Utilization of Palm Fruit Fibers as Constituent Materials for Hand Mould Clay Bricks

The production process of palm oil generates a huge amount of waste. As Nigeria is one of the largest producing countries, the fruit fiber wastes from palm oil processing have received a low level of waste management and have been a long-term environmental concern. This study is focused on recovery of the palm fruit fibers and its utilization as a constituent material for locally hand mold clay bricks. Varying percentages (1% to 3%) of palm fruit fiber was introduced into local hand mold clay. The bricks produced were tested for optimum moisture content and dry density. Some preliminary tests such as natural moisture content determination (wet and dry), Specific gravity test, Particle size distribution test (Sieve analysis), Atterberg limit test, Compaction test (Standard Proctor), Water absorption test, and Compressive strength test was carried out. The results show a decrease in optimum moisture content as the percentage of the palm fruit fibers increased from 1% to 3% in the soil sample while the maximum dry density increased. With the addition of 1% to 3% of the palm fruit fibers and the mix sun-dried, noticeable improvement in the compaction characteristics of the soil sample was observed. It can be deduced from the results that for a good construction clay soil, the lower the moisture content, the higher the dry density and the better the quality of bricks. Production of clay bricks with palm fruit fibers could serve as an economic substitute for the growing cost of sandcrete blocks

Application of Recycled Waste Materials for Highway Construction: Prospect and Challenges

Industrialization and continuous increase in population growth have contributed immensely to various kinds of solid waste generation which most times are indiscriminately dumped. These activities have negative effects resulting in environmental pollution which could be a menace to the environment. Moreover, to preserve the environment, many researchers have made efforts to ensure that some of these wastes are recycled and utilized in the production of various alternative materials as a means of sustainable technology. Among several alternative materials for construction, some of these wastes are considered to be very useful. This study examines the various recycled waste materials that can be adopted for construction, including their prospects and challenges. Some of the recycled waste materials examined are plastic waste, mill tailings, geopolymers, waste glass, rubber tyre waste, shingles, construction and demolition wastes (C&D) and slag. These recycled materials have been accepted globally due to their characteristic properties which made the materials suitable in the construction industry. This review also examines some limitations relating to the adoption of these materials as alternative construction materials for highway/pavement construction. However, it is generally accepted that reuse of waste materials in construction industry has minimal environmental impact and their exploration would have huge economic impact

Utilization of Poly (ethylene terephthalate) Waste and Seashell (Senilia senilis) in the Production of Roof Tiles

Pollution has been a vital issue, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Polyethylene terephthalate (pet) bottles from its introduction into the economy, has been a major pollutant of the environment, culminating a nuisance to the environment and unsafe habitat to human health. Water channels such as rivers and oceans are not exempted, as marine animals are also at risk of this due to the dumping of waste into our waterways. The utilization of waste pet bottles and seashell in the production of roof tiles will go a long way in the encouragement of proper disposal and management of waste. From this study, a mixture of pet bottles, river sand, and seashells in varying proportions were used to make roofing tiles. The composition with the highest strength is seen to be the P50b, which has 50% pet waste, 25% Senilia senilis, and 25% River sand. It has a smoother surface in comparison with the othe