COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AND WATER ABSORPTION OF CEMENT-LOCUST BEAN WASTE ASH BLEND FOR LATCRETE BLOCKS PRODUCTION

This paper investigates the compressive strength and water absorption properties of cement-locust bean waste ash blend for latcrete block production. Locust bean waste was burned in the open air and later calcined at a temperature of 600°C for 3 hours to activate the amorphous content of the ash produced. The locust bean ash was used to replace cement at 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% by weight of cement in the production of 9” hollow latcrete blocks. A mix ratio of 1:6 was adopted in the block making. Various tests were carried out on the materials used for the block production to make sure it is up to the required standard. Compressive strength test and water absorption test were carried out on the latcrete blocks. The compressive strength result of the latcrete block with LBWA and the water absorption test conducted gave a promising enhancement after 28 days of curing. This research concludes that latcrete blocks with locust bean waste ash could be utilized in the construction industries for building purposes with better strength and durability properties.