Properties of Sandcrete Block Produced with Coconut Husk as Partial Replacement of Sand

  • Ubong Robert Department of Physics, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin, Nigeria
  • Sunday Etuk Department of Physics, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
  • Okechukwu Agbasi Department of Physics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
  • Sylvester EKong Department of Physics, Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin, Nigeria

Abstract

Sandcrete block is the most popular building material in construction industry. However, with the high and increasing cost of building materials experienced nowadays, it has been difficult to achieve affordable housing especially in developing countries. Also, significant dredging of sand for block production and the large amount of coconut husk thrown away as waste have increased the level of concern due to their adverse effect on environment. This work, therefore, sought to produce solid core sandcrete blocks in which sand component is partially replaced with coconut husk and investigate the suitability of using such blocks for building designs. The block samples produced using untreated and also treated coconut husks at various levels of sand replacement were subjected to bulk density, water absorption and compressive strength tests at 7 days and 28 days of curing. It was found that sand replacement with 20% of untreated coconut husk or 30% of treated coconut husk could yield a solid core sandcrete block suitable for non-load bearing walls of satisfactory performance. Since coconut husk is cheaply available, sustainable, and recyclable, utilising such promising material in this case can enhance production of cost-effective and optimally performing sandcrete blocks for building purposes. This will in turn help to boost the development of housing, minimise loss of agricultural lands, and reduce environmental pollution level, and so on.

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Published
2020-08-20
How to Cite
Robert, U., Etuk, S., Agbasi, O., & EKong, S. (2020). Properties of Sandcrete Block Produced with Coconut Husk as Partial Replacement of Sand. Journal of Building Materials and Structures, 7(1), 95-104. https://doi.org/10.34118/jbms.v7i1.710
Section
Original Articles