Abstract:
Current high cost of conventional walling materials, the desire
for reasonable thermal comfort and problems involved in the analysis
of heating and cooling systems call for the search lor alternative
walling
properties
materials.
In this work,
namely:
compressive
some
physical
strength,
and mechanical
moisture
content
and
shrinkage were evaluated for selected mixes of sawdust concrete and
Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) slag cement blocks.
The samples were prepared by grinding, sieving and mixing with
water to ensure cohesion and firmness. The blocks derived were fired
in muffle furnace to 1200 0 C and then allowed to dry in still air. Their
properties
subjected
were
evaluated/measured,
to statistical
analysis
The
values
usmg the general
obtained
linear
were
model.
Particular attention was given to the EAF slag-cement blocks where
gradual replacement
of cement by EAF slag of 10%, 15% and 25%
were carried out. Control cubes used for comparison of compressive
strength were made from cement-sand
of 1:8 mix ratio. EAF slag-
cement blocks had higher cohesion, higher compressive
strength, low
moisture content and negligible level of shrinkage. This encourages
building with less cement thus assisting in obtaining relatively low
cost, durable and functional buildings. Building with blocks made by
replacing cement with EAF slag to 25<% level reduced cost.
