Effects of orientation and compaction methods of manufacture on strength properties of sandcrete blocks

Abstract There are predominantly three modes of compaction in sandcrete block manufacture in Ghana. The mould incorporated in each method comes in either vertical or horizontal orientations. Majority of local sandcrete block producers however do not make use of both orientations for any compaction method. This research therefore, examines the three methods of production and assesses their effect on strength properties. For any compaction method, different orientation produced different strength properties. Differences also exist in strengths for the same orientation in different compaction modes. Vertically oriented blocks in a motorised vibration compaction mode produced the highest consolidation of mix and consequently strength. In the absence of electric power, the hand ramming method produced the desired strength. Manual tamping method should be discouraged, as they are unable to consolidate the mix properly and consequently produce block of unacceptable strength. The local industry must explore alternative modes of block manufacture or improve existing ones if the requisite standards and strength properties are to be satisfied.