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Journal of Building Performance ISSN: 2180-2106 Volume 6 Issue 1 2015

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AN APPRAISAL OF THE QUALITY OF SANDCRETE BLOCKS USED FOR

CONSTRUCTION IN LAGOS METROPOLIS
1 2 3
I. G. Awolusi *, A. A. Soyingbe , and O. O. Oyeyipo
1,2
Department of Building, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria
3
Department of Quantity Surveying, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract
Sandcrete blocks have been in use in many parts of the world for a very long time. The prominence of
sandcrete blocks as part of the local building materials that make up the wall units in a building or any
construction work cannot be underestimated because houses are mostly built of blocks. This paper
examines the quality of machine-vibrated hollow sandcrete blocks used on construction sites in Lagos
metropolis. A total of sixty (60) units of machine-vibrated sandcrete blocks were sampled from ten
(10) manufacturers within Lagos Mainland. Three (3) samples of 450mm x 225mm x 225mm blocks
and another three (3) of 450mm x 150mm x 225mm blocks were selected from each of the 10
manufacturers to make the total of 60 blocks. Also, a total of forty (40) units of machine-vibrated
sandcrete blocks were produced based on the requirements of the NIS 87:2004 standards for
sandcrete blocks. The blocks obtained from manufacturers as well as those produced were tested to
determine their quality in terms of three parameters which were the compressive strength, density and
dimensional tolerance. The results obtained revealed that the compressive strength of the blocks
2 2
obtained from manufacturers ranged from 0.21N/mm to 1.26N/mm for 225mm wide blocks and from
2 2
0.28N/mm to 0.95N/mm for 150mm wide blocks which are far below the minimum NIS requirements
2 2
of 3.45N/mm and 2.5N/mm respectively. The densities of these blocks were found to be satisfactory
with the requirements of the standard while the dimensions were inaccurate in terms of web
thicknesses. It was recommended that the regulatory bodies should be empowered to control
production processes and implement effective strategies such as mobile testing to ascertain the
quality of sandcrete blocks.

Key words: Compressive strength, concrete block, quality, sandcrete block, standard

INTRODUCTION
Sandcrete blocks are composite materials made up of cement, sand and water, moulded into different
sizes. They are widely used in Nigeria and virtually all African countries as walling unit. The quality of
blocks produced however, differs from each industry due to the different methods employed in the
production and the properties of the constituent materials. Ayeyemi (2008) stated that many factors
have been identified for incessant building collapse in Lagos, but that critical step had not been taken
to stop manufacturers of substandard sandcrete blocks whose product contributes a lot to the menace.
It was also pointed out that these blocks produced by the manufacturers are sold at prices far below
what a quality sandcrete block should cost. Oyekan (2007) observed that for a long time until perhaps
few years ago these blocks were manufactured in many parts of Nigeria without due reference to any
specifications either to suit local building requirements or for good quality work. It is however pleasing
to observe that the situation is changing in Lagos state as there have been plans by stakeholders in
the construction industry to restore the standards of sandcrete blocks as the Standard Organisation of
Nigeria (SON) now has a document in place giving the specification for both the manufacture and use
of these blocks in Nigeria (NIS 87:2004).
The rapid changes in the use of brick to block in Nigeria have encouraged the investigations
into the use of sandcrete blocks to be more elaborate (Abdullahi, 2005). The popularity of sandcrete
blocks and their extensive application as walling material in Nigeria and other developing countries
cannot be overemphasised. The widespread use of these sandcrete blocks has therefore caused
heavy demand for it and necessitated its high production. This should attract the interest of various
stakeholders and players in the construction industry to standardize its production and use for its
efficient applications as major building materials. Sandcrete block walls are usually not designed to
support loads other than their own weight. However, one of the earliest warning signs of failure is
often manifested by the formation of serious critical structural cracks long before the actual event.
Recent structural collapses in Nigeria and elsewhere have raised serious concerns for more in-depth
and intensified study on the mechanism of resistance of all components of the structure, as reported
by Wenapere and Ephraim (2008).
The prevalent nature of building failures and collapses experienced in Lagos state in recent
times has been generating a lot of problems in the construction industry and the society at large

