Physical and Strength Properties of Bricks Produced from Portland Cement and Saw Dust of Danielia Oliverii Wood

• Main Authors: David Oriabure EKHUEMELO, Owoicho ADEMU, Emmanuel Terzungwue TEMBE
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Editura Universitatii Transilvania din Brasov 2016-12-01
• Series: Pro Ligno
• Subjects: compressive strength; sawdust; wood-concrete block; water absorption
• Online Access: http://www.proligno.ro/en/articles/2016/4/ekhuemelo.pdf
• ISSN: 1841-4737; 2069-7430

This study investigated the use of sawdust as partial replacement for sand in wood-concrete hollow blocks. Sharp sand, ordinary Portland cement (binder) and sawdust were used as raw materials. Sawdust was treated by boiling then sieved after drying using British Standard sieve of 3.35mm to remove sticky wood capable of causing pores. The quantities of sawdust used were 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. A mixing proportion of 1:8 cement sand ratio, moulding machine with single 6” (450mm x 225mm x 150mm) mould and vibrated with 5.0KW power machine for adequate compaction were used. Wood-concrete block was cured for 28 days. The blocks produced were tested for compressive strength and water absorption. The results showed that mean compressive strength of 100% sand was 2.81N/mm2 followed by 95% sand and 5% sawdust replacement with 1.58N/mm2 ; 90% Sand and 10% sawdust replacement with 0.55N/mm2 ); 85% sand and 15% sawdust replacement with 0.43 N/mm2 and 80% sand 20% sawdust replacement with 0.24N/mm2 . The result further showed that as the percentage of sawdust increased, the compressive strength decreased. At 28 days, the compressive strength of blocks with 5% SD replacement satisfied meets Ghana Building Code for non- load bearing walls. The results also reveals that blocks with 80% sand 20% sawdust replacement level has the highest water absorption (23.72%) followed by 85% Sand and 15% sawdust replacement (20.40%); 90% sand and 10% sawdust replacement (18.0%); 95% sand and 5% sawdust replacement (12.12%) and 100% sand and 0% sawdust replacement (11.43%). It was concluded that 5% sawdust (8kg) replacement and cured 28 days could be used for non-load bearing walls. It was recommended that further research should be carried out to evaluate sawdust replacement level within the range of 1-4% to ascertain results that could be used for various other purposes.