ABSTRACT

The  aim of this work is to investigate the compressive strength  and water absorption of sandcrete blocks prepared by Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) blended with pozzolanas such as: Rice Husk Ash and Sawdust Ash

In this research, available indigenous pozzolans :  Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and Sawdust Ash (SDA), were each used to replace cement (in replacement levels of 5%, 10%,  15%, and 20%, respectively) in the production of solid sandcrete blocks (450mm x 150mm x 225mm) samples. 243 sandcrete blocks were made out of which 27 blocks were PLC sandcrete blocks that served as control, 108 were RHA blended sandcrete blocks and 108 were SDA blended sandcrete blocks. The produced blocks were cured for  3 days, 7 days, 28 days, 56 days and 90 days. The mixture used in making the sandcrete blocks were designed in accordance with the Nigeria Industrial Standard (NIS), for which the minimum compressive strength is 2.5N/mm² for a cement to sand ratio of 1:6. Consequently,  water absorption test and compressive strength test were carried out on samples.