ANALYSIS ON VARIOUS TYPES OF AGGREGATES ON PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE

Gana. A. J.;Ineye. D&Braimoh S.O. Department of Civil Engineering Landmark UniversityOmu- Aran, Kwara state Email:pholdebo123@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

This study revealed the substitute for conventional materials used in the production of concrete. It involves the use of various aggregates like laterite and quarry dust to replace conventional river sand fine aggregate.The full replacement of granite as coarse aggregate in concrete with less utilized local materials like bush gravel and limestone was employed. Samples of concrete cubes were made using replacement cements of laterite and quarry dust and samples of cubes made by using limestone and gravel instead of granite.The quality of laterite and quarry dust as replacement varied from 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%, 0% being the control; while granite was fully replaced to ascertain qualities of concrete using a whole new material. A total of 68 cubes of standard 150 mm x 150mm x 150mm were cast from the various batches and cured in a water tank at ambient temperature.  The samples were cured for specified periods of 3 days, 7 days, 14 days and 28days Workability test (slump test) was carried out to determine optimum water content noted at 0.5 water/cement ratio for strength. It was observed that the weight of the specimen decreased as the percentage of replacement for both laterite and quarry dust increased. Bulk density of concrete reduced as replacement percentage for sand increased; for coarse aggregates gravel gave the highest value of 2479kg/. Compressive strength test and flexural test were carried out for the samples (cubes and beams respectively), and it was observed that compressive strength for all sample batches increased as curing age increased. Furthermore, observations showed for both laterite and quarry dust replacement that compressive strength increased as percentage replacement increased up to 25%. Thereafter, it decreased. Limestone gave a better strength overall than granite and gravel as full replacement of coarse aggregate with a value of 14.47N/m.

Keywords: Comparative Analysis Effects various Aggregates properties concrete

PLASTIC FIBRES FOR INTERLOCKING BLOCKS PRODUCTION

Gana A.J.; Atoyebi O.D.; Yangchie D.B. &Braimoh S.O. Department of Civil Engineering Landmark University, Omu-Aran Email:braimohsolomon@lmu.edu.ng raft

ABSTRACT

This study is aimed at establishing the use of Plastic Fibres for the production of Interlocking blocks. The density, water absorption properties and flexural strength of the Fibre based concrete batches were determined and compared to that of a control batch. The batches were prepared with a fibre to aggregate ratio of 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1.0%, and the mix design was done based on relevant concrete mix design codes. The 200mm x 100mm x 60mm block specimens were used for the flexural strength testing and the specimens were cured in water and tested after 7, 14, and 28 days, and the water absorption reduces with addition of fibre. The 0.25 fibre batch absorbed the most water, while 0.83% and 0.5% fibre had the highest density, while 0.25% fibre batch had the lowest density. Test on flexural strength showed that the addition of fibre enhances the strength of concrete. The 0.75% fibre batch produced the highest flexural strength after 28days.

Keywords: Plasticfibres, production, interlocking blocks.

GREEN ARCHITECTURE AS AN OFF-SHOOT OF ECOLOGICAL ARCHITECTURE

Tachia Nambeh Department of Vocational & Technical Education Benue State University, Makurdi-Nigeria Email: mfachia@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Green architecture, also known variously as sustainable architecture, eco-design, eco-friendly architecture, earth-friendly architecture, environmental architecture or natural architecture became a buzz-word in the annals of the construction industry. This was spurned by the Brundtland commission report in 1987 titled our common future. The report cautioned against the wanton destruction of the natural environment in the exploration of natural resources for material development, in total disregard to the environments ability to replenish and maintain itself for future generations. Green architecture was born as the response of architects to the Brundtland report. A critical review of the goals and principles of green architecture though, align with the philosophy and practice of ecological architecture. The word “ecology” entered public consciousness and architectural discourse in the 1960’s and was popularized by Ian McHarg through his publication in 1969, “design with Nature”. Standardization and modular design and construction only seemed to have relegated ecological architecture to the background on the altar of construction economics till the Brundtland report reminded humanity of the importance of sustainability. It is clear therefore that green architecture is actually an offshoot of ecological architecture.