EVALUATION OF MUD AS A CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL FOR GRAIN STORAGE STRUCTURES

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Date
1995-01
Authors
EL-OKENE, IBRAHIM ABDULLAHI MUHAMMAD
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Abstract
The technology of grain storage structure is yet to reach a development stage that can be considered as acceptable in Nigeria, and yet, modern construction materials normally used are becoming more difficult to acquire with each passing day as a result of continues devaluation of the Naira. Mud an alternative material presently used in the construction of domestic buildings and other special structures was evaluated for its suitability as a construction material for grain storage structure. In carrying out the above task, "Rumbu", a grain storage bin widely used in Northern Nigeria and principally constructed using mud was investigated for spread, shape, size and usage. State of art of mud preparations and rumbu construction were studied in two selected villages that fairly represents Northern Nigeria in this respect Data collected were then used to assess the status of existing rumbu bins. Various mud mixes were also constituted and evaluated for strength and durability in the laboratory using where possible standard procedures of testing concrete and soilcrete and modifying or adopting other procedures where necessary. Small size mud bin was then constructed and comparatively evaluated with sandcrete and steel bins for resistance to ambient changes like temperature and relative humidity. Results show that presently, the existing rumbu bins are of three shapes (cylinderical, spherical and pyramidal), with volumes ranging from 1.6m to 197.4m . Laboratory evaluation of the various mud mix showed that mud has a compressive strength of between 1.38 to 4.2N/m2 and a tensile strength that ranges between 0.31 to 1.23N/m depending on paste consistency, stabilizer type and whether the mud was settled or not The comparative evaluation of mud structure under varying ambient condition showed that mud can resist heat transfer better and compares with steel in offering resistance to humidity transfer.
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A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL, IN FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY OF AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA. JANUARY, 1995
Keywords
EVALUATION,, MUD,, CONSTRUCTION,, MATERIAL,, GRAIN STORAGE STRUCTURES
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