocks and sandcrete blocks

Comparative evaluation of the compressive strength of treated drill cutting blocks and sandcrete blocks

Effect of solvothermal-treated polyethylene on the mechanical properties of sandcrete blocks and concrete

In building construction, seepage and dampness in walls present serious problems since they can cause structural failures and damage in both residential and commercial contexts. Finding more affordable options is necessary as mitigating these problems frequently requires expensive fixes. This study aims to evaluate the effects of solvothermal-treated polyethylene added at concentrations ranging from 0 to 1.0% on the mechanical properties of concrete and sandcrete blocks. In addition to assessing the workability, split tensile strength, and compressive strength of concrete samples at different levels of the polyethylene (PE) inclusion, the study looked into the water absorption capacity, density, and compressive strength of sandcrete blocks. The blocks’ compressive strength and water absorption capacity reduced as the amount of polyethylene additives rose, although there was a slight increase in the density. These changes remain well within the Nigerian Industrial Standards’ specified limits. Hardened concrete shows a drop in density, compressive strength, and split tensile strength with increasing polyethylene content, while fresh concrete's workability decreases as the percentage increases. 0.4% incorporation of the treated polyethylene achieved the target strength of 20 N/mm2 while Sandcrete blocks with up to 1% of the solvothermal treated polyethylene had compressive strengths more than the 2.5 N/mm2 minimum required for non-load-bearing walls. About 61% reduction in water absorption was achieved in 48 h by the blocks, presenting a promising and cost-effective solution for seepage-related issues in building construction.

Suitability of crushed sandcrete block (CSB) as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in concrete

The suitability of crushed Sandcrete block (CSB) for use as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in concrete was examined. The physical and mechanical properties of the crushed Sandcrete block and river sand were determined and compared. The specific gravity of the crushed Sandcrete block was found to be 2.58 while that for river sand was 2.66. The concrete with compressive strength of 25N/mm2 at 28 days’ hydration period was calculated for the normal mixture as the control. The percentage mix of the fine aggregate was substituted with CSB in different mix proportions of 0:1(0%), 1:3(25%), 1:2(33.3%), 1:1(50%), 2:1(66.7%), 3:1(75%) and 1:0(100%) of crushed Sandcrete block and river sand by weight as fine aggregate. The concrete cubes were cured, and compressive strength tests were carried out at 7, 14, and 28 days. It was observed that the 28-day density and compressive strength for concrete cubes with crushed Sandcrete block alone as fine aggregate (i.e. 100%) were found to be 2420kg/m³ and 22N/mm² respectively compared to the 0:1(0%) proportion which was found to be 2485kg/m³ and 26N/mm² respectively. It was observed that the density and compressive strength reduced with the increasing addition of CSB in all the proportions.

Assessing the durability properties of sandcrete blocks incorporating iron filings as fine aggregate

The rising costs of construction materials, particularly sandcrete blocks, necessitate the exploration of cost-effective alternatives. This study examines the feasibility of incorporating iron filings (IF), a by-product of metal workshops, into hollow sandcrete block production and assesses their performance under harsh conditions. IF was used to replace 5–20 % of the fine aggregate component in blocks at a step of 5 %, mixed at a 1:8 ratio, and sized at 450mm×150mm×225mm. The study evaluated the impact of acidic exposure on the density, sorptivity, and compressive strength of these blocks, as well as their sensitivity to elevated temperatures. The results showed that IF blocks had significantly lower density than non-IF blocks, especially those cured with H₂SO₄. For instance, blocks with 15 % IF and cured in 0.3 mol/dm³ H₂SO₄ had a 13.9 % reduction in density. Despite higher acid concentrations, IF samples demonstrated better sorptivity, absorbing water more slowly than non-IF samples. However, exposure to acidic media reduced compressive strength by 1.9 %–47.8 % for HNO₃ exposure and 0.5 %–42.4 % for H₂SO₄ exposure. None of the acid-exposed blocks met the minimum standards for load-bearing (2.5 MPa) or non-load-bearing walls (2.0 MPa) as per NIS standards. Furthermore, the sensitivity of IF sandcrete blocks to changes in compressive strength under elevated temperatures decreased by almost half, from 0.026 to 0.014 MPa/°C, as the curing period increased from 7 to 28 days. Blocks with 5–15 % IF showed improved compressive strength at temperatures below 150 °C, but strength declined sharply beyond this temperature. By utilising IF, a readily available waste material, the implications of the study are significant for promoting a circular economy in the construction industry. However, the performance of the blocks against durability concerns needs to be improved further before integrating such waste materials into developing sustainable and resilient construction materials

