ABSTRACT

 Bricks are the most ancient and most recognized building materials. Composite bricks are made by mixing two or more building construction materials. This study compares the production of 48.14MPa, water absorption with 24hrs reveals of composite from sawdust and clay using cement as a binding agent. A total of 16 bricks were made in the wood science workshop unit ofthe Forestry and Environmental Management Department in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, Nigeria based on the weight ratio ofsawdust to clay to cement was (10,40&50kg) at a ratio of (1:4:5). Mass was measured using weighing balance and density calculated from the mass and volume of the bricks. Findings reveal that sawdust is a very good lightweight construction of bricks with good water absorption (WA) and strength characteristics. The composites were tested for compressive strength (CS) using the universal testing machine as the crack due to compression. The mean CS value was highest at clay/cement composite bricks at 77.83MPa &lowest at sawdust mix composite bricks at concrete sawdust composite bricks & mixed sawdust composite bricks have the highest WA than other building materials. Results on the chemical composition of sawdust reveal mixed sawdust was high in cellulose, hemicellulose & lignin at the mean value of 34.99,21,35&47.68 respectively. In conclusion, increased utilization of sawdust composite in brick construction will mitigate against potential sawdust environmental pollution, conserve energy, and reduce disposal costs. The composite bricks from sawdust & clay will be useful and provide a sustainable solution.