Browsing by Author "Zozo Musole Jonathan"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Assessing the suitability of using Sisal Fibre as a Reinforcement in Woodcrete Blocks
    (Uganda Christian University, 2025-12-11) Zozo Musole Jonathan
    This study assesses the suitability of sisal fibre as reinforcement in woodcrete blocks while maintaining low density. Traditional concrete blocks have high density and dead loaded, which increases structural demand, member size and cost. Woodcrete, produced by mixing cement with sawdust, is lighter but suffers from low strength and microcracking. A 1:2 cement–sawdust mix was reinforced with sisal fibre at 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% by weight of cement. To increase the compatibility with the cement matrix, sawdust and fibre were treated in 15% NaOH and then washed and dried. Tensile strength, compressive strength, water absorption and density were tested. At 28 days, the 1.5% fibre mix increased compressive strength from 2.64 to 3.67 MPa (~39%) and tensile strength from 0.91 to 1.08 MPa (~19%), both statistically significant, while water absorption remained acceptable and stayed below 1500 kg/m³. Thus, 1.5% sisal-reinforced woodcrete provides lightweight, stronger blocks suitable for non-load-bearing, low-cost housing.