Comparative Analysis of Statistical Models for Predicting the Properties of Agricultural Waste-Enhanced Sandcrete Blocks

Abstract

Sandcrete blocks represent an indispensable building material, primarily composed of sand, water, and cement as a binding agent. Given the significant cost associated with cement, there is a need to produce low-cement blocks that are economically viable and cost-effective. This challenge has prompted the exploration of alternative materials to reduce cement content, simultaneously addressing environmental pollution and health risks associated with agricultural waste in rural areas. Notable examples of such alternative materials include various agricultural waste components. The primary objective of this research is to establish statistical models for predicting the compressive strength of blocks reinforced with rice husk, guinea corn husk, maize straw, and a combination of sorghum husk and straw. The research findings indicate that the density of fibre-reinforced blocks decreased as the quantity of fibre increased. Furthermore, the compressive strength of the sandcrete blocks decreased as the fibre content increased. However, compressive strengths of 2.41 N/mm², 1.90, 2.40 N/mm², and 3.01 N/mm² were achieved for rice husk, guinea corn husk, maize-straw, and a combination of sorghum husk and straw-reinforced sandcrete blocks, respectively. Only sandcrete blocks with sorghum husk and straw met the Nigerian Industrial Standard specifications (NIS 87:2000). A water-binder ratio of 0.4 was determined as optimal for all the blocks under investigation. Four models with precision values higher than 4.0 were generated to predict the compressive strengths of the blocks. This research represents a valuable contribution to developing environmentally friendly building materials for the construction industry.