Investigating the properties of concrete by partially replacing sand with saw dust.

Abstract

The Building Industry in Uganda today has got many construction materials being put to use. Many of these materials are very reliable due to their different potentials in terms of durability, strength say for concrete blocks, pavers, and the like; water tightness for clay products, fire resistance say for timber among others. Most of these materials are not readily available in their natural form. However, the same industry seems to have dropped readily available materials like saw dust deposits for the purpose of making concrete blocks due to its inability to meet the required standards instead of finding remedies of how such materials can be improved to suit their purpose. The Principal objective of this research therefore, was to investigate the effect on concrete of varying sand for saw dust as a component for block making in the Construction Industry of Uganda.

Chapter one of this thesis introduces a review of the literature on the main theoretical concepts of the existence of saw dust and its usage in making Composite blocks highlighting mainly on its compressive strength and water absorption. This chapter also identifies existence of environmental gas pollutants attributed to saw dust waste material especially in the urban areas of Uganda and the World at large emphasizing that most of it is not put to good use.

Chapter two is a literature review showing ideas and views of other researchers about the issue as well as explaining some of the main terms that were considered in the research; followed by the methodical approaches (in Chapter three) that were used among which was determination of compressive strength and water absorption for seven batches of cubes prepared with the mixes: 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 25%, 35% and 50% by weight of saw dust.

Chapter four presents the results of methods used. Laboratory experiments conducted reveal that the saw dust sample used consisted of various elements including soil dust and saw dust from various types of timber with varied characteristics like color and granule sizes.

This thesis therefore concludes that it is possible to make good use of saw dust wastes other than using it for plastics industry and chicken beddings mainly here in Uganda, and the study also poses queries for further research.