The study of cement sand brick containing kenaf fine particles as sand replacement materials

Abstract

Besides concrete, bricks are the most fundamental building materials used in the construction of buildings, such as a partition walls. For cement-sand bricks, the used of sand as a main ingredient had triggered a big concern to the environment impact, a shortage of sand resources and the rise in the cost of the material. To address this problem, many researchers have been exploring the use of kenaf fiber as an alternative, renewable resource for fine aggregate in construction. This study is focused on the cement sand brick that containing kenaf fine particles. Due to its unique properties and availability, kenaf has gained much attention among researchers. The main objective of this study was to determine the optimum amount of kenaf fine particles as sand replacement in cement sand brick. Seventy-two brick of 215 mm x 102.5 mm x 65 mm has been produced. In this investigation, a brick with a cement sand ratio of 1:3 and a water-cement ratio of 0.4 with and without superplasticizer, and 0.5 has been tested. The replacement of kenaf fine particles was ranging from 10% to 30% by volume. The cement sand brick was tested to investigate mechanical parameters such as density, compressive strength, and water absorption capabilities of the brick. The results shows that 20% kenaf replacement gave an acceptable condition in term of strength and density.