Water used in cement block making determines its quality, strength – expert

Blocks

Jos, July ‎13, 2017 (NAN) Mr Mustapha Abiodun, a civil engineer and Quality Assurance Manager of Dangote Cement, has said that the type of water used in producing cement blocks determines their quality and strength.

“The ideal water that should be used in block production is potable water; such water is free from organic compounds,” Abiodun said on Thursday in Jos.

He spoke at a one-day civil building quality assurance workshop, organised by the Plateau office of the Standard Organisation Of Nigeria (SON), for block molders.

Abiodun explained that when potable water is used, the standard of the blocks is usually high because there is little or no chemical reaction.‎

The expert particularly cautioned cement block producers against using polluted water, saying that it had chemical solvents that could weaken the quality of the block.

“That is why we have cracked blocks; that is why we have blocks that scatter easily,” he said.

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Abiodun lamented that most block makers had often relied on water from streams, rivers and ponds.

“Such waters are dangerous; one can never tell what type of chemical or impurity has been washed into such water bodies which could have adverse effects on the quality of the cement blocks,” he said.

He also spoke on the quality of sand used in the production of blocks, and warned against sand that contains silt, organic matters (such as leaves) and clay.

Abiodun advised block molders to keep the blocks under the shed for 24 hours after production.

“The blocks should not be be left under the sun; they should also be watered for at least four days to enhance their quality,” he said.

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He also disclosed that blocks lose their quality if left for a long time without use, and suggested that they be put to use within the first three months after manufacturing.

The expert advised that cement should be stored on wooden platforms, away from the wall and in a water-free environment.

Earlier, Mr Musa George, the Plateau Coordinator of SON, had said that the workshop was aimed at enhancing the capacity of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

“The focus is to enable them produce what would be competitive in the global market.

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“We are also concerned about rising incidents of building collapse; we attribute this to substandard or poorly made blocks, and want to curb that trend,” he said.

George said that SON would soon clamp down on those engaged in the production of substandard blocks, and advised such persons or companies to desist in their own interest. (NAN)