EVALUATION OF MUD AS A CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL FOR GRAIN STORAGE STRUCTURES
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.
Description
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