Compressive Strength of Commercially Produced Sandcrete Blocks within Isoko Metropolis of Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried to evaluate the level of compliance of commercially manufactured sandcrete blocks in Isoko metropolis of Delta State, Nigeria, to International standards. One hundred and fifty (150), twenty eight (28) days old, six (6) inch solid sandcrete blocks were collected from fifteen (15) major sandcrete block industries within the Isoko metropolis. Ten block samples were randomly selected from each block industry. The compressive strength of selected blocks was tested in accordance to ASTM recommended procedures. In Addition, the physical characteristics (specific gravity and sieve analysis) of the fine aggregate used for the sandcrete blocks production were equally analyzed. Results from the compressive strength tests showed that all the sandcrete blocks were substandard, as they fall below the minimum permissible compressive strength valve recommended by Nigeria Industrial Standard (NIS-87). From the results the highest (mean) compressive strength ranges from 0.653 Nmm-2 to 1.203 Nmm-2. In addition, the results of the sieve analysis showed that most of the fine aggregate used for the sandcrete blocks production were poorly graded, and did not meet NIS standard for fine aggregate used for sandcrete blocks production. Data obtained from this study will help the government to set up quality control unit within the metropolis, so that sandcrete blocks produced and sold to the public are able to meet international (NIS and BS) standards