QUALITY OF FINE AGGREGATES USED FOR MASONRY WORKS IN KADUNA

METROPOLIS

BALA A.B,. ABIMIKU J. AND POGU J.H.

Department of Civil Engineering,

Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna State.

E-mail: abdullahibala50@gmail.com, joshpogu@yahoo.co.uk, ubbe.eggon@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT: This study investigates the engineering properties of fine aggregates which are used in masonry works in Kaduna metropolis. Five samples of fine aggregates used in this study were obtained from five different locations and transported to the Material Laboratory of Civil Engineering Department, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, for experimentation. Tests carried out on the fine aggregate samples include specific gravity, sieve analysis, bulk density, silt content and mortar cube compressive strengths. Test results revealed that the specific gravity of the samples falls between 2.59 and 2.70. The bulk density varies from 1413.46 to 1486.5g/m³and silt content was found to be 0.67 to 0.97%. From the result of the sieve analysis of the sand samples, the fineness modulus ranges from 3.89 to 3.97. It is known that the fineness modulus of aggregates used in building construction usually varies between 2.1 and 3.5. The mortar cube strength after curing for three days varies between 19.75 N/mm² for sample E, 20.8N/mm² for sample C, 21.57N/mm² for sample D, 22.95N/mm² and 23.78N/mm² for samples B and A respectively.