Ternary and quaternary blends as partial replacement of cement to produce hollow sandcrete blocks

Abstract

Hollow sandcrete blocks constitute more than 90% of residential building construction in developing countries especially in West Africa. Over-reliance on dredged river sands and conventional ordinary Portland cement (OPC) contributes to environmental degradation and post-construction problems such as swelling and shrinkage-induced cracks prevalent in construction projects. The study investigates potential utilization of locally available materials such as laterite, calcite and calcined clay as ternary and quaternary blends to replace cement and quarry dust as 100% replacement of river sand with the aid of Taguchi-Response surface methodology approach. Optimum ternary blend of 24% calcined clay +1% calcite +75% OPC is recommended to achieve volume stability, higher compressive strength and higher flexural load capacity. Alternatively, ternary blends of 24% calcite +4% calcined clay +72% OPC can also be utilized. The improved mechanical properties were attributed to the Na- and Ca-rich aluminosilicates provided by the blended cements. Successful utilization of ternary and quaternary blended cements to produce stronger, durable and eco-friendly sandcrete blocks depends on utilization of high binder-to-aggregate ratio, optimal combination of the constituents, appropriate water-cement ratio and curing/production method. Partial and 100% replacement of river sand with granite dust is possible and contributes to reduction of environmental problems caused by river dredging as well as cleaner, ecofriendly construction. Ternary and quaternary blended cements is recommended to avert post-construction problems such as swelling and shrinkage-induced cracks prevalent in construction projects.

Study on the Effect of Amorphous Silica from Waste Granite Powder on the Strength Development of Cement-Treated Clay for Soft Ground Improvement

“…Each sample was heated from room temperature to 100 • C at 10 • C/min, kept at 100 • C for 30 min and then heated to 1000 • C at 10 • C/min. The chemically bound water was calculated using Equation (10) while the calcium hydroxide content was calculated using Equations ( 11) and (12). In all ten calculations, the losses of clay and stone powder were compensated for by subtracting their corresponding values as shown in Equations (S1), (S8) and (S9) (refer to Data Availability Statement).…”

“…The particle size of stone powder and mineralogical origin of the parent rock, such as granite, limestone or basalt, determines its reusability in construction materials. For example, coarse sizes (>75 µm) are reused in concrete [10,11] or mortar [8] or sandcrete blocks [12], while fine sizes (<75 µm) are used as partial cement replacements [7,13,14] or included in roof tiles [15]. In these studies, either the durability [5,13] or the strength of concrete [10,11], mortar [8] or tiles [15] was enhanced.…”

RSM-based modelling for predicting and optimizing the rheological and mechanical properties of fibre-reinforced laterized self-compacting concrete

“…The resulting concrete had two key characteristics: slump flow and compressive strength. According to the study's findings, the optimization process determined that the optimal values for the input factors, LP, PET, and SP, were 20.1%, 2.4%, and 1.16% by weight, respectively [ 29 ]. explores using locally accessible materials like laterite, calcite, and calcined clay as blends to replace cement and quarry dust as 100% river sand replacement using the Taguchi-Response surface technique.…”

Recycling of animal bone as partial replacement for coarse aggregate in lightweight hollow sandcrete blocks

“…The findings of these experiments revealed that by including these materials as elements, the quality of blocks and bricks may be conserved. Additionally, research analyses have shown that pozzolanic recycled materials, including metakaolin, waste glass, ceramic and tile wastes, sawdust, fly ash, sewage sludge ash, rice husk, and clay brick, can be utilized as substitutes for cement to produce high-quality blocks and bricks for building [15] [16] [17] [18]. Studies are also examining ways to supply inexpensive or reasonable construction materials for homes without sacrificing their worth, as well as how to help create a sustainable, neat ecosystem by reclaiming these unwanted items.…”