Assessment of the Mechanical Properties of Some Selected Sandcrete Hollow Blocks in Kogi State

The current wave of the collapse of building structure all over Nigeria necessitates the need to carry out research on the mechanical properties of sandcrete hollow blocks. This study looks into the quality of blocks produced by block industries in Kogi state, Nigeria to ascertain its water absorption ratio, compressive strength and sieve analysis. In order to clarify these problems, the study is directed towards testing the strength properties of commercially produced sandcrete blocks; to verify whether the sandcrete block can be improved to achieve good quality in the building industries.  A Total of five block industries were visited and twenty samples were picked at random from each of the selected block industry and also, soil samples obtained for soil tests in the laboratory. The analysis of results obtained was compared with the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS). The average water absorption rate of the sandcrete blocks for block industry D was found to be 12.5% higher than the 12% maximum requirement of the [9]. The average compressive strength values of the sandcrete blocks range between 0.64N/mm² and 0.87N/mm² which when compared with standard, was found to be below the minimum requirement of the [9]. Inadequate mix ratio was observed to be one of the factors of poor quality sandcrete block production in this area. The study recommends compliance monitoring by the various regulatory body to ensure good quality of sandcrete block production.