Research Article Published: September 22, 2025 Volume 1, Issue 7

Utilization of Mound Soil as a Partial Cement Substitute in Sandcrete Blocks: Implications for Strength and Sustainable Construction

Authors

Joshua Ozioko1

Affiliation: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Boluwade Segun2

Affiliation: Department of Project Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.

Oladepo Oladipupo3

Affiliation: Independent Researcher.

Olawumi Olatunji4

Affiliation: Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria.

David Ajayi5

Affiliation: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria.

Uthman Ismail6

Affiliation: Department of Civil Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Nigeria.

Giwa Gazali7

Affiliation: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of mound soil as a partial replacement for cement in the production of sandcrete blocks, with emphasis on compressive strength, water absorption, cost effectiveness, and sustainability. Sandcrete blocks are widely used in Nigeria and other developing nations due to their affordability and ease of production. However, the increasing cost of cement and its contribution to global carbon dioxide emissions have necessitated the search for alternative materials that can replace cement in part without reducing performance. In this research, mound soil, a locally available material, was incorporated into sandcrete mixes at substitution levels of 5 percent, 10 percent, 15 percent, and 20 percent by weight of cement. Standard tests were carried out to determine compressive strength at curing ages of 7, 14, and 28 days, as well as water absorption to evaluate durability.

The results revealed that blocks containing 5 percent and 10 percent mound soil achieved compressive strengths of 3.20 N/mm² and 3.05 N/mm² respectively at 28 days, which remain within the Nigerian Industrial Standards for non-load bearing and certain load bearing applications. At these levels, water absorption values also remained below the maximum allowable 12 percent, confirming adequate durability. In contrast, substitution levels of 15 percent and 20 percent produced lower strengths of 2.35 N/mm² and 1.24 N/mm² at 28 days, coupled with water absorption above standard limits, indicating a decline in structural reliability.

These findings suggest that mound soil can serve as a cost effective and sustainable partial cement substitute when used at low proportions of up to 10 percent. Its application reduces cement consumption, lowers construction costs, and mitigates environmental impacts. Further research is recommended on long term durability, resistance to environmental exposure, and the potential benefits of combining mound soil with admixtures to enhance performance.

Keywords

Sandcrete blocks Mound soil Cement replacement Compressive strength Water absorption Sustainable construction Cost effectiveness Durability Environmental impact Building materials

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How to Cite

APA Style:

Ozioko, J., Segun, B., Oladipupo, O., Olatunji, O., Ajayi, D., Ismail, U., & Gazali, G. (2025). Utilization of Mound Soil as a Partial Cement Substitute in Sandcrete Blocks: Implications for Strength and Sustainable Construction. International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Related Sciences, 1(7), 14-22.

IEEE Style:

J. Ozioko, B. Segun, O. Oladipupo, O. Olatunji, D. Ajayi, U. Ismail, and G. Gazali, "Utilization of Mound Soil as a Partial Cement Substitute in Sandcrete Blocks: Implications for Strength and Sustainable Construction," International Journal of Advanced Research in Engineering and Related Sciences, vol. 1, no. 7, pp. 14-22, 2025.

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