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causing an alarming increase in the loss of lives and valuable properties. Ayedun, Durodola and
Akinjare (2010) stated that in Lagos State, the incidents of building collapse in the past decades have
resulted in the loss of many lives and properties worth several millions of Naira. They reported about
56 cases of building collapse in Lagos State between year 2000 and 2010. This problem has been
attributed to the use of substandard materials such as sandcrete blocks. Ewa and Ukpata (2013)
indicated that part of this problem is due to the poor quality of sandcrete blocks used as walling units.
The quality of blocks produced, however, varies from one manufacturer to the other as a result of
differences in method of production and the properties of the constituent materials.
This research is aimed at evaluating the quality of sandcrete blocks used for construction in
Lagos metropolis. The dimensional tolerances, densities and compressive strengths of sandcrete
blocks produced by block manufacturers in Lagos metropolis as well as those produced based on the
required standards are determined. The compressive strengths of blocks produced by block
manufacturers in Lagos metropolis are then compared with those produced based on the required
standards. This study is expected to bring to the limelight the quality of the blocks which will give
reliable data on which regulatory measures could be taken to standardize the production and use of
sandcrete blocks.

PREVIOUS STUDIES
Abdullahi (2005) investigated the strength characteristics of Sandcrete blocks in Bosso and Shiroro
areas in Minna, Nigeria. Compressive strength tests were conducted on the blocks and sieve analysis
was also conducted on the soil samples. The test results revealed that the aggregates used were
suitable for block making. The compressive strength of the sandcrete blocks was found to be below
the standard recommended by Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) 87: 2000. The compressive strength
2 2
of individual blocks was between 0.11N/mm and 0.75N/mm and the average compressive strengths
2 2
of the blocks were between 0.14N/mm and 0.66N/mm . Proper curing and suitable selection of
constituent materials was suggested to improve on the quality of sandcrete blocks.
Afolayan, Arum and Daramola (2008) reported the compressive strengths and the statistical
characteristics of sandcrete blocks collected from twenty five (25) different block industries in Ondo
State, Nigeria. The results showed that the 450mm x 150mm x 225mm sandcrete blocks in circulation
2
had an average strength of 0.55N/mm while those of 450mm x 225mm x 225mm had an average
2
compressive strength of 0.45N/mm . They observed that the values were lower than those stipulated
by the relevant codes and standards. Although, the statistical analysis showed that the compressive
strength of these blocks followed a normal distribution, the overall coefficient of variation stood at 0.54
for the 450mm x 150mm x 225mm blocks and 0.71 for the 450mm x 225mm x 225mm blocks. They
concluded that the values were high and therefore indicate very poor quality control in the production
processes. On the basis of the noted poor quality control, recommendations appropriate for improving
the strength and effectiveness of sandcrete blocks production were made.
Ewa and Ukpata (2013) investigated the compressive strength properties of sandcrete blocks
produced within the Calabar metropolis. Ten (10) blocks moulding sites were visited and twelve (12)
sandcrete blocks were randomly selected from each site, and cured for 3, 7, 14 and 28days. The
aggregates used for moulding the blocks were also collected and their particle sizes analysed. The
results showed that the 28-day compressive strengths of sandcrete blocks produced in Calabar block
2 2
industry range between 0.23N/mm and 0.58N/mm . These values are below the minimum
2
requirements of 1.75N/mm by the Nigerian National Building Code (2006) for individual block, and
2
2.0N/mm by the British Standard for non-load bearing walls.
Baiden and Tuuli (2004) examined the impact of quality control practices by suppliers on the
quality of blocks produced in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana. Sandcrete blocks were taken from
suppliers and tested for compressive strength, bulk density, water absorption, and dimensional
tolerances. Fine aggregate samples were also taken from the suppliers and tested for grading, silt,
and organic matter content. The study confirmed that mix ratio, quality, and mixing of the constituent
materials affected the quality of sandcrete blocks. Visual inspection rather than laboratory testing was
adopted as the means of ascertaining the quality by a few of the staff of contractors who had no
formal training in quality control. Mix ratios used ranged from as lean as 1:8 to as weak as 1:19
(cement: sand). Blocks produced were also found to be unsuitable for use as load bearing walls.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

