Understanding The Compressive Strength of Commercially Produced Sandcrete Blocks Using The Ghana Building Code

Abstract

Purpose: Sandcrete blocks are one of the most widely utilized building materials in the industry. It is thought that the load-bearing walls of the sandcrete blocks utilized as walling units were not strong enough to handle the applied load because of their poor quality. The study aims to determine the compressive strength of sandcrete blocks produced in Cape Coast Metropolis. The objectives are to identify the factors influencing the compressive strength of the sandcrete blocks and to determine the compressive strengths of sandcrete blocks produced all over Cape Coast Metropolis.

Design/Methodology/ Approach: This study employed an experimental research design. Solid 36 sandcrete blocks with dimensions of 450x225x125mm were tested for strength in the Cape Coast North Constituency. The 9 sandcrete block companies in operation in the research area were chosen via purposeful sampling. A silt test was also performed on a sample soil to measure the amount of silt and clay in fine particles. To evaluate whether the weight of sandcrete blocks influenced the compressive strengths of the sandcrete blocks, data were analyzed descriptively using tables and the Pearson Correlation Coefficient.

Findings: The average compressive strength at 28 days was 1.943N/ mm² revealed that sandcrete blocks fell short of the Ghana Standard Authority's requirement of 2.8 N/ mm².The studies also demonstrated that silt concentration on the material used to make sandcrete blocks has a detrimental impact on the compressive strength of the sandcrete blocks. The compressive strength of the sandcrete blocks was shown to be influenced by the weight and density of the blocks.

Research Limitation/Implication: The study focuses on the parameters that influence the blocks' compressive strength. The study focused mostly on the Cape Coast North Constituency.

Practical Implication: The knowledge advanced in this study will inform block manufacturers on ways to achieve the standard strength of sandcrete blocks.

Social Implication: The knowledge gained from this study will assist the Ghana Standard Authority in strengthening its supervisory role in ensuring that manufacturers meet the required standards in the production of sandcrete blocks. This will also lessen the number of building collapses in Ghana.

Originality/ Value: The findings aid in the building of housing infrastructure in Ghana by identifying the elements that influence the compressive strength of sandcrete blocks.