Determination of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Sawdust from Tropical Wood Species

ABSTRACT

 The research involves the determination of the physical and mechanical properties of sawdust from Tropical wood species. The physical and mechanical properties where determined standard equipment. The percentage replacement was 0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, 60% and 75% for the treatment. The finess modulus of sand is 1.80 and 1.53 sawdust. The coefficient of uniformity of sand is 7.2 and that of sawdust is 8.2. The coefficient of curvature for sand is 1.42 and that of sawdust is 1.62. For well graded sands the finess modulus is within the range 1< Cc< 2.95; CU? 5.7 and 1< Cc< 2.95; Cu? 6 ; this suit in for the particle size required for making light foundation making; the specific gravity of sawdust is 1.05, and the bulk density uncompacted and compacted are 0.11 and 0.12g/cm3respectively. From the slump test, the varieties showed different trend, variety A and B gave the highest slump more than the other varieties because they gave harsh mix. From this study, it can be concluded that physical properties and mechanical properties of the sawdust varieties can be used as replacement for light weight in farm foundation construction works, poultry structures especially in places where bio-materials are in short supply.