Suitability of Laterite Fines as a Partial Replacement for Sand in the Production of Sandcrete Bricks
The provision of affordable housing units from indigenous building materials has been the focus of most researchers in recent times. This paper focuses on the utilisation of laterite fines as replacement for sand in the production of sandcrete bricks as masonry units. With a mix ratio and a water/cement ratio of 1:6 and 0.50 respectively, batches with 0% (control specimens), 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% laterite fines replacing the sand were adopted in this study. In all, 96 bricks were cast, tested and compared with those of conventional sandcrete bricks (control specimens). Tests studied were density, compressive strengths (wet and dry) and water absorption. Data results revealed that the laterite fines used could satisfactorily replace the sand up to 30% for the production of structural masonry units even though bricks need to be protected when used in waterlogged areas or below ground level.
Engineering Properties of Laterite Stone Scrap Blocks
A study was conducted to determine the engineering properties viz. compressive strength, toughness index and water absorption capacity of the laterite stone scrap blocks. Paddy husk ash, saw dust and processed fly ash were used as other constituents and added to the laterite stone scrap in the range of 3 to 9%, 3 to 9%, 20 to 30% respectively. The cement was used as binding material and added in the range of 8 to 16%. The maximum compressive strength 13.6 N/mm 2 was observed for the block having 68% laterite stone scrap, 8% cement and 20% processed fly ash. The maximum toughness index of 14.3 was observed for the block having 81% laterite stone scrap, 16% cement and 3% paddy husk ash. The minimum water absorption capacity of 18.6 was observed for the block having 84% laterite stone scrap and 16% cement. The lowest cost of laterite stone scrap block was found to be Rs. 22.94 for the block having 85% laterite stone scrap, 12% cement and 3% paddy husk ash which satisfies BIS standards.
Evaluation of Impact of Yarn Count and Stitch Length on Pilling, Abrasion, Shrinkage and Tightness Factor of 1 ? 1 Rib Cotton Knitted Fabrics
This study investigates the impact of yarn count and stitch length of 100% cotton knitted fabrics. 1 × 1 ribs structured fabrics were used in this research work. The stitch length 2.50 mm, 2.52 mm, 2.60 mm, 2.70 mm, 2.80 mm and 2.96 mm were used of the yarn count of 26Ne, 28Ne and 36Ne. The areal densities of the grey fabrics were in various amounts. The impacts of yarn count and stitch length were measured concerning pilling resistance, abrasion resistance, and shrinkage and tightness factor. The result showed that the fabric pilling grade decreased while number of cycle increased. Abrasion resistance decreased but length wise shrinkage increased despite the fact that the stitch length increased. The results also exposed that the tightness factor of the fabric increased with the increase of the stitch length in both dyeing and washing state and finished state compared to grey state for the yarn count 26Ne and homogeneous result not found for yarn count 28Ne and 36 Ne. Evaluation of Impact of Yarn Count and Stitch Length on Pilling, Abrasion, Shrinkage and Tightness Factor of 1 × 1 Rib Cotton Knitted Fabrics