Modelling and Optimization of Failure Load and Water Absorption for Strength of Sandcrete Block from Okhuare in Edo State, Nigeria
NIL
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15663379Keywords:
Sandcrete Block, Water Absorption, Failure Load, Compressive Strength, Optimization, RSMAbstract
Compressive strength is an important parameter to be considered in the production of sandcrete blocks. It has been reported that the low compressive strength of concrete blocks in a building can result in structural failure. Hence the objective of this paper was to model and optimize the failure load and water absorption for strength of sandcrete block from Okhuare in Edo State, Nigeria using empirical methods. The sand was obtained from the Okhuare River near Benin. Twenty-five mix ratios containing sand, cement and water were used. The mixture was then loaded into the molds of the machine where they were vibrated, compacted and demoulded. Sandcrete blocks were produced. The blocks were cured for twenty-eight days. The compressive strength tests, failure load tests, and water absorption tests were conducted on the block samples. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was to optimize and predict the measured response. The failure load was maximized, water absorption was minimized and compressive strength was maximized, failure load of 234.861, water absorption of 6.60831 and compressive strength of 4.08817. Water of 0.56, cement of 0.42 and sand of 10.00 were obtained. Results obtained show that the compressive strength value falls within the acceptable standard. A mathematical model that can adequately improve the strength and durability of sandcrete blocks was developed.