In the heart of Ghana, a groundbreaking study is challenging conventional construction methods and offering a sustainable alternative to traditional sandcrete blocks. Led by Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah from the Department of Civil Engineering at Sunyani Technical University, this research explores the potential of replacing sand with sawdust in sandcrete blocks, paving the way for more eco-friendly and cost-effective housing solutions.
Sandcrete blocks are a staple in Ghana’s construction industry, used extensively for both load and non-load-bearing walls. However, the high demand for sand has led to significant environmental degradation and increased production costs. Adinkrah-Appiah’s study, published in Discover Civil Engineering, aims to address these issues by investigating the properties of sandcrete blocks made with sawdust.
The research involved replacing 0-50% of sand with sawdust by volume, maintaining a consistent water-to-cement ratio and a cement-to-aggregate ratio of 1:10. After 28 days of curing, the samples were tested for compressive strength, density, and water absorption. The results were intriguing.
“Initially, we were unsure about the performance of sawdust in sandcrete blocks,” Adinkrah-Appiah admits. “But the results showed that while the density and compressive strength decreased with increasing sawdust content, the blocks still met the requirements for non-load-bearing walls.”
The density of the blocks decreased from 2743.42 kg/m3 to 2110.53 kg/m3 as sawdust content increased from 10% to 50%. Similarly, water absorption rates increased from 9.7% to 21.7%. However, the compressive strength of the blocks, even at 50% sawdust replacement, was still within the acceptable range for non-load-bearing walls, ranging from 2.86 to 2.53 N/mm2 compared to the control sample’s 3.28 N/mm2.
The implications of this research are significant. By using sawdust, a waste product from the timber industry, construction companies can reduce their environmental footprint and lower production costs. This is particularly relevant in the energy sector, where sustainable and cost-effective housing solutions are in high demand.
Moreover, the use of sawdust in sandcrete blocks can help mitigate the environmental impact of sand winning, a process that often leads to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and disruption of water systems. As Adinkrah-Appiah puts it, “This study is not just about finding a new material for construction. It’s about finding a sustainable solution that benefits both the environment and the economy.”
The potential applications of this research are vast. From internal partition walls in housing units to non-load-bearing walls in commercial buildings, sawdust-reinforced sandcrete blocks could revolutionize the construction industry. And with further research, the technology could be adapted for use in other regions, contributing to global efforts to promote sustainable construction practices.
The study, published in Discover Civil Engineering, is a testament to the power of innovation in addressing environmental challenges. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, research like Adinkrah-Appiah’s offers a glimmer of hope, proving that sustainable solutions are not only possible but also economically viable. The future of construction is here, and it’s made of sawdust.