The Use of Wood By-Products for Making Concrete Blocks

Abstract

In this research, sawdust concrete with nominal mixes 1:1:2, 1:1^1/2:3 and 1:2:4 were subjected to the following tests; particle size distribution, compressive strength, water absorption and density. This was done to examine the suitability of wood by-products for concrete blocks production. The 28-day compressive strength of nominal mixes 1:1:2 and 1:1^1/2:3 were 18.33 and 8.78N/mm² respectively, while their 28-day absorption values were 5.69 and 8.97%, respectively and the densities were 2133 and 2914kg/m³. These values indicated that wood by-products (sawdust) could be used for concrete blocks production. The successful utilization of wood by-products helps not only in reducing the amount of wastes requiring disposal but also in eliminating the pollution of the environment caused by burning the wastes.