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Abstract

This paper is part of a study investigating the structural characteristics of concrete using various combinations of lateritic sand and quarry dust as complete replacement for conventional river sand fine aggregate. Samples of concrete (eg. cubes) were made using varying contents of laterite and quarry dust as fine aggregate. The quantity of laterite was varied from 0% to 100% against quarry dust at intervals of 25%. The samples were cured for specified periods and tested in the laboratory for compressive strength. Workability tests were earlier carried out to determine the optimum water/cement ratios for three different mixes, namely: 1:1:2, 1:1.5:3 and 1:2:4. It was found that 0.5 water/cement ratio produced higher compressive strengths for 1:1:2 mix, while 0.6 water/cement ratio exhibit better workability for 1:1.5:3 mix proportion. Specifically compressive strength ranged from 17-34.2 N/mm² for the mixes considered. These results compare favourably with those of conventional concrete. The concrete was found to be suitable for use as structural members for buildings and related structures, where laterite content did not exceed 50%.