Abstract:
This research investigates the effect of replacing earth with 5% (P5/0), 9% (P9/0) and 12%
(P12/0) Pozzomix cement and 3% pozzomix + 2% OPC (P3/2), 6% pozzomix + 3% OPC
(P6/3), 8% pozzomix + 4% OPC (P8/4) on the compressive strength, water absorption and
abrasion resistance of earth blocks and to deduce the variable that contributes most to
these parameters. The engineering characteristics of the soil from Bernatech campus,
Navrongo carried out in accordance with BS1377:1990 reveals that soil fines and coarse
fractions constitute about 46.8% and 53.2% therefore suitable for brick production. The
total number of bricks selected for the tests were one hundred and forty five (145) and
they were 230mm x110mm x 90mm in size. Also the strength and durability criteria of
hand-made bricks were investigated after 28 days curing. Results indicate that all the
specimens obtained recommended density values with the batch P3/2 recording the lowest
(1764kg/m3) and P12/0 the highest (1997kg/m3) density. The analysis showed that
pozzomix contributed the most (71%) to the density of earth bricks. Again all the
stabilized earth bricks saw a steady increase in dry compressive strength of 2.06N/mm2,
2.28N/mm2, 2.41N/mm2, 2.47N/mm2, 3.15N/mm2 and 4.73N/mm2 for specimens P5/0,
P9/0, P12/0, P3/2, P6/3 and P8/4 respectively. The control and the 5% Pozzomix specimens did
not perform well in wet compressive strength. The entire specimens responded negatively
to water intake with the specimens P8/4 recording an impressive 0.096g/cm2/min
reduction. The abrasion test values were within acceptable range with batch P8/4 again
resisting abrasion the most with a record of 11cm2/g. Generally the brick specimens saw
an improvement when the percentages of the stabilizers increased. It is appropriate to
conclude that the use of Pozzomix with OPC will improve significantly the strength and
durability properties of compressed earth bricks. The use of Pozzomix cement alone
should be used sparingly especially lower percentage and in poor soils
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of CONSTRUCTION AND WOOD
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION, Faculty of TECHNICAL EDUCATION, submitted
to the School of Graduate Studies, University of Education, Winneba in Partial
fulfilment of the requirement for the award of Master of Philosophy (Construction)
degree
DECEMBER, 2016
