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Ubachukwu, O. A.
Department of Civil Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
Esochaghi, K. P.
Department of Civil Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
Nwokoukwu, K. B.
Department of Civil Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
Kalu, G. J.
Department of Civil Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
Urbanization, rapid population growth, inflation, among other factors, have hampered infrastructural growth in developing countries. This paper examined the potentials of Bamboo Leaf Ash (BLA) as a material for partial replacement of Portland limestone cement in sandcrete blocks. Thirty-six number of 225 x 225 x 450 mm hollow sandcrete blocks were moulded at a binder-sand ratio of 1:6. Eighteen were used for water absorption test, while the remaining eighteen were used for compressive strength test. Cement was partially replaced with BLA at 0, 5,10,15, 20 and 25% levels and cured for 28 days before testing for compressive strength. The results revealed that the initial setting time of cement paste was increased from 150 to 194 minutes for 0% and 25% replacement levels respectively and the final setting time was also increased from 260 to 296 minutes at partial replacement level of 0% and 25% respectively, while the maximum water absorption was 10.35%. The compressive strength slightly decreased from 2.8 Nmm-2 for 100% cement and 0% BLA to 1.5 Nmm-2 for 75% cement and 25% BLA. In addition, BLA was found to be a good pozzolanic material as the aluminium, iron and silicon oxides summed up to 82.82%, above the prescribed minimum of 70%. The density of blocks produced by partial replacement of cement with BLA decreased from 1791.97Kgm-3 at 0% to 1714.79 Kgm-3 at 25% replacement levels respectively. BLA has the potentials to produce sandcrete blocks of good quality for low-cost infrastructures up to 20% replacement level.
Keywords: Bamboo Leaf Ash, Cement, Blocks, Partial Replacement, Compressive Strength
https://doi.org/10.33922/j.ujet_v10i1_12
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Published
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Issue
Vol. 10 No. 1, June 2024
Article Section
GENERAL
The contents of the articles are the sole opinion of the author(s) and not of UJET.
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