Project Abstract

Abstract
This research project aims to investigate and compare the strength properties of sandcrete blocks produced using locally excavated sand with those produced using river sand. The study focuses on the specific case study of Nsude, a community in Nigeria known for its locally sourced sand. Sandcrete blocks are widely used in construction as they provide cost-effective and durable solutions for building projects. The quality of sand used in producing these blocks significantly affects their strength and durability. The research methodology involves collecting sand samples from both the locally excavated sources in Nsude and the nearby river sand. These samples will be tested for their physical and chemical properties, such as grain size distribution, moisture content, silt content, and specific gravity. The sand samples will then be used to produce sandcrete blocks following standard procedures and mix designs. The blocks will undergo compressive strength tests at different curing periods to evaluate their strength characteristics. By comparing the strength properties of sandcrete blocks produced with locally excavated sand and river sand, this study aims to provide insights into the suitability of using locally sourced sand in construction projects. The results of the research will help in assessing the quality of locally excavated sand in Nsude and its impact on the strength of sandcrete blocks. This comparison will also contribute to understanding the potential cost savings and environmental benefits of using locally available materials in construction. The findings of this research will be beneficial for builders, contractors, and other stakeholders in the construction industry. Understanding the strength properties of sandcrete blocks made with locally excavated sand can lead to more informed decision-making in material selection for construction projects. Additionally, promoting the use of locally sourced materials can foster sustainable practices and reduce the reliance on imported resources. In conclusion, this research project on comparing locally excavated sand with river sand in sandcrete blocks in Nsude aims to provide valuable insights into the strength properties of blocks produced with different types of sand. The findings will contribute to the body of knowledge on sustainable construction practices and the utilization of locally available materials in building projects.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

This research work means to determine the different properties of sandcrete 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.

      NSUDE as case study, Nsude is in Udi, Enugu west, Enugu State.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

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.

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.

1.2 STRENGTH AND USAGE

      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

      walling of a house

–     making a fence

–     Septic tank and soak away tank’s

–     Building a generator’s house.

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.

1.3 SANDCRETE BLOCK SIZES

They are many different types of blocks used in modern building, they include:

• 9” hollow blocks (450mmx225mmx225mm)
• 6” hollow blocks (450mmx150mmx225mm)
• 6” solid blocks (450mmx150mmx225mm)
• 5” solid blocks (450mmx125mmx225mm)
• 9” solid blocks (450mmx225mmx225mm)

1.4 CONSTITUENT MATERIALS OF SANDCRETE BLOCKS

These include cement, fine aggregate (sharp sand) and water.

1.4.1 CEMENT

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”.

1.4.2     FINE AGGREGATE

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.

1.4.3     WATER

      Any type of water available can be used to mould sandcrete blocks. This includes water from stream, rivers, boreholes etc.

1.5 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

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.

1.5.1      USING OF BAD CEMENT

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.

1.5.2 RE-BAG CEMENT

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.

1.6 THE OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

• This project research will help us to understand the different strength of sandcrete blocks produced with locally excavated sand and River sand.
• This will also help to know the properties of Nsude sand after laboratory test has been carried out.
• 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.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

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).

1.8 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

1. To help us understand the strength of sandcrete blocks produced with locally excavated sand and River sand in Nsude.
2. To help us determine the properties of Nsude sand after carrying out laboratory test.