Assessment of the Quality of Sandcrete Hollow Blocks Towards Reducing Building Collapse in Kaduna Metropolis

Abstract

The paper assesses the quality of sandcrete hollow blocks in some selected Local Government Area (Igabi, Kaduna North and Kaduna South) in Kaduna Metropolis. This is with the view of producing quality sandcrete hollow blocks in the Metropolis. Experimental research design was adopted for the study. Twelve (12) sandcrete hollow block industries were used for the study using purposive sampling method for the selection. Samples of sand and sandcrete hollow blocks 450mmx225mm (6”) were obtained for laboratory tests on specific gravity and compressive strength analysis. Results obtained were compared with the standard by the Nigeria Industrial standard. The specific gravity of sand 2.5-2.7 and 28 days compressive strength of the 150mm sandcrete hollow blocks recorded average strength ranging from1.84N/mm2 -1.95N/ mm2 in eleven (11) sandcrete industries and one (1) satisfied the NIS specification. The findings reevaled amomg others that the mix ratio used by the sandcrete hollow blocks industries result to low quality blocks. The study therefore, recommended that the importance of adhering to standard specifications should be emphasized and sticks penalties to melt out to erring producers by the Nigeria Industrial Standard Organzation.