Sawdust as Partial Replacement for Sandcrete Block Production

Abstract

Sandcrete blocks are widely used in construction for their strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness, but their production relies heavily on sand, a finite resource. Sawdust blocks offer an eco-friendly alternative, being lightweight, easy to produce, and capable of partially substituting sand. While sandcrete blocks generally have higher compressive strength (1.75 MPa to 3.45 MPa), sawdust blocks, though lower in strength (0.45 MPa to 0.95 MPa), offer advantages like low cost and good thermal insulation. This study investigates the compressive strength of sandcrete blocks with 10%, 15%, and 20% sawdust replacement, cured for 5, 10, and 20 days. The methodology involved using ordinary Portland cement, fine aggregate (sand), and sawdust, with a 1:3 mix ratio (cement, fine aggregate, and fine particles of sawdust) and a water-cement ratio of 0.65. Blocks were molded using a 5-inch steel block molding machine. Data was collected through laboratory observation and testing at the Ghana Highways Department's materials laboratory.