For the purpose of this study, a total of sixty (60) units of machine-vibrated sandcrete blocks were
selected using purposive sampling from ten (10) manufacturers within Lagos, Nigeria. Three (3)
samples of 450mm x 225mm x 225mm and another three (3) of 450mm x 150mm x 225mm blocks
were selected from each of the 10 manufacturers. The sampling was done to cut across key parts of

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Lagos Mainland in order to give a good representation of the population of blocks used on
construction sites in Lagos state. Also, a total of forty (40) units of machine-vibrated sandcrete blocks
were produced based on the requirements of Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS). Twenty (20)
specimens each of 450mm x 225mm x 225mm blocks and 450mm x 150mm x 225mm blocks were
produced. These blocks obtained from manufacturers and those produced based on the requirements
of the standards were taken to the Materials/Concrete Laboratory of the Department of Civil and
Environmental Engineering, University of Lagos for appropriate tests to determine their quality.
Preliminary tests (i.e. particle size analysis, specific gravity test and moisture content test) were also
conducted on the sand used for the block production to determine its suitability.

Constituents of sandcrete blocks

The materials used for the sandcrete blocks were cement, sand and water. These materials are
described as follows:

Cement: The cement used was Ordinary Portland Cement and was delivered in the original sealed
bags of the manufacturer.

Sand: The sand used was river, crushed sand, clean, sharp and free from clay, loam, dirt, organic or
chemical matter of any description. The particle size analysis of the sand sample used for the block
production is presented in the table below.

Table 1: Particle size analysis of sand sample used for block production

BS Sieve size Mass Retained Mass Passing Percentage Retained Percentage Passing
(mm) (g) (g) (%) (%)

6.3 0.00 200.00 0.00 100.00

5.0 0.00 200.00 0.00 100.00
3.2 0.00 200.00 0.00 100.00
2.0 1.14 198.86 0.57 99.43
1.18 16.79 182.07 8.40 91.04
600µm 65.41 116.66 32.71 58.33
425µm 36.01 80.65 18.01 40.33
300µm 44.60 36.05 22.30 18.03
212µm 27.13 8.92 13.57 4.46
150µm 7.60 1.32 3.80 0.66
63µm 1.32 0.00 0.66 0.00
Initial Mass Used = 200g

The results of the sieve analysis of the sand used for the block production show that the sand
satisfies the requirements of the standards. The sand particles passed through the 3.2mm BS sieve
with the greatest percentage of 32.71% retained on sieve 600µm. This shows that the sand is mostly
of medium grading. Considering the various percentages retained on the different sieves sizes i.e.
1.18mm: 91.04% (75-100%), 600µm:58.33% (60-79%) 300µm:18.03% (12-40%) 150µm:0.66% (1-
10%), the sand therefore falls in Zone 3 of the Grading Zones (BS 882:1978) for the grading
requirement for fine aggregate in NIS 87:2004. Since the soil consists of 99.34% coarse material and
0.66% fines according to the sieve analysis table, the soil is therefore a Uniform Medium SAND.

Water: The water was potable water obtained from the tap in the laboratory.

Mix Proportion
The mix proportion of the composite materials used for the block production was 1: 6 (i.e. one part of
cement to six parts of sand) and was by volume batching.

Table 2: Mix proportion of the composite materials

Material Component Cement Sand

Proportion by Volume 1 6

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Testing of block samples

Five (5) whole blocks that have been cured for 7days were selected at random from specimens of the
blocks produced and the dimensions measured to the nearest 1mm. Each of the blocks was weighed
in the weighing balance and the weight was recorded. The metal plates were placed above and below
the bed faces of the block to be tested and the block specimen was carefully placed between the
plates of the compression-testing machine. Load was then applied to the opposite faces of the block.
The load was applied gradually and axially without shock at a uniform rate till failure occurred. The
maximum or failure loads of the blocks were recorded and the dry density and compressive strength
were then calculated. The blocks produced were also tested at ages 14, 21 and 28days curing. For
the blocks obtained from manufacturers, the blocks were those prepared to be dispatched to users of
the blocks and a set of three (3) samples was tested using the testing procedure highlighted above.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

This section contains the presentation of results as well as the discussion of the results for the
assessment of both the sandcrete blocks obtained from the manufactures and those produced in the
laboratory.

