Abstract

In this study, Coconut Shell Ash (CSA) has been used to partially replace cement in Sandcrete Block (SB) manufacture in order to determine the quality of the SB produced in terms of compressive strength and durability. CSA has pozzolanic properties and as such, could serve as a partial replacement for cement and thus offset the cost of SB production. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine some engineering properties of the SB including compressive strength, water absorption, sorptivity and average density of SB with 0%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% cement replacement. The compressive strength was measured for 3, 14 and 28 day curing period. Results obtained clearly showed that increase in percentage of CSA in the mix produced SB of lower density, sorptivity and water absorption. Also, compressive strength of the SB increased at 10% replacement by 9% and 16% for SB of end-web to center-web ratios of 1:1 and 1:2 respectively. In addition, it was observed that the compressive strength of the SB only improved after 28 days curing. The SB produced in the course of this research is more resistant to ingress of moisture and suitable for walling in areas where surface and ground water impacts are significant and also in applications where light weight walls are desirable.

Keywords:

Coconut shell ash, compressive strength, curing, sandcrete blocks, sorptivity, water absorption,

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Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

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