Prediction model for compressive strength of rice husk ash blended sandcrete blocks using a machine learning models

Prediction model for compressive strength of rice husk ash blended sandcrete blocks using a machine learning models

Mechanical and Physiochemical Characteristics of Sandcrete Blocks Produced with Sustainable Biomaterials

The quest for sustainable construction materials is rapidly increasing; due to health hazards associated the traditional construction items. This research goal is to investigate how sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), crushed periwinkle shells (CPS) and cassava starch (CS) incursion affects the engineering performance of sandcrete blocks, and the physiochemical qualities of their leachate. SBA was incorporated at a rate of 5, 10, 15 and 20% as substitution for cement; treated CPS (TCPS) and untreated CPS (UCPS) were add at a rate of 10, 15, 20 and 25% as partial replacement for sand; while 1% CS was added as integrity enhancer. A consistent cement–sand mix ratio of 1:8 and corresponding water–cement (w/c) ratio of 0.55 were employed across all 17 experimental units; and the blocks were cured using the irrigation technique. Likewise, the blocks were subjected to leaching condition (immersion in water) to collect their leachate. Chemical compositions of the SBA, sand, cement, CS and TCPS and UCPS were examined using the x–ray fluorescent technique, while the mechanical and physiochemical parameters of the blocks were studied in harmony with the American Society for Testing and Materials standards. The results obtained revealed that the mechanical and physiochemical qualities of the blocks were dependent on the volume of the bio–materials incorporated into the sandcrete. Furthermore, the findings showed that an environmentally friendly high–strength lightweight sandcrete blocks, meeting international requirement of 3.45 N/mm2 can be produced by incorporating 10% SBA, 15% TCPS and 1% CS into the sandcrete block. The research highlights the possibility of using agricultural waste materials in achieving sustainable materials for the housing industry.

Properties of sandcrete blocks stabilized with cashew apple ash as a partial replacement for cement

The use of by-products from agricultural production as stabilizers in concrete and mortar in developing countries could result in numerous benefits. These by-products are readily available, cheap, and have a lesser carbon footprint. As Portland cement prices keep rising, the search for alternatives to sustainable construction materials is necessary. Cashew apples are left on cashew farms as waste material after the nuts have been removed due to lack of utilization. In this study, the properties of sandcrete blocks produced with cashew apple ash (CAA) as a partial replacement for cement were investigated. A total of 180 block specimens of size 100 × 100 × 130 mm were prepared from six different mortar mixes of control, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% CAA replacement of cement by weight were prepared. Results revealed that the highest compressive and tensile strengths after 28 days of curing CAA blocks were 11.45 and 1.08 N/mm2 respectively. The best water absorption resistance obtained was 2.66%. The study recommends the use of 5% CAA replacement of cement to block manufacturers for use in manufacturing sandcrete blocks. This study is useful because the cashew apple waste ash used as an alternative material to cement in sandcrete block production will be beneficial to the environment and may also save the cost of production of sandcrete blocks.

