Influence of Cement Content and Compaction Pressure on the Mechanical Properties of Sandcrete Blocks

Abstract

In this study, the influence of cement content and compaction pressure on the unit weight, water absorption, and compressive strength of sandcrete blocks were evaluated. To achieve this,25 cubes of sandcrete blocksmeasuring 150mm × 150mm × 150mm were produced with different amounts of cement content by volume (20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, and 40%) and different compacting pressures (0, 0.489, 2.444, 4.889, and 7.333 in N/mm²). After 28 days of curing,the cube samples were subjectedto a compressive strength test and water absorption test. The findings show that the weight and compressive strength of the sandcrete cubes investigated increases with increasing compacting pressure and cement content, whereas the water absorption decreases with increase in compacting pressure and cement content. Furthermore, statistical analysis of the data from the study showed that compacting pressure is more statistically significant to the compressive strength of sandcrete blocks than cement content. Therefore, sandcrete block manufacturers can take advantage of increased compaction pressure to meet technical requirements in the production of sandcrete blocks.