Impact of Quality Control Practices in Sandcrete Blocks Production
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 10, Issue 2
Abstract
Sandcrete blocks are widely used in Ghana as walling units. The quality of blocks produced, however, differs from each manufacturer due to the different methods employed in the production and the properties of the constituent materials. This paper focuses on the impact of quality control practices by suppliers on the quality of blocks produced in the Kumasi metropolis. Sandcrete blocks were taken from suppliers and tested for compressive strength, bulk density, water absorption, and dimension 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.
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References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 10 • Issue 2 • June 2004
Pages: 53 - 60
Copyright
Copyright © 2004 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 28, 2002
Accepted: Nov 25, 2003
Published online: May 14, 2004
Published in print: Jun 2004
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