K. Shantveerayya