This study assessed the quality of commercial sandcrete blocks produced in Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria, for compliance with established standards, including the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) and the Nigerian Building Code (NBC). The study included a combination of field surveys, sampling, and laboratory testing across ten block factories in the region. Dimensional analysis, water absorption, and compressive strength tests were conducted on 80 nine-inch blocks, five from each plant. The blocks failed to meet standard criteria in terms of size, compressive strength, and water absorption capacity, according to laboratory tests. Additionally, field observations revealed discrepancies in mix proportions, curing techniques, and the age of blocks at the time of testing, all of which contributed to quality issues. Based on these findings, it is suggested that Wukari-produced sandcrete blocks should not be utilized for load-bearing walls unless considerable changes in manufacturing procedures and quality control systems are undertaken.
Aruma et al. (Thu,) studied this question.