@article{MAKHILLJEAS201914717651,
    title = {Characterization of Strength of Sandcrete Blocks in Omu-Aran Metropolis},
    journal = {Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences},
    volume = {14},
    number = {7},
    pages = {2369-2374},
    year = {2019},
    issn = {1816-949x},
    doi = {jeasci.2019.2369.2374},
    url = {https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?issn=1816-949x&doi=jeasci.2019.2369.2374},
    author = {S.B.,E.O.,O. and},
    keywords = {Sandcrete block,compressive strength,absorption capacity,bulk density,moisture content,properties,moisture},
    abstract = {This research work aimed at investigating the strength characteristics of commercially produced
sandcrete blocks in Omu-aran, Nigeria where Landmark University is located. It involved visiting and collecting
blocks from selected block making industries, determining their physical and mechanical properties (bulk
density, moisture content, water absorption capacity and compressive strength) and highlighting the levels of
compliance of the various industries with the relevant standards. The results of the physical and mechanical
tests (bulk density, moisture content, water absorption capacity and compressive strength) revealed that none
of the commercially produced blocks in the study had a compressive strength that was up to the minimum
recommended standard 2.5 N/mm<Sup>2</sup> for individual blocks and 3.45 N/mm<Sup>2</sup> for 5 blocks as recommended by the
Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS 87: 2000). The overall average compressive strength for 6-inch blocks was 0.44
and 0.28 N/mm<Sup>2</sup> for 9-inch blocks. The average location compressive strength ranged from 0.24-0.65 N/mm<Sup>2</sup> for
6-inch and 0.12 -0.64 N/mm<Sup>2</sup> for 9-inch blocks which was far below recommended standards. The bulk density
was found to be over the minimum recommended limit of 1500 kg/m<sup>3</sup> for Type A: dense aggregate blocks with
individual bulk densities for 6-inch blocks ranging from 1510.62-2124 kg/m<sup>3</sup> and 1399.7-1751.1 kg/m<sup>3</sup> for
9-inch blocks. The overall average bulk density for 6-inch blocks was 16954.4-1597.8 kg/m<sup>3</sup> for 9-inch
blocks. The water absorption capacity for individual 6-inch blocks ranged from 151.6-339.9 kg/m<sup>3</sup> and
130.92-434.79 kg/m<sup>3</sup> or 9-inch blocks. Location average water absorption capacity ranged from 169.09-
271.79 kg/m<sup>3</sup> for 6-inch blocks and 160.87-340.4 kg/m<sup>3</sup> for 9-inch blocks while the averages were 236.37-
226.33 kg/m<sup>3</sup> respectively. The maximum recommended limit was pegged at 240 kg/m<sup>3</sup> from ASTM C140. Half
of the locations did not meet up with standard for both 6 and 9-inch blocks.}
    }