Strength Properties of Stabilised Laterite as Replacement of Sand in Sandcrete Block Production

• S. O. Osuji

  Department of Civil Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

• P. N. Ogbeifun

  Department of Civil Engineering, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria

This research borders on the effect of strength on the replacement of sand with stabilized laterite in the production of sandcrete blocks in Benin City. It involves the stabilization of the laterite with 15% cement before being used in the production of sandcrete block. Lateritic soils were obtained from 1m depth in Dentistry Quarters of the University of Benin while sharp sand were drilled from Okhuahia River, in Benin City. The samples were taken to the laboratory where controlled testing and curing. The stabilised laterite was used to gradually replace sand at the rate of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and then completely at 100% in the production of sandcrete blocks. A total 54 sandcrete blocks were prepared in 0.001 m3 mould and cured for 7, 14 and 21 days, after which the compressive strength of the blocks were determined and compared with the Nigerian Industrial standards (NIS) as well as the British standard (BS 2028) for minimum strength considerations. The results of tests carried out indicate that there was an improvement in the strength of the sandcrete block when there was a complete replacement of the stabilized laterite with sand in the production of sandcrete blocks. The least strength results obtained showed that for each percentage replacement of sand with stabilised laterite, the minimum compressive strength exceeded that specified by NIS for block production. This is quite important in reducing the cost of sand in block production.

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