An Appraisal of the Quality Control Practices in Sandcrete Blocks Production in Yewa South Area of Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The paper focuses on the appraisal of quality control practices by commercial block manufacturers on the quality of blocks produced in the Yewa South Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Both visual inspection and laboratory testing were adopted as the means of ascertaining the quality of blocks produced. Block production sites were visited for physical inspection to assess their conformity with block production processes as stipulated in relevant codes and standards. Samples of Sandcrete blocks were collected from block manufacturers and tested for dry density, water absorption, volume porosity, moisture content and compressive strength. Control experiment was set up to obtain desirable result when production is done according to laid down procedures. The study confirmed that the staff of contractors had no formal training in quality control of block production and that mix ratio, quality, and mixing of the constituent materials as well as curing method affected the quality of sandcrete blocks. It was also confirmed that the quality of blocks produced by commercial manufacturers does not conform to the required standard in BS 2028 of 1970.