EVALUATION OF THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF SANDCRETE BLOCK USING AKWUKE RIVER SAND AND UGWUAJI PIT SAND.

This study evaluates the compressive strength of sandcrete blocks produced using Akwuke River sand and UgwuaJi pit sand as fine aggregates. The research aims to determine the suitability and performance of these locally available sands for sandcrete block production in compliance with the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS 87:2007) for load-bearing and non-load-bearing blocks. Samples of sandcrete blocks (150 mm × 225 mm × 450 mm) were produced using a mix ratio of 1:6 (cement:sand) and cured for 7, 14, and 28 days. The physical and mechanical properties of the sands, including particle size distribution, specific gravity, and silt content, were analyzed to assess their quality and compliance with standard specifications. Compressive strength tests were conducted on the cured blocks to evaluate their structural performance. The results revealed that sandcrete blocks made from Akwuke River sand exhibited higher compressive strength compared to those from UgwuaJi pit sand, due to the better grading and lower silt content of river sand. However, the compressive strengths of both sand types generally increased with curing age. The study concludes that while both sands can be utilized for sandcrete block production, Akwuke River sand is more suitable for producing load-bearing blocks, whereas UgwuaJi pit sand may be more appropriate for non-load-bearing applications. The findings underscore the importance of proper material selection and quality control in achieving durable and structurally sound sandcrete blocks