Assessment of Compressive Strength of Hollow Sandcrete Block Produced in Akure Ondo State

Assessment of Compressive Strength of Hollow Sandcrete Block Produced in Akure Ondo State

Investigation into the Mechanical Properties of Commercial Sandcrete Blocks Produced in Nigeria: A Case Study of Warri Metropolis

This study investigated the extent to which the mechanical strength of commercially produced sandcrete blocks in Delta State, Nigeria, conforms to recognized international standards. Fifty sandcrete blocks (28 curing days) were sampled from ten known sandcrete block manufacturers in Warri municipal area, five blocks from each manufacturer. The compressive strength of the blocks was determined in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International guidelines. The results showed that the compressive strength of all the blocks failed to meet the Nigeria Industrial Standard (NIS) benchmark for load loading sandcrete block, while only 20% of the blocks attained NIS requirement for non-load bearing walls. Field observation revealed that poor mixing ratio of the sandcrete; inconsistencies in the batching method and sand used in the production of the sandcrete blocks were responsible for the poor quality (low compressive strength) of the sandcrete blocks manufactured in the region. The findings of this study underscore the importance for the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers, to rigorously monitor the strength of sandcrete blocks made in Nigeria to ensure that their quality meets internationally recognized standards. This will reduce the occurrence of structural damage in Nigeria, due to the use of low quality blocks for wall constriction.

ADOBE BRICKS TO HOLLOW SANDCRETE BLOCK WALLING IN TROPICAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION: MATERIAL IMPACT ON SUSTAINABLE INDOOR THERMAL COMFORT ATTAINMENT

Introduction: Tropical climate is characterized by high temperature, the consequence of which induces indoor thermal discomfort. This is attributed to high solar gains through various elements of the building envelope, including windows, walls, and roof among others. However, in an attempt to optimize indoor thermal comfort with minimal or no recourse to mechanical installations, this study explores the roles of the walling fabrics by comparing varying thermo-physical properties of two identified masonry units in the study area of Ogbomoso, Nigeria (adobe bricks and hollow sandcrete blocks), with a view to identifying a more thermally comfortable and sustainable material option. The methodology involves virtual models of two similar residential buildings each composed of either adobe bricks or sandcrete blocks, as masonry units. These models were subjected to energy performance simulation analyses using DesignBuilder software, over a 12‑month cycle period, to experience year-round differential thermal conditions. Through the observed comparative annual heat loads as experienced in the models, the results show improved indoor thermal comfort in the brick building (i.e., 7119.54 KWh), with heat loads being 11% lower than that of the sandcrete building (i.e., 8875.65 KWh) due to the brick walling fabric. This may be associated with the brick’s lower thermal conductivity (U-Value) of 1.798 W/m2-K, compared with the sandcrete blocks’ value of 1.999 W/m2-K. Results: In general, adobe bricks as a walling unit exhibit more thermal resistance against the harsh outdoor weather conditions than sandcrete blocks. The study is part of an ongoing effort towards reviving this partially neglected low impact material — adobe brick — with a view to attaining sustainable indoor thermal comfort as well as protect the environment in the study area.

Suitability of Crushed Sandcrete Block (CSB) as a Partial Replacement for Fine Aggregate in Concrete Structures

In concrete structures, debris generated from construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings is often referred to as construction and demolition waste. These waste materials may be very important to recycle for several reasons for instance, recycling materials such as glass, metal, concrete, and wood waste can lessen our reliance on virgin resources, preserve natural resources, and lessen the negative environmental effects of resource exploitation. The suitability of crushed sandcrete block (CSB) for use as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in concrete was examined. The physical and mechanical properties of the crushed sandcrete block and river sand were determined and compared. The specific gravity of the crushed sandcrete block was found to be 2.58 while that for river sand was 2.66. The concrete with compressive strength of 25N/mm2 at 28 days’ hydration period was calculated for the normal mixture as the control. The percentage mix of the fine aggregate was substituted with CSB in different mix proportions of 0:1(0%), 1:3(25%), 1:2(33.3%), 1:1(50%), 2:1(66.7%), 3:1(75%) and 1:0(100%) of crushed sandcrete block and river sand by weight as fine aggregate. The concrete cubes were cured, and compressive strength tests were carried out at 7, 14, and 28 days. It was observed that the 28-day density and compressive strength for concrete cubes with crushed sandcrete block alone as fine aggregate (i.e. 100%) were found to be 2420kg/m³ and 22N/mm² respectively compared to the 0:1(0%) proportion which was found to be 2485kg/m³ and 26N/mm² respectively. It was observed that the density and compressive strength reduced with the increasing addition of CSB in all the proportions.

