Abstract:
The study compared the performance properties of OPC and pozzomix cement
sandcrete blocks in existing structures. Properties like compressive, water absorption,
density and weights were determined and assessed to see how they enhance
performance and its effect on durability of existing structures. Field survey research
and experimental research designs were employed for the study. The study sampled
eleven (11) research scientists at CSIR-BRRI and thirty-five (35) building contractors
working with pozzomix cement and ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). 25 pozzomix
cement and 25 OPC sandcrete blocks were used for experiment at CSIR-BRRI
laboratory. Questionnaire, laboratory test and observation were used as data collection
instrument. Comparatively, the performance properties of OPC and pozzomix cement
sandcrete blocks were inconsistent with defects in some of the structures observed.
Densities of OPC sandcrete blocks were averagely higher than those of pozzomix
cement sandcrete blocks with both above the standard minimum density of 1500kg/m3
Compressive strength of OPC and pozzomix cement sandcrete blocks failed to meet the
required minimum standard respectively, for all curing ages, but pozzomix cement
sandcrete blocks performed better than OPC sandcrete blocks. The study further
revealed that OPC sandcrete blocks have lower water absorption rate than pozzomix
cement sandcrete blocks. Therefore, using both OPC and pozzomix cement sandcrete
blocks for construction works will be economically, eco-efficiently and technically
beneficial to Ghanaian construction industry with 18%-20% cost reduction on
materials. It is recommended that the commercialisation and use of pozzomix cement
sandcrete blocks can go hand in hand with OPC sandcrete blocks for all construction
works with regard to standard specification in the construction industry.
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
fulfillment of the requirements for award of the Master of Philosophy (Construction
Technology) degree.
OCTOBER, 2018