Abstract

Sandcrete blocks are produced from properly mixed constituents of cement, fine aggregate and water. Sandcrete blocks are used as both load and non – load bearing walls in the construction of buildings and structures in countries of the world. This study examined the compressive strength of sandcrete hollow blocks. The two different fine aggregates used for this study were sourced from Okhuaihe, and Ogheghe environs in Benin City, Edo State. The sandcrete blocks constituent materials were batched by weight and the sandcrete blocks were produced with mechanically vibrated block moulding machine using mix ratios of 1:6 and 1:8, respectively. A total of thirty six(36) sandcrete hollow block samples were tested for compressive strength at different curing periods of 7, 14, 21 and 28days respectively. The results of the 28days compressive strength of the sandcrete hollow blocks produced with the two fine aggregates, using cement/sand ratio of 1:6(water/cement ratio of 0.55) and also cement/sand ratio of 1:8(water/cement of 0.6) met the minimum compressive strength requirement of 1.75N/mm 2 and 2.76N/mm 2 as recommended by National Building Code and Nigerian Industrial Standard respectively. Based on the results, it is recommended that the two fine aggregates Okhuaihe sharp sand and Ogheghe erosion sand are suitable in sandcrete block production, also that there is need for sandcrete block producers to always have knowledge of the fine aggregate they intend to use and finally that relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to frequently organize trainings for stakeholders in the block industries on the need to adhere to standards.