ANALYSIS OF SANDCRETE BLOCKS PRODUCTION BY USING DIFFERENT SOURCES OF SHARP SANDS IN SOME PARTS OF SOUTH-EAST GEO-POLITICAL ZONES. CASE STUDY- ENUGU AND EBONYI STATE

ABSTRACT

This study examined the experimental analysis of sandcrete block production by using different sources of sharp sands in Enugu and Ebonyi State of South East Geo-Political Zone. As a result of the increasing cost of  block production, many manufacturers and builders have resorted to using samples of sharp sand from different locations without appropriate consideration of the material constituents of the samples thereby, resulting in poor and undurable sandcrete blocks production. In this research work, samples were graded into different zones and their suitability in production of sandcrete blocks, was ascertained. Also; the possible effect of chemical compositions on the compressive strength, was also considered. The study also covers a comparison of the compressive strengths of sandcrete block produced from different samples and sources with reference to the standard value approved by NIS and other Civil Engineering bodies. This study has shown that the compressive strengths of sandcrete blocks produced in some parts of south east region, falls within the acceptable national and international standards. The findings from this study also agree with similar studies in other parts of Nigeria.  It also reveals the need for commercial industries to abide by the standard mix proportion specified for sandcrete block production which is 1: 6  required, to avoid future building deficiencies.