Effect of the Characteristic Properties of Pit Sand in Ilaro Metropolis on the Compressive Strength of Concrete

Fine aggregate is an important constituent material of concrete occupying about 28 – 30% by volume depending on the mix proportion. It is readily available in Ilaro and Metropolis with variations in its properties especially in texture and colour when obtained from different sources. Since the properties of aggregates greatly influence the properties and quality of concrete, it is necessary to appraise the properties of pit sand and determine its effect on the compressive strength of concrete. Sieve analysis was carried out to determine the grading of the samples. The physical properties determined through laboratory tests are specific gravity, water absorption, moisture content, percentage silt content, and bulking of the samples obtained from six different locations in Ilaro and Metropolis. Correlation analysis was carried out to determine the relationship between each of the properties and the compressive strength of concrete cubes produced from the samples obtained from each of the locations. The result of the correlation analysis indicates that the correlation coefficient of the compressive strength with each of the properties are: 1.0, - 0.251, -0.377, 0.754, and 0.698 respectively. This implies that there are positive high correlation between the compressive strength of concrete and specific gravity, percentage silt content and bulking. While the correlation with moisture content and water absorption is negatively low.