<p>The lack of alternative sand options for construction projects, coupled with the challenge of achieving the required compressive strength, raises significant concerns. This study, therefore, seeks to classify the sands based on their physical and mechanical properties to determine their suitability for various applications. The study was conducted in Bamenda, North West Cameroon, where the commonly used sands include Wum, Mbengwi, Ndop, Chomba, and Mbatu sands. A systematic experimental programme was conducted, including particle size distribution, fineness modulus, specific gravity, apparent density, water content, and compressive strength tests at 7, 14, and 28 days. Concrete and mortar mixes were prepared to evaluate the contribution of these sands and to assess their specific characteristics. Physical property results showed that Wum sand was the densest among the other samples, while Mbatu sand was the lightest. Particle side distribution analysis showed that Wum sand had the coarsest particles, while Mbatu sand had the finest. Concrete was formulated with a water-cement ratio of 0.56 and resistances of 26.64, 24.4, 20.59, 21.66 and 17.33&#xa0;MPa were gotten for Wum, Mbengwi, Ndop, Chomba, and Mbatu sands respectively at 28-days of curing. The mortar gave 25.33, 20.62, 13.01, 19.17 and 15.99&#xa0;MPa for Wum, Mbengwi, Ndop, Chomba, and Mbatu sands respectively after 14-days of curing cubes of 70&#xa0;mm sides. The results enabled a systematic classification of these sands based on their physico-mechanical properties and their direct linkage to specific engineering applications. Based on the results, it was concluded that Wum sand was the most suitable option for structural uses, while Ndop sand was suitable for light loads. Mbengwi and Chomba sands need to be washed before use in concrete and mortar mixtures, while Mbatu sand should, at best, be mixed with Wum sand. This study contributes to the literature by providing a practical framework for selecting appropriate sand sources in regions with limited material characterization, thereby supporting sustainable and performance-based construction practices.</p>

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Physico-mechanical properties of sand from various sandpits in the northwest region of Cameroon for engineering applications

  • Mbuh Moses Kuma,
  • Mofor Nelson Alakeh,
  • Nsahlai Leonard Nyuykongi,
  • Ncham Modestus Kukwah,
  • Abdolhossein Naghizadeh,
  • Rodrigue Cyriaque Kaze

摘要

The lack of alternative sand options for construction projects, coupled with the challenge of achieving the required compressive strength, raises significant concerns. This study, therefore, seeks to classify the sands based on their physical and mechanical properties to determine their suitability for various applications. The study was conducted in Bamenda, North West Cameroon, where the commonly used sands include Wum, Mbengwi, Ndop, Chomba, and Mbatu sands. A systematic experimental programme was conducted, including particle size distribution, fineness modulus, specific gravity, apparent density, water content, and compressive strength tests at 7, 14, and 28 days. Concrete and mortar mixes were prepared to evaluate the contribution of these sands and to assess their specific characteristics. Physical property results showed that Wum sand was the densest among the other samples, while Mbatu sand was the lightest. Particle side distribution analysis showed that Wum sand had the coarsest particles, while Mbatu sand had the finest. Concrete was formulated with a water-cement ratio of 0.56 and resistances of 26.64, 24.4, 20.59, 21.66 and 17.33 MPa were gotten for Wum, Mbengwi, Ndop, Chomba, and Mbatu sands respectively at 28-days of curing. The mortar gave 25.33, 20.62, 13.01, 19.17 and 15.99 MPa for Wum, Mbengwi, Ndop, Chomba, and Mbatu sands respectively after 14-days of curing cubes of 70 mm sides. The results enabled a systematic classification of these sands based on their physico-mechanical properties and their direct linkage to specific engineering applications. Based on the results, it was concluded that Wum sand was the most suitable option for structural uses, while Ndop sand was suitable for light loads. Mbengwi and Chomba sands need to be washed before use in concrete and mortar mixtures, while Mbatu sand should, at best, be mixed with Wum sand. This study contributes to the literature by providing a practical framework for selecting appropriate sand sources in regions with limited material characterization, thereby supporting sustainable and performance-based construction practices.