Failure of structures
has become very rampant today in Nigeria, and impurities or unsoundness of
construction materials, could be a contributory factor. In this study, an
attempt is made to determine the effect of different levels of impurities of
magnesium sulphate, on the compressive strength of concrete. The major raw
material is locally manufactured cement called UNICEM. The study is proactive
in nature to prevent structural failure. Magnesium sulphate (impurities), are
introduced at four concentration levels in the mix water for concrete, with a
zero impurity as the control. A mix design of 0.6:1:2:4 is used, and the
concrete cubes are prepared. The compressive strength of the cubes is
determined at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. The results show appreciable decrease in
concrete compressive strength of 31% and 37% respectively at impurity levels of
2730mg/l and 3640mg/l from the strength of the control, which could result in
structural failure. Recommendations are made for attaining acceptable
compressive strength at the levels of impurity to avoid failure in the strength
of concrete made with UNICEM cement.