Dimensional tolerance
The dimensions of the sandcrete blocks obtained from the manufacturers were measured to the
nearest 1mm in the order of Length x Width x Height and were found to be 450mm x 225mm x
225mm and 450mm x 150mm x 225mm for 225mm and 150mm wide hollow sandcrete blocks
respectively. Both sizes of blocks had web thickness of 38mm at the bottom bed face which tapered
to the top bed face to web thickness of 30mm. These web thicknesses are lower than those stipulated
in (NIS 87:2004) with minimum web thicknesses of 50mm and 37.5mm for 225mm and 150mm wide
blocks respectively. These results show that the dimensions of the blocks produced by the
manufacturers are not accurate and do not comply with the requirements of the standards.

Table 3: Dimensional tolerances of sandcrete blocks

Web Thickness (mm)

Block Width
NIS Manufacturers' Laboratory produced
225mm 50 30-38 30-38
150mm 37.5 30-38 30-38

The dimensions of the sandcrete blocks produced were also measured to the nearest 1mm in the
order of Length x Width x Height and were found to be 450mm x 225mm x 225mm and 450mm x
150mm x 225mm for 225mm and 150mm wide hollow sandcrete blocks respectively. Both sizes of
block had web thickness of 38mm at the bottom bed face which tapered to the top bed face to web
thickness of 30mm. However, these web thicknesses are lower than those required in the standards
but were still adopted for the research because the moulds available had these web thicknesses.

Density
Table 4 and Figure 1 show the densities of the sandcrete blocks obtained from 10 manufacturers. The
mean values of the density of blocks from manufacturers computed by finding the average of the
3
densities of a set of three (3) blocks had a lowest value of 1808.8kg/m by blocks from manufacturer
3
G and the highest value of 2044.2kg/m by blocks from manufacturer D for 225mm wide blocks. The
3 3
mean density of 150mm wide blocks ranged from 1732.5kg/m by manufacturer J to 2083.3kg/m by
manufacturer G. However, the variations shown in the values of density of blocks of the same size
and manufacturer and those of one size when compared to the other size from the same
manufacturer are within tolerable limit. These values are of course greater than those stipulated in
the standard for both load bearing and non-load bearing units of sandcrete blocks and therefore
comply with the requirements of the standards.

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Table 4: Density of blocks obtained from manufacturers

Dry Weight Dry Density Mean Dry Density

Sample Manufacturer's (kg) (kg/m3) (kg/m3)
No. Identity
225mm 150mm 225mm 150mm 225mm 150mm
I 20.0 15.6 1968.75 1969.70
II A 20.4 16.1 2008.12 2032.83 2008.1 2007.6
III 20.8 16.0 2047.50 2020.20
I 20.2 15.7 1988.43 1982.32
II B 20.3 15.8 1998.28 1994.95 1978.6 1986.5
III 19.8 15.7 1949.06 1982.32
I 20.1 14.0 1906.79 1767.68
II C 20.7 14.4 1963.71 1818.18 1932.1 1784.5
III 20.3 14.0 1925.77 1767.68
I 20.7 15.8 2037.65 1994.95
II D 21.0 15.3 2067.18 1931.82 2044.2 1961.3
III 20.6 15.5 2027.81 1957.07
I 18.8 16.5 1850.62 2083.33
II E 18.6 16.3 1830.93 2058.08 1853.9 2083.3
III 19.1 16.7 1880.15 2108.59
I 18.9 16.3 1792.96 2012.35
II F 19.1 15.0 1811.93 1851.85 1811.9 1905.4
III 19.3 15.0 1830.90 1851.85
I 18.8 15.2 1783.47 1830.77
II G 18.9 16.1 1792.96 1939.17 1808.8 1879.0
III 19.5 15.5 1849.88 1866.91
I 21.6 15.8 1977.34 1903.04
II H 21.2 15.6 1940.73 1878.95 1952.9 1874.9
III 21.2 15.3 1940.73 1842.82
I 20.3 16.1 1998.28 2032.83
II I 20.1 15.3 1978.59 1931.82 2040.9 1986.5
III 21.8 15.8 2145.93 1994.95
I 20.2 14.0 1916.28 1728.40
II J 20.2 13.8 1916.28 1703.70 1903.6 1732.5
III 19.8 14.3 1878.34 1765.43

Figure 1: Mean Dry Density of blocks obtained from manufacturers

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The densities of the sandcrete blocks produced as computed using the readings obtained in the
experimental tests are presented in Table 5 and Figure 2 below.

