USE OF QUARRY DUST TO REPLACE SAND IN SANDCRETE BLOCKS

USE OF QUARRY DUST TO REPLACE SAND IN SANDCRETE BLOCKS

Auwalu Saidu¹, Ahmad Sani² and Aaron Samuel Kafinta³

Department of Civil Engineering Technology

Federal Polytechnic Bauchi

Email:auwalusaidu9@gmail.com¹,asani.cet@fptb.edu,ng²andskaaron@fptb.edu.ng³

ABSTRACT  

The research wasbasedon an investigation of the optimum quantity of quarry dust required to replace sand content in sandcrete blocks, which would yield best quality products. The cement was combined with fine aggregates in ratio of 1:8. The percentage replacements of sand by quarry dust were: 0%, 5%, 15%, 25%, 35% and 45% by volume of fine aggregate. Sieve analysis was carried out to classify the sand and quarry dust. Forty-five sandcrete blocks of 150mm × 225mm × 450mm were produced and tested. Compressive strength test and hygric property (porosity and sorptibity) analysis were conducted. From the results, an increase in compressive strength with the increase in quarry dust was observed. The compressive strength reached its optimum values at 15% replacement, and the values are: 2.18, 2.28, and 2.55N/mm² at the age of 7, 14, and 28 respectively. Beyond 15% replacement, increase in quarry dust decreases the compressive strength of the sandcrete blocks. Also, it was observed that, increase in quarry dust decreases porosity and sorptivity.