Exploring Sawdust as a Sustainable Alternative in Block Production: A Study on Compressive Strength and Environmental Impact

The utilisation of sawdust in block manufacture has effectively minimised the amount of waste material being disposed of in landfills. The study aimed to examine the utilisation of sawdust as a partial substitute for sand in the manufacture of blocks and assess the compressive strength of sandcrete and sawdust blocks. The experiment utilised cement grade 32.5R, pit sand as the fine aggregate, fine particles of sawdust, and a water-cement ratio of 0.65. Control specimen 0,utilised 10%, 15%, and 20% of fine sawdust particles as partial substitutes for sand. Subsequently, the materials were combined in a proportion of 1:3 to generate sawdust and sandcrete blocks. The block samples were cured by applying water at intervals of 7, 14, and 21 days, respectively. The results indicate a significant alteration in the water-cement ratio employed during the material batching and mixing procedure of the sawdust samples. Additional results revealed differences in the compressive strength and density tests between sandcrete and sawdust blocks in the control specimens. The compressive strength of sandcrete blocks was superior to that of sawdust blocks. Sandcrete blocks are suitable for load-bearing purposes in construction projects, whilst sawdust blocks are suitable for non-load-bearing walls.

Light Weight Laterite Bricks Stabilised With Cement And Sawdust For Multi-Storey Construction

Stabilised brick has been identified for use in various areas of building construction as an environmentally sustainable, friendly and durable building material with excellent thermal properties that makes it suitable for construction in most regions with extreme climatic conditions. However, the use of stabilised bricks has not been fully incorporated into high rise building construction due to its overall weight which is one of the major considerations for multi-story buildings. This research on light weight bricks was carried out to ascertain its suitability for various applications in high rise building and engineering constructions. The production was done using different percentages of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and Saw Dust (SD) to establish the percentage required for light weight construction while maintaining the optimum compressive strength required for performance in building construction comparable with that of a sandcrete block to confirm its suitability for use in multi- story construction projects. The experimental procedures used involved the use of Saw Dust obtained from the sawing process of wood at a saw mill, lateritic soil was collected from a borrow pit and ordinary Portland cement was obtained from an open market for producing the bricks. Various chemical and physical analyses were carried out on four samples of laterite soils and sawdust respectively. Liquid limits, plastic limits and water absorption of the soil samples were measured. The soils were then stabilized with cement and sawdust at 5, 10 and 15 % replacements. Bricks with size (300 x 150 x 150mm) were produced from the various mixes. After curing for 28 days, the brick samples were weighed to observe the varying degree of weight reduction with respect to the quantity of saw dust replacement. Compressive strength of the bricks was also examined to ensure that the strength of the bricks is within allowable limits for construction purposes. The reduction in weight and the corresponding compressive strength of the bricks were measured for conformity with ASTMS building codes and standards and were compared with that of a sandcrete block to establish its suitability for use in multi-story construction projects.] Keywords: Stabilization, Lightweight, Multi-storey construction, Bricks.

Characterization of groundnut shell ash as partial replacement of cement for cheaper construction in north-western Nigeria

