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

Project Abstract

This study investigates the comparison of locally excavated sand with river sand in terms of strength in sandcrete blocks. Sandcrete blocks are widely used in construction due to their affordability and ease of production. The quality of sand used in making these blocks significantly affects their strength and durability. River sand has been the traditional choice for making sandcrete blocks, but due to environmental concerns and limited availability, there is a growing interest in exploring alternatives such as locally excavated sand. In this research, samples of sand from both sources were collected and analyzed for particle size distribution, specific gravity, and fineness modulus. Sandcrete blocks were then produced using a mix ratio of 16 (cement to sand) and tested for compressive strength at 7, 14, and 28 days. The results were compared to determine the strength differences between sandcrete blocks made with locally excavated sand and river sand. The findings of the study revealed that the locally excavated sand had a slightly higher fineness modulus and coarser particle size distribution compared to river sand. However, the specific gravity of both sands was found to be similar. In terms of compressive strength, sandcrete blocks made with locally excavated sand showed comparable strength to those made with river sand at all ages tested. The compressive strength increased with curing age for both types of sand, with the blocks reaching their peak strength at 28 days. The results suggest that locally excavated sand can be a feasible alternative to river sand for making sandcrete blocks without compromising their strength properties. Utilizing locally excavated sand can help reduce the environmental impact associated with river sand mining and transportation costs. However, further studies are recommended to assess other properties such as water absorption, durability, and long-term performance of sandcrete blocks made with locally excavated sand. Overall, this research contributes to the existing knowledge on the use of locally sourced materials in construction and provides valuable insights for builders and construction professionals looking to optimize material choices for sustainable and cost-effective construction practices.

Project Overview

<p> </p><p><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></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><strong>1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY</strong></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><strong>1.2 STRENGTH AND USAGE</strong></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>– making a fence</p><p>– Septic tank and soak away tank’s</p><p>– 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><strong>1.3 SANDCRETE BLOCK SIZES</strong></p><p>They are many different types of blocks used in modern building, they include:</p><p>9” hollow blocks (450mmx225mmx225mm)<br>6” hollow blocks (450mmx150mmx225mm)<br>6” solid blocks (450mmx150mmx225mm)<br>5” solid blocks (450mmx125mmx225mm)<br>9” solid blocks (450mmx225mmx225mm)<br>1.4 CONSTITUENT MATERIALS OF SANDCRETE BLOCKS</p><p>These include cement, fine aggregate (sharp sand) and water.</p><p><strong>1.4.1 CEMENT</strong></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><strong>1.4.2 FINE AGGREGATE</strong></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><strong>1.4.3 WATER</strong></p><p>Any type of water available can be used to mould sandcrete blocks. This includes water from stream, rivers, boreholes etc.</p><p><strong>1.5 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM</strong></p><p>Apart from bad mixing ratios, which happen even some sandcrete blocks producers 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><strong>1.5.1 USING OF BAD CEMENT</strong></p><p>Due to the prevailing adverse 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.<br><strong><br>1.5.2 RE-BAG CEMENT</strong></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><strong>1.6 THE OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY</strong></p><p>This project research will help us to understand the different strength of sandcrete blocks produced with locally excavated sand and River sand.<br>This will also help to know the properties of Nsude sand after laboratory test has been carried out.<br>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.<br><strong>1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY</strong></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><strong>1.8 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY</strong></p><p>To help us understand the strength of sandcrete blocks produced with locally excavated sand and River sand in Nsude.<br>To help us determine the properties of Nsude sand after carrying out laboratory test.</p> <br><p></p>