International E-publication: Publish Projects, Dissertation, Theses, Books, Souvenir, Conference Proceeding with ISBN. 

Water absorption properties of Hollow Concrete Blocks incorporating Wood Sawdust as a partial replacement for Sand

    , , ,

Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Forestry and Environment, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt, Nigeria
  • 2Department of Forestry and Environment, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt, Nigeria
  • 3Department of Forestry and Environment, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt, Nigeria
  • 4Department of Forestry and Environment, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Res. J. Agriculture & Forestry Sci., Volume 13, Issue (4), Pages 10-16, October,8 (2025)

Abstract

This study investigated the water absorption properties of hollow concrete blocks incorporating wood sawdust as a partial replacement for sand at levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% across four mix ratios (cement: sand: water): 1:2:0.3, 1:1.5:0.4, 1:1:0.5, and 1:0.5:0.7. Blocks were produced using standard molds (150 × 225 × 450 mm) and cured for 28 days. Water absorption was measured after 24-hour and 48-hour immersion following modified ASTM C140 and BS 1881 protocols. Results showed significant variations (p < 0.05) with replacement levels and mix ratios. After 24 hours, absorption ranged from 0.60 ± 0.20% (1:2:0.3 mix at 5%) to 14.00 ± 1.40% (1:2:0.3 mix at 15%), with the 1:1:0.5 mix exhibiting the lowest overall values (1.10–6.20%). After 48 hours, absorption increased, ranging from 0.70 ± 0.50% (1:1.5:0.4 mix at 15%) to 24.60 ± 2.60% (1:2:0.3 mix at 15%), with most mixes at 5% replacement staying below 4%. ANOVA and Duncan's Multiple Range Test confirmed that low sawdust levels (≤5%) generally reduced absorption due to improved matrix densification, while higher levels increased porosity. Findings suggest optimal sawdust incorporation at 5–10% for sustainable, durable blocks in low-moisture applications, balancing waste valorization with performance.

