Comparative analysis of hydraform and sandcrete blocks

ABSTRACT


Walling materials play a vital role in the construction of buildings. The study run a comparative analysis between Hydraform blocks and sandcrete blocks which are both major components of walling to ascertain which block is more cost effective, has high compressive strength and compare the benefit of Hydraform block to sandcrete block. Snowball sampling technique was used to sample data from nine professionals who have experience in the use of both Hydraform blocks and sandcrete blocks. An interview guide was used to gather primary data from respondents while other forms of secondary data including workshop documents, journals, articles among others which were essential to the research were also used. Descriptive statistics such as percentages, charts, tables and frequencies were used to summarize quantitative data obtained whereas qualitative data were analyzed based on meanings expressed through words. The study noted that the initial cost of producing Hydraform blocks was higher than the production cost of sandcrete blocks however the cost comparison of a square metre wall construction using Hydraform blocks was 19% more cost effective than sandcrete blocks. The study found that a unit of Hydraform block had a compressive strength of 6.01Nmm-2 which was higher than that of sandcrete blocks which was found to be 3.05Nmm-2  though both exceeded their minimum compressive strength of 5.6Nmm-2 and 2.24Nmm-2 respectively. The study further found some comparative advantages of Hydraform blocks over sandcrete blocks to include availability of raw materials, less cement content and its aesthetics nature. Based on the findings of the study, appropriated recommendations were made including the adoption of Hydraform blocks by government in putting up affording housing for the citizenry since the study proved it to be cheaper and stron