EVALUATION OF SOME PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SELECTED WALLING MATERIALS

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 for alternative walling materials. In this work, some physical and mechanical properties namely: compressive strength, 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 12000C and then allowed to dry in still air. Their properties were evaluated/measured, The values obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using the general linear 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 of reduced cost.