Comparison of locally excavated sand with river sand in terms of strength in sandcrete blocks architecture project topics

Project Abstract

The construction industry heavily relies on sandcrete blocks for various architectural projects. Sand, a key component in sandcrete block production, is commonly sourced from either river sand or locally excavated sand. This study focuses on comparing the strength properties of sandcrete blocks made with locally excavated sand and river sand. The aim is to provide insights into the potential use of locally excavated sand as a viable alternative to river sand in sandcrete block production. The research methodology involves collecting samples of locally excavated sand and river sand from different sources. These sands are then tested for various properties such as particle size distribution, specific gravity, and fineness modulus. Subsequently, sandcrete blocks are produced using a mix ratio of 16 (Cement Sand) with both types of sand. The blocks are then subjected to compressive strength tests at different curing periods to evaluate their strength properties. Preliminary results indicate that locally excavated sand and river sand exhibit differences in their particle size distribution and fineness modulus. The sandcrete blocks made with locally excavated sand showed comparable compressive strength to those made with river sand at early curing periods. However, as the curing period progressed, the blocks made with river sand displayed slightly higher strength values compared to those made with locally excavated sand. Further analysis of the data is ongoing to determine the specific factors influencing the strength properties of sandcrete blocks made with different types of sand. Factors such as the presence of fines, clay content, and organic materials in the sands are being considered. Additionally, the effect of curing conditions on the strength development of the blocks is being investigated. The outcomes of this study are expected to provide valuable information to builders, construction companies, and policymakers regarding the suitability of locally excavated sand as a substitute for river sand in sandcrete block production. The findings may have implications for sustainable sand sourcing practices, cost-effectiveness, and overall quality of construction projects. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable building materials and practices in the construction industry.

Project Overview

<p> </p><div><p>INTRODUCTION</p><p>This research work means to determine the different properties of sandcastle blocks moulded with a locally excavated sand, in terms of compressive strength, durability and cost and economic importance, and that of River Sand. And after, compare the two strengths of the sandcrete which will help in recommending the right give the desired strength for the designed strength for a particular purpose.</p><p>NSUDE as case study, Nsude is in Udi, Enugu west, Enugu State.</p><p>1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY</p><p>Sandcrete is a yellow-white building material made from a binder (Portland cement), sand in a ratio of circa 1:8, and water. Sometime other ingredients may be added to reduce the amount of Portland cement such as “pozzolanas and rice husk ash”. Sandcrete is similar but weaker than mortan for which the ratio is 1:5.</p><p>Sandcrete is usually used as hollow rectangular blocks similar to concrete masonry units, often 45cm (18”) wide, 15cm (5.9”) thick and 30cm (12”) with hollows that run from top to bottom and occupy around one third of the volume of the block.</p><p>1.2 STRENGTH AND USAGE</p><p>The final compressive strength of sandcrete can be as high as 4.6N/mm2 which is much less than concrete’s 40N/mm2. Sandcrete is unsuitable for load-bearing columns, and is mainly used for</p><p>walling of a house</p><p>– &nbsp; &nbsp; making a fence</p><p>– &nbsp; &nbsp; Septic tank and soak away tank’s</p><p>– &nbsp; &nbsp; Building a generator’s house.</p><p>In Nigeria, measured strength of commercial available sandcrete blocks was found to be between 0.5 and 1N/mm2, which is well below the 3.5N/mm2 that is legally required. This development may be due to the need of the manufacturers to keep the price low, and since the main cost-factor is the Portland cement, they reduce that, which results in a block that starts behaving more like loose sand.</p><p>1.3 SANDCRETE BLOCK SIZES</p><p>They are many different types of blocks used in modern building, they include:</p><ul><li>9” hollow blocks (450mmx225mmx225mm)</li><li>6” hollow blocks (450mmx150mmx225mm)</li><li>6” solid blocks (450mmx150mmx225mm)</li><li>5” solid blocks (450mmx125mmx225mm)</li><li>9” solid blocks (450mmx225mmx225mm)</li></ul><p>1.4 CONSTITUENT MATERIALS OF SANDCRETE BLOCKS</p><p>These include cement, fine aggregate (sharp sand) and water.</p><p>1.4.1 CEMENT</p><p>This refers to any adhesive and the material used in connection with block and it is referred to as “hydraulic cement” because the setting and hardening depends on the preserve of water. The cement widely used in civil work is called “Ordinary Portland Cement”.</p><p>1.4.2 &nbsp; &nbsp; FINE AGGREGATE</p><p>The two major types of sand used are white and coloured sand. The sand were not free from materials such as dust, silt, tree roots etc. The sources of sand include pits, rivers and sea.</p><p>1.4.3 &nbsp; &nbsp; WATER</p><p>Any type of water available can be used to mould sandcrete blocks. This includes water from stream, rivers, boreholes etc.</p><p>1.5 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM</p><p>Apart from bad mixing ratios, which happen even some sandcrete blocksproducers add more yield of blocks, some other things can cause blocks to be in bad condition which can affect the quality of the sandcrete produced.</p><p>1.5.1 &nbsp; &nbsp; USING OF BAD CEMENT</p><p>Due to the prevailingadverse economic conditions, some sandcrete block makers tend to go for very cheap cement which may not have the required quality to bind a solid block. These block break soon after they are made. Some cement sellers who had cement keptin stock for so long sell it at give away price to the sandcrete block makers if the notice that the quality of the cement has detoriated.</p><p>1.5.2 RE-BAG CEMENT</p><p>Another thing to note with cement is that some cement sellers re-bag cement, removing some quantity of cement or put low quality cement product in a bag of a high quality and trust cement brand. Theration you thought you are using to produce a given quality has been compromised and it will produce a low quality block that can easily break even before it is being used for the project.</p><p>1.6 THE OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY</p><ul><li>This project research will help us to understand the different strength of sandcrete blocks produced with locally excavated sand and River sand.</li><li>This will also help to know the properties of Nsude sand after laboratory test has been carried out.</li><li>This will help us in determining the moulding methods and properties of sandcrete blocks. These properties are determined by the ratio of block constituents such as cement, water and sand.</li></ul><p>1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY</p><p>The scope of this project work is limited to obtaining the comparison of locally excavated sand with River sand in terms of strength in sandcrete blocks.(Nsude as case study).</p><p>1.8 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY</p><ol><li>To help us understand the strength of sandcrete blocks produced with locally excavated sand and River sand in Nsude.</li><li>To help us determine the properties of Nsude sand after carrying out laboratory test.</li></ol></div><h3></h3><br> <br><p></p>