Table 5: Density of blocks produced (1:6 mix proportions)

Dry Weight Dry Density

Sample Age of Block Mean Dry Density (kg/m3)
(kg) (kg/m3)
No. (day)
225mm 150mm 225mm 150mm 225mm 150mm
I 21.6 17.8 2126.25 2247.47
II 21.4 18.3 2106.56 2310.61
III 7 21.1 17.5 2077.03 2209.60 2086.9 2209.6
IV 21.2 17.0 2086.87 2146.46
V 20.7 16.9 2037.65 2133.84
I 22.6 17.7 2224.68 2234.85
II 22.2 17.3 2185.31 2184.34
III 14 23.0 17.6 2264.06 2222.22 2203.0 2189.4
IV 22.8 16.8 2244.37 2121.21
V 21.3 17.3 2096.71 2184.34
I 21.2 17.1 2086.87 2159.09
II 22.7 17.1 2234.53 2159.09
III 21 20.0 17.0 1968.75 2146.46 2002.2 2146.5
IV 18.6 17.2 1830.93 2171.72
V 19.2 16.6 1890.00 2095.96
I 20.9 16.7 2057.34 2108.59
II 21.5 18.1 2116.40 2285.35
III 28 21.7 17.4 2136.09 2196.97 2102.6 2176.8
IV 21.5 17.6 2116.40 2222.22
V 21.2 16.4 2086.87 2070.71

3
From Table 5 above, the density of the 225mm wide block has the lowest value of 1830.93kg/m at
3
age 21days and the highest value of 2264.06kg/m at 14days for individual block. The mean value of
3 3
a set of five 225mm wide blocks ranged from 2002.2kg/m at 21days to 2203.0kg/m at 14days. The
3
150mm wide blocks have values of density of individual block ranging from 2070.71kg/m at 28days
3 3 3
to 2310.61kg/m at 7days with the mean values between 2146.5kg/m at 21days and 2209.6kg/m at
7days. Also from Figure 2 below, the density of the blocks did not vary with the age of the blocks as
no trend of variation was observed. This means that the density of a sandcrete block is not dependent
on the age of the block. However, there are differences in the values of the density of the blocks
which are within tolerable limit and could be due to some other factors such as the level of
compaction of the block and the vibration time during production.

Figure 2: Mean Dry Density of blocks produced (1:6 mix proportions)

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These values of density obtained clearly comply with the requirements of the standards. Both the
3 3
lowest and highest values of density are higher than 1500kg/m and 625kg/m which are the minimum
values of density required for load bearing and non-load bearing blocks respectively. All these show
satisfactory results in comparison with the requirement of the standards.

Compressive Strength
Table 6 and Figure 3 present the compressive strengths of the sandcrete blocks obtained from
manufacturers. The compressive strength of 225mm wide blocks obtained from the manufacturers
2 2 2
ranged from 0.21N/mm to 1.26N/mm which are far below the minimum value of 3.45N/mm required
by NIS 87:2004. The 150mm wide blocks obtained from the manufacturers also gave very low values
2 2 2
ranging from 0.28N/mm to 0.95N/mm which are also far below the minimum value of 2.5N/mm
required by the standards. The standards require that the mean compressive strength obtained from a
2
set of five (5) blocks of 225mm and 150mm wide blocks must not be less than 3.45N/mm and
2
2.5N/mm respectively. The standards further state that the compressive strength of individual load
2
bearing blocks shall not be less than 2.5N/mm for machine-compacted blocks (NIS 87:2004).

