Suitability of Crushed Sandcrete Block (Csb) as Fine Aggregate for Masonry Works

Abstract— This paper focuses on the prospects of recycled broken sand Crete hollow blocks as fine aggregate for masonry works. Sandcrete hollow blocks were taken from dealers in Zaria and tested for density, water absorption, dimension tolerances, drying shrinkage, wetting expansion and compressive strength as compared to hand moulded blocks which were moulded in the laboratory to NIS 87(2004) specification. Density ranges from 1797.37Kg/m³ – 1974.00Kg/m³, water absorption ranges from 5.38% - 10.38%, drying shrinkage ranges from 0.028% - 0.044%, wetting expansion ranges from 0.042% - 0.059% and the 28^th day compressive strength ranges from 0.45N/mm² - 0.85N/mm². Results showed that density, water absorption, drying shrinkage, wetting expansion and 28^th-day compressive strength of block samples manufactured from quarry fine collected from one of the industries was 2070.11Kg/m³, 9.54%, 0.034%, 0.05%, and 1.38N/mm² respectively. The study confirmed that the quality of sand Crete blocks manufactured in Zaria does not meet the specified standard in respect of strength.