STRENGTH AND DURABILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF EARTHCRETE BLOCKS
STRENGTH AND DURABILITY CHARACTERISTICS OF EARTHCRETE BLOCKS
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Date
1989-06
Authors
ADEYEYE, ADEBAYO ADEDOKUN
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Abstract
Different lateritic deposits in and around Kaduna were
investigated to determine the variations in the physical/
chemical compositions of the laterites. These variations in
the physical/chemical compositions affect the mechanical
properties of the laterites in the production of earthcrete blocks.
Cylindrical specimens were cast to investigate the basic parameters,
compactive effort and moisture content, that affect the production
of earthcrete blocks. The cylindrical specimens were crushed to
determine the ultimate load of the specimens. The laboratory
compaction tests were carried out using both the Standard B.S.
Compaction and Modified AASHO. Durability test was performed on
a 75 mm diameter cored sample from a sound block which was placed
on a constantly water saturated porous surface for 24 hours.
Earthcrete blocks were hydraulically pressed out of Terra
Block Machine using different lateritic deposits. A few
compressive strength tests were performed on the earthcrete
blocks. From the results of the above tests, relationships
between the compactive efforts and compressive stresses were
obtained. It was observed that the higher the compactive efforts,
the higher the maximum dry densities and the lower the optimum
moisture content.
The importance of soil investigations around construction sites
and material design were stressed in the study as pre-requirements
before the commencement of the production of earthcrete blocks
using the Terra Block Machine. It was observed that external
walls of the earthcrete blocks needed a coat of sealant before
rendering the surfaces.
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE POST-GRADUATE
SCHOOL, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA IN
PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL
ENGINEERING (CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS). .
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY
ZARIA - NIGERIA
JUNE, 1989
Keywords
STRENGTH,, DURABILITY,, CHARACTERISTICS,, EARTHCRETE BLOCKS.