References

  1. Nwiisuator, D., Emerhi, E.A., Ariwaodo, J.O. &Aleru, K. (2011)., Wood waste generation andlumber conversion efficiency of selected sawmills in Port Harcourt, Nigeria., Acta Agronomica Nigeriana, 11(1&2), 8-14.
  2. Eludoyin, O. S, Oladele, A. T., & Iyanda O.M. (2015)., Mapping and assessment of Etho- medical trees on built up areas university of Port Harcourt, Nigeria., South East Eur.For., 6(1), 129-140.
  3. Adedeji, G. A., Aiyeloja, A. A., & Nwosu, U. J. (2016)., Ergonomic evaluation and labour inspection in cluster-sawmill in Port Harcourt, Nigeria., Pro Ligno, 12(2), 38-50.
  4. Adhikari, S. & Ozarska, B. (2018)., Minimizing environmental impacts of timber products through the production process “From Sawmill to Final Products”., Environmental Systems Research, 7(1), 6.
  5. Udokpoh, U. & Nnaji, C. (2023)., Reuse of sawdust in developing countries in the light of sustainable development goals., Recent Progress in Materials, 5(1), 1-33.
  6. Agyemang, E., Ofori-Dua, K., Dwumah, P., &Forkuor, J. B. (2024)., Towards responsible resource utilization: A review of sustainable vs. unsustainable reuse of wood waste., PloS one, 19(12), e0312527.
  7. Obianyo, I. I. (2020)., Valorization of agro-waste for mechanical properties’ improvement of lateritic soil for sustainable construction (Doctoral dissertation)., African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, Nigeria.
  8. Olaiya, B.C., Lawan, M.M., & Olonade, K.A. (2023)., Utilization of sawdust composites in construction—a review., SN Applied Sciences, 5(140).Raheem, A. A., Oriola, K. O., & Ismail, A. (2015).
  9. concrete as a potential construction material., LAUTECH Journal of Engineering and Technology, 9(2), 102-111., undefined
  10. Robert, U. W., Etuk, S. E., Agbasi, O. E., & Ambrose, P. D. (2024)., Development of lightweight sawdust-based composite panels for building purposes., International Journal of Lightweight Materials and Manufacture, 7(5), 631-640.
  11. Alwan N.T., Tarish A.L., Yaqoob S.J., Bajaj M. and Zaitsev I. (2025)., Enhancing energy efficiency in buildings using sawdust-based insulation in hot arid climates., Scientific Reports, 15(1), 8349.
  12. Ferede, E. (2020)., Evaluation of mechanical and water absorption properties of alkaline-treated sawdust-reinforced polypropylene composite., Journal of Engineering, Article 3706176. https://doi.org/10.1155/ 2020/3706176
  13. Sala, C. M., Robles, E., Gumowska, A., Wronka, A., and Kowaluk, G. (2020)., Influence of moisture content on the mechanical properties of selected wood-based composites., BioRes., 15(3), 5503-5513.
  14. El Hamri, A., Mouhib, Y., Ourmiche, A., Chigr, M., & El Mansouri, N. E. (2024)., Study of the effect of cedar sawdust content on physical and mechanical properties of cement boards., Molecules, 29(18), 4399. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29184399
  15. Cheng, Y., Liu, J., Wang, W., Jin, L., & Yan, S. (2024). Preparation and property study of sawdust-modified cement mortar. Frontiers in Materials, 11, 1457167. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2024.1457167, undefined, undefined
  16. Fadele, O. A., & Ata, O. (2018)., Water absorption properties of sawdust lignin stabilised compressed laterite bricks., Case Studies in Construction Materials, 9, e00187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2018.e00187
  17. Adenaiya, O. A., Ugochukwu, R. U., & Oyewole, A. M. (2020)., Experimental research of saw dust as partial replacement for fine aggregate in production of sandcrete hollow blocks in Nigeria., International Journal of Research in Engineering and Science, 8(7), 1–7.
  18. Shantveerayya, K., Kumar, C. L. M., Shwetha, K. G., Jima, F., &Fufa, K. (2022)., Performance evaluation of hollow concrete blocks made with sawdust replacement of sand: Case study of Adama, Ethiopia., International Journal of Engineering, Transactions C: Aspects, 35(6), 1119–1126. https://doi.org/10.5829/ije.2022.35.06c.03
  19. David-Sarogoro, N. (2019)., Combustion potentials of briquettes produce sawdust: alternative energy source., Global Scientific, 7(11), 770-786.
  20. The Tide (2017)., Timber dealers seek support on sawdust use. The Tide Newspaper Corporation., https://www.thetidenewsonline.com/2017/04/05/timber-dealers-seek-support-on-sawdust-use/
  21. Larinde, S.L., Erakhrumen, A.A. & Ojoh, D. (2018)., Utilisation of wood residues from a cluster of sawmills at illabuchi by inhabitants of some adjoining communities in Port Harcourt, Nigeria., Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife & Environment, 10(4),V118-125.
  22. Ugwoha, E., Momoh, Y., & Arusuraire, F.E. (2016)., Assessment of noise pollution in selected sawmills in Port Harcourt., International Journal of Engineering Research and Application, 6(11), 20-25.
  23. Akankali, J. A., Davies, I. C. & Blessing, D. I. (2022)., Assessment of Sawmill and other Associated Wastes on the Water Quality of Ilo-abuchi Creek, Rivers State, Niger Delta., Asian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research, 17(4), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajfar/2022/v17i430406
  24. Aiyeloja, A.A, Oladele, A.T. & Furo, S.B. (2013)., Sustaining livelihood through sawn wood marketing in Port Harcourt, Nigeria., International Journal of Science and Nature, 4(1), 84-89.
  25. Ravindrarajah, R. S., Carroll, C., & Appleyard, N. (2001)., Development of sawdust concrete for block making., Centre for Infrastructure Research, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia, 23.
  26. Neville, A. M., & Brooks, J. J. (2010)., Concrete technology., Prentice Hall.
  27. Adinkrah-Appiah, K., Assiamah, S. & Agyeman, S. (2025)., Effect of partial replacement of sawdust with sand on the properties of sandcrete blocks for sustainable non-load bearing walls in Ghana., Discover Civil Engineering 2, 95. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44290-025-00246-4
  28. Ekhuemelo, D. O., Ademu, O., & Tembe, E. T. (2016)., Physical and strength properties of bricks produced from Portland cement and sawdust of Danielia oliverii wood., Pro Ligno, 12(4), 53-60. https://www.researchgate.net/ publication/312218200
  29. Neville, A. M. (2011)., Properties of Concrete (5th ed.)., Pearson Education. 872 pages
  30. Mwango, A. and Kambole, C. (2019)., Engineering characteristics and potential increased utilisation of sawdust composites in construction—A review., Journal of Building Construction and Planning Research, 7, 59-88. doi: 10.4236/jbcpr.2019.73005
  31. Alabduljabbar, H., Benjeddou, O., Soussi, C., Khadimallah, M. A., & Alyousef, R. (2021)., Effects of incorporating wood sawdust on the firing program and the physical and mechanical properties of fired clay bricks., Journal of Building Engineering, 35, Article 102106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2020.102106
  32. Aigbomian, P.E. & Fan, M. (2013)., Development of Wood-Crete from Hardwood and Softwood Sawdust., The Open Construction and Building Technology Journal, 7, 108117. https://doi.org/ 10.2174/187483 6801307010108
  33. Turgut, P. and Algin, H.M. (2007)., Limestone dust and wood sawdust as brick material., Building and Environment Journal, 42(9) 3399-3403. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2006.08.012
  34. Bdeir, L. M. H. (2012)., Study Some Mechanical Properties of Mortar with Sawdust as a Partially Replacement., Anbar Journal for Engineering Sciences, 5, (1), 22-30.
  35. Folagbade, S.O. (2018)., Effect of sawdust ash on the compressive strength and sorptivity of laterised concrete., Civil and Environmental Research,10(10), 5-14
  36. Udin, S. N. B. M. (2017)., Mechanical properties of concrete containing sawdust as partial sand replacement (Doctoral Dissertation, Universiti Malaysia Pahang).,
  37. Ekhuemelo, D., Alfa, V., & Tembe, E. (2020)., Optimization of hollow blocks production from sawdust waste from Khaya senegalensis (Desr.) A. Juss. and Anogeissusleiocarpus (DC.) Guill. & Perr., as partial replacement for sand., Plants and Environment, 2, 63–68. https://doi.org/10.22271/2582-3744.2020.jun.63
  38. Ubachukwu, O. A., Ubi, S. E., Esochaghi, K. P., &Nwokoukwu, K. B. (2022)., Properties of eco-friendly concrete produced by partial replacement of sand with sawdust with emphasis on water-cement ratio., Nigerian Journal of Technology (NIJOTECH), 41(1), 26–31. https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.v41i1.4
  39. Ekhuemelo, D., Tembe, E., & Versue, A. (2017)., Some aspects of physical and mechanical properties of hollow blocks produced from hot water treated sawdust., Sustainability, Agri, Food and Environmental Research, 5(4). https://doi.org/10.7770/safer-V5N4-art1304