Comparing The Strength As Blocks Made From Cement And Lateritic Soil, Cement And Red Earth, Laterite, Sand And Red Earth
In evaluating the structural integrity of blocks constructed from different materials such as cement and lateritic soil, cement and red earth, and laterite, sand, and red earth, various factors come into play. Cement-based blocks typically exhibit superior strength due to the binding properties of cement, offering robustness and durability. However, blocks composed of lateritic soil may provide adequate strength, albeit potentially lower than cement-based blocks, depending on the soil’s composition and quality. Similarly, blocks made from a mixture of cement and red earth can offer moderate strength, combining the binding properties of cement with the natural properties of red earth. Meanwhile, blocks utilizing laterite, sand, and red earth may present a balance between strength and cost-effectiveness, leveraging the cohesive properties of laterite and the stability of red earth, albeit with potentially lower strength compared to pure cement blocks. Overall, the selection of block materials should consider factors such as strength requirements, cost-effectiveness, and availability, ensuring optimal performance for specific construction needs while balancing structural integrity and affordability.
This case study is “comparing the strength of blocks made from: cement stabilized laterite blocks, cement stabilized red earth blocks and sand, red earth and laterite blocks and mud blocks dried in the kiln.
This project implement the following analysis
(1) To effect reduction to the rise in market price of sand (fine aggregate), cement blocks to substitute literate blocks.
(2) To determine the strength of the cement stabilized blocks of literate soil in the soil laboratory with a view to have an alternative in the building industry.
(3) To analyse the existing laterite soil and evaluate it’s suitability for use as a good building material by means of various tests.
Title page
Letter of transmittal
Approval page
Dedication
Acknowledgement
Abstract
Table of content
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
PROJECT BUILDING MATERIALS
CHAPTER TWO
PREPARATION OF MATERIALS
CHAPTER THREE
PREPARATION OF CUBE
CASTING OF THE STABILIZED MATERIALS
CURING OF SPECIMENS
CHAPTER FOUR
FIRING OF BLOCKS IN KILN
TESTING OF BLOCKS
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST
CALCULATION OF RESULTS
CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION OF RESULT
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TABLE WITHT EH CMENT MORTAR BLOCKS
CHAPTER SIX
RECOMMENDATION
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
INTRODUCTION
This project was obligated to present in o n e volume of the fundamental and practical information in the field of comparing the strength of blocks made from: cement and laterite soil, cement and red earth and sand, red earth and lateritic soil and mud blocks fired in the kiln which may be useful to people involved in civil and structural engineering and particularly those that found pleasure in the design and construction of buildings, bridges and culverts and related structures.
Due to high cost of sand in the market, the comparative analysis of stabilized laterite blocks, red earth blocks and sand blocks have revealed t hat one can definitely substitute the stabilized laterite blocks and mud blocks in place of sand blocks to reduce the cost of the entire building or used stabilized laterite blocks where there are no sand in such an area where the work is going to be sited. A great have been done throughout this work, although it is limited in scope to assess their suitability as standard concrete aggregates.
THE PROJECT BUILDING MATERIALS
To obtain the materials used for these project such as red earth, laterite, sharp sand, and cement, we had to move to the outskirts of Enugu State. Cement was bought from the famous Keyatta market in Enugu. The market is well known for the sales of building materials in the state. Cement was added to the mixture during mixing, to give the mixture a good binding when in shape and also increases the strength of the blocks. The brand of cement used was ROCK CEMENT.
The red earth material known as mud was obtained at 9th mile corner in Ngwo, at the outskirts of Enugu. It was dug from a depth, to make sure that it has not been mixed with foreign or any other material. The red earth is dark red in colour, which shows that the mud is of high quality.
Sharp sand was obtained within the school premises and was subsequently gotten from a nearby stream, while that of laterite was obtained from a site at New Layout, in Enugu town.
In conclusion, all the materials used was obtained within Enugu and was kept in good working condition. We made sure that the materials were of best quality.
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Comparing The Strength As Blocks Made From Cement And Lateritic Soil, Cement And Red Earth, Laterite, Sand And Red Earth
The strength of blocks made from different materials can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the quality of the materials, the manufacturing process, and the curing conditions. Let’s compare the strength of blocks made from cement and lateritic soil, cement and red earth, laterite, sand, and red earth:
Cement and Lateritic Soil Blocks:
Strength: Blocks made from cement and lateritic soil can have good compressive strength, typically ranging from 3 to 5 MPa or even higher if proper mix proportions and curing methods are used.
Advantages: These blocks are relatively strong and can be suitable for load-bearing applications in low-rise structures.
Disadvantages: The availability of quality lateritic soil and the need for proper curing can affect the final strength.
Cement and Red Earth Blocks:
Strength: Blocks made from cement and red earth can also have decent compressive strength, ranging from 2 to 4 MPa or more.
Advantages: They are relatively stronger than plain red earth blocks and can be used for load-bearing walls in certain applications.
Disadvantages: The strength depends on the quality of red earth used, and it may not be as strong as conventional concrete blocks.
Laterite Blocks:
Strength: Laterite blocks tend to have lower compressive strength compared to cement-based blocks. The strength can vary widely but often falls in the range of 1 to 3 MPa.
Advantages: Laterite is readily available in some regions, making it a cost-effective building material. It is suitable for non-load-bearing walls and can provide thermal insulation.
Disadvantages: Its lower strength limits its use in load-bearing structures, and it may require additional reinforcement for structural applications.
Sand and Red Earth Blocks:
Strength: Blocks made from sand and red earth typically have lower compressive strength, often less than 2 MPa.
Advantages: These blocks are inexpensive and can be used for non-structural purposes like partition walls or infill.
Disadvantages: They are not suitable for load-bearing applications due to their low strength.
In summary, the choice of building material depends on the specific application and local availability of resources. Cement and lateritic soil or cement and red earth blocks are suitable for load-bearing applications in low-rise buildings, while laterite blocks are better for non-structural purposes or walls where high strength is not essential. Sand and red earth blocks are typically used for non-structural purposes due to their lower strength. Proper mix design, curing, and construction practices are crucial for achieving the desired strength and durability in each case.