Assessment of Properties of Sandcrete Blocks Produced by Commercial Block Industries in Idah, Kogi State, Nigeria

The quality of blocks produced varies from one manufacturer to another due to different methods or ways employed in the production and properties of the constituent materials. The aim of this research is to determine the properties of sandcrete hollow blocks produced by block industries in Nigeria, particularly in Idah, Kogi State by assessing the compressive strength and water absorption properties of sandcrete block from four different producers. The samples were obtained from each of the producers. Compressive strength and water absorption tests were conducted on the blocks while grain size distribution analysis was conducted on the sand samples. The test results revealed that the fine aggregates used are suitable for block making. Test results also indicate that the least unit compressive strength of the 150mm (6”) sandcrete blocks was 0.99N/mm2 while the average compressive strength of the blocks (150mm) blocks was 1.12 N/mm. Similarly, the least unit compressive strength of the 225mm (9”) sandcrete blocks was 0.63N/mm2 while the average compressive strength of the 225mm (9”) blocks was 0.94 N/mm2 these values fall below the standard prescribed for load bearing sandcrete blocks. The Nigerian industrial standard specified that the lowest compressive strength of individual blocks shall not be below 2.5 N/mm2 and average compressive strength of five blocks shall not be below 3.45 N/mm2.Standardization of block manufacturing processes and strict supervision of the production were recommended as measures to improve the quality of sandcrete blocks manufactured by commercial block industries in Idah town in Nigeria.