Table 6: Compressive Strength of blocks obtained from manufacturers

Mean Comp. Strength

Sample Manufacturer's Comp. Strength (N/mm2)
Crushing Load (KN) (N/mm2)
No. Identity
225mm 150mm 225mm 150mm
I 10 10 0.22 0.28
II A 5 10 0.11 0.28 0.26 0.38
III 20 20 0.44 0.57
I 30 10 0.66 0.28
II B 20 10 0.44 0.28 0.52 0.28
III 20 10 0.44 0.28
I 20 20 0.43 0.57
II C 10 10 0.21 0.28 0.36 0.38
III 20 10 0.43 0.28
I 50 20 1.11 0.57
II D 30 30 0.66 0.85 0.89 0.76
III 40 30 0.89 0.85
I 50 40 1.11 1.14
II E 50 30 1.11 0.85 1.26 0.95
III 70 30 1.55 0.85
I 10 15 0.21 0.42
II F 10 10 0.21 0.28 0.21 0.32
III 10 10 0.21 0.28
I 10 20 0.21 0.54
II G 20 10 0.43 0.27 0.36 0.36
III 20 10 0.43 0.27
I 70 10 1.44 0.27
II H 50 10 1.03 0.27 1.10 0.36
III 40 20 0.82 0.54
I 20 10 0.44 0.28
II I 50 20 1.11 0.57 0.74 0.47
III 30 20 0.66 0.57
I 40 15 0.85 0.42
II J 40 10 0.85 0.28 1.00 0.32
III 60 10 1.28 0.28

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Figure 3: Mean Compressive Strength of blocks obtained from manufacturers

The compressive strengths of the sandcrete blocks produced and tested at different ages are
presented in Table 7 and Figure 4 below. The table shows that the values of compressive strength of
2 2 2
the 225mm wide blocks ranged from 3.77N/mm to 4.87N/mm with a mean value of 4.25N/mm while
2 2
that of the 150mm wide blocks ranged from 2.84N/mm to 3.69N/mm with a mean value of
2
3.35N/mm after28 days curing.

Table 7: Compressive strength of blocks produced (1:6 mix proportions)

Sample Age of Block Crushing Load (KN) Comp. Strength (N/mm2) Mean Comp. Strength (N/mm2)
No. (day) 225mm 150mm 225mm 150mm 225mm 150mm
I 80 50 1.77 1.42
II 100 80 2.21 2.27
III 7 70 50 1.55 1.42 1.59 1.48
IV 60 40 1.33 1.14
V 50 40 1.11 1.14
I 80 80 1.77 2.27
II 70 60 1.55 1.70
III 14 100 50 2.21 1.42 1.99 1.82
IV 110 60 2.44 1.70
V 90 70 1.99 1.99
I 180 110 3.99 3.13
II 200 120 4.43 3.41
III 21 190 100 4.21 2.84 3.90 3.01
IV 150 110 3.32 3.13
V 160 90 3.54 2.56
I 190 100 4.21 2.84
II 180 130 3.99 3.69
III 28 200 120 4.43 3.41 4.25 3.35
IV 220 130 4.87 3.69
V 170 110 3.77 3.13

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Figure 4: Mean Compressive Strength of blocks produced (1:6 mix proportions)

Figure 4 also illustrates that the compressive strength of the sandcrete blocks increases with the age
of curing as the trend can be clearly observed in the figure. The mean value of compressive strength
2
obtained even after 21days curing clearly exceeds the 3.45N/mm required by the standards for
225mm wide load bearing blocks while individual blocks were also found to have compressive
2
strength not less than 2.5N/mm . On the other hand, the mean compressive strength of the 150mm
2
wide blocks also exceeds 2.5N/mm required by the standards. These values obtained comply in all
respects with the requirements of NIS 87:2004 standards for sandcrete blocks.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The study investigates the quality of sandcrete blocks used for construction in Lagos metropolis in
terms of compressive strength, density, and dimensional tolerance. Based on the findings of the
investigations and analyses carried out, the following conclusions are made:
The compressive strengths of sandcrete blocks produced by the manufacturers are far below
and do not comply with the minimum requirements of the standards. This low quality could be
attributed basically to the inappropriate mix proportions used by these manufacturers. These are often
accompanied by other factors such as poor quality of constituent materials in which the sand is in
some cases mixed with soft sand (such as clay) to improve its binding ability. Other factors such as
poor curing and bad production methods also play major role in the low quality of blocks.
The densities of the sandcrete blocks produced by these manufacturers satisfy the
requirements of the standards while the web thicknesses of the blocks do not comply with the
requirements of NIS 87:2004. This is as a result of the fact that the correct moulds are not used for
the production of the blocks.
This study has also revealed that any block produced based on the requirements and
conditions stipulated in NIS 87:2004 standards for sandcrete blocks or other relevant standards will
always comply with the minimum required values. These blocks so produced will not be substandard
but will be of high quality that can structurally sustain both its self-load and the imposed load when
used as walling units in the construction of buildings.