Groundnut is an important cash crop produced in large quantity in North-Western Nigeria. The production of ground nut reached its peak in Nigeria during the period of 1969 to 1980s, when approximately 1.7 million tonnes of the pods were produced from an area of 1.9 million hectares. This enormous waste is presently not being harnessed productively in other than burning, which is a major air pollution and indiscriminate dumping that cause environmental hazard. Groundnut husk when burnt under controlled temperature has been found to be rich in silica. The benefit of high silica content makes it very useful pozzolanic material and a good possible admixture in concrete production. Conversion of wastes to wealth is the new vogue all over the world; this is not only to reduce environmental degradation and pollution but also to effectively put these wastes into use that would be beneficial to mankind. This paper investigated the suitability and application of Groundnut Shell Ash (GSA) from Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states as pozzolanic and siliceous partial mineral admixture in cement production for cheaper, improved strength and durability of mortar and concrete making in North-Western Nigeria. Six sandcrete blocks using groundnut shell ash (GSA) as partial cement admixture were investigated for each replacement levels of cement to GSA ration of 100/0%, 90/10%, 80/20%, 70/30%, 60/40%, and 50/50% with groundnut shell ash. The results indicated that the strength of the sandcrete decreases with increase of cement above 20% replacement.

Evaluation of Bottle Bricks Walls Using Polyethylene Terephthalate (pet) Bottle as Bricks

There has been a considerable imbalance between the availability of conventional building materials and their demand in the recent past. On the other hand, the plastic waste is abundantly available and the disposal of waste Polyethylene Terephthalate Plastics (PET) is a big challenge, as repeated recycling of PET bottles poses a potential danger of being transformed and only a small proportion of PET bottles are being recycled. In this work an attempt has been made to access material for building walls in term of using pet bottles bricks in respect to using different filer material and test their suitability and also experimenting their compressive strength. This research identifies the various suitable materials for making bottles brick and make use of reviewed paper, relevant literature, archival data and material inspection as a method of study. The solution to finding the physical properties of bottle brick was carried out through collecting data and information through scrutinize material inspection and literature reviewing. This research concerns with subjective assessment of attitudes, qualities and behaviour of different material filled in PET bottles for making PET bottle brick walls. Also these suitable samples were collected and analyzed by experimenting the compressive strength of each of material filled in each PET bottle. At the end, it concluded that different factor affects the use of suitable filler such as availability of the material, cost of material among others. PET bottle brick has advantages such as high strength, low cost, load capacity, reducing waste and energy efficiency, PET bottle bricks can be more effective compared to some conventional wall building materials such as brick, sandcrete block and ceramic block.

Strength Properties Evaluation of Asphalt Concrete Produced with Sandcrete Block Powder

Strength Properties Evaluation of Asphalt Concrete Produced with Sandcrete Block Powder

Influence of Cement Content and Compaction Pressure on the Mechanical Properties of Sandcrete Blocks

Influence of Cement Content and Compaction Pressure on the Mechanical Properties of Sandcrete Blocks

Comparison of the Strength of Blocks Made from Sharp Sand Cement, Laterite Cement and Red Earth Cement

One of the man-made building materials used for a variety of construction projects is known as blocks. As long as the blocks can sustain the loads applied to them, they can be made from a variety of materials. The sand crete block, which is made from cement, sharp sand, and water, is a prominent type of block used for the construction of walls in many projects. This study is focused on the use of other naturally occurring building materials to replace the conventional ones in making of masonry blocks that could most likely guide in decreasing the cost of creation of blocks to be utilized for construction because of the significant expense of construction materials, such as cement and sharp sand. This study was focused to research the utilization of other construction materials (laterite and red earth). The materials used to make the blocks were subjected to a variety of tests, such as sieve analysis and specific gravity testing. Six (6) block samples were made for each of the three (3) types of blocks, totaling twenty-four (24) blocks. All of the blocks were cured using the open-air curing method, and the compressive strength test was performed on the 7, 14, 21, and 28 curing days of two (2) different blocks from each of the three (3) block types made. Every block was 5 inches in length. The results of the experiment (test) indicated that the materials were suitable for constructing blocks. After the blocks were crushed, it was discovered that none of them met the Nigerian Industrial Standard's minimum recommended standard of 3.45 N/mm2 for individual blocks (NIS 87: 2000). The compressive strength of blocks built with red earth ranged from 2.02 N/mm2 to 3.16 N/mm2, those made with laterite from 3.27 N/mm2 to 5.16 N/mm2, and those made with cement and sharp sand (sand crete) from 4.83 N/mm2 to 9.97 N/mm2.