QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF MARKETED SANDCRETE BLOCKS PRODUCED IN GIREI LGA OF ADAMAWA STATE

This study assessed the compressive strength of sandcrete blocks produced in Gerei LGA of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Two research questions were raised to guide the study. The study employed experimental design. Stratified random sampling technique was used for the study. One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used in the analysis to compare compressive strength between various sandcrete blocks with standard sandcrete blocks. Three block factories were visited, and samples were purchased and tested. The results showed that the unit compressive strength of the blocks ranged from 0.857-1.450 N/mm2 for 150mm blocks and 0.303-0.521 N/mm2 for 225mm blocks. However, the bulk dry density of the blocks did not meet the British Standard of 1970 Kg/m3. The study recommends that standard mixing ratios and curing procedures be followed to improve the compressive strength of sandcrete blocks. Additionally, the study suggests that standards organizations in Nigeria should monitor and enforce quality control processes in sandcrete block production.