In order to ensure that quality sandcrete blocks are produced by manufacturers in Lagos metropolis,
the following recommendations are put forward:
The organizations responsible for setting and enforcing the minimum standard requirements
should rise up to their billing and devise strategies aimed at ensuring that these standards are met in
all respects by the manufacturers. The regulatory organisations e.g. SON should introduce and effect
the mobile testing of sandcrete blocks to ascertain the quality of these blocks. This will undoubtedly
give a more efficient and reliable way of determining the actual quality of blocks produced by these
manufacturers as the issue of testing specially-prepared samples will be eliminated. Additionally,
there should be proper sanction against any manufacturer found selling blocks of quality below the
minimum required standards.

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 Journal of Building Performance ISSN: 2180-2106 Volume 6 Issue 1 2015
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The price of cement should be regulated and made reasonable in order to encourage block
manufacturers to be honest with their production activities and desist from cutting corners.
Alternatively, the partial replacement of cement with other materials such as Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as
recommended by Oyetola and Abdullahi (2006) in their study on “The Use of Rice Husk Ash in Low-
Cost Sandcrete Block Production” can be promoted. An optimum replacement level of 20% was
obtained and this can help to reduce the cost of production as long as quality is not compromised.
The regulatory and enforcement bodies should be empowered to check and control
production processes, the overall quality of the sandcrete blocks, and then recommend manufacturers
to be certified as well as blocks to be destroy and those to be certified. These aforementioned
strategies if adopted will reduce and eventually eradicate the problems of incessant building collapse
and failures caused as a result of the use of substandard sandcrete blocks.

Areas of further research

The compressive strengths of mix proportions such as 1:8 and 1:10 cement and sand can also be
investigated as these mix proportions will give lower cost of production to the manufacturers if found
to comply with the required standards. The analysis of the sand obtained from different sources
should also be carried out to determine their effects on the strengths of the sandcrete blocks. The
development of cost models which will give a quality-cost relationship that will guide against the use
of substandard blocks is another subject of further research work already being undertaken in this
field.

References
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Technology, 9(2), 126-132.
Afolayan, J. O., Arum, C., & Daramola, C. M. (2008). Characterization of the compressive strength of sandcrete blocks in
Ondo State, Nigeria. Journal of Civil Engineering Research and Practice, 5(1), 15-28.
Ayedun, C. A., Durodola, O. D. & Akinjare, O. A. (2010). An empirical ascertainment of the causes of building failure and
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Ayeyemi, D. (Ed.) (2008, July 1). Standard sandcrete block costs 184NGN, says lecturer. “Property News”. Nigerian Compass.
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saddle River, USA. Pp 267-273.
Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS 87:2004). Standard for sandcrete blocks, standards organisation of Nigeria, Lagos, Nigeria.
Oyekan, G. L. (2007). Effect of admixtures of the compressive strength of sandcrete blocks. Proceedings of the 32nd
Conference on our world in Concrete and Structures: Singapore, 28-29 August, 2007.
Oyetola, E. B., & Abdullahi, M. (2006). The use of Rice Husk Ash in low-cost sandcrete block production. Leonardo Electronic
Journal of Practices and Technologies, 8(1), 58-70.
Roberts, J., Tovey, A., and Fried, A., (2001). Concrete Masonry Designer’s Handbook. (2nd Edition). Spon Press. Taylor and
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Wenapere, A. D., & Ephraim, M. E. (2009). Physico-mechanical behaviour of sandcrete block masonry units. Journal of
Building Appraisal, 4(4), 301-309.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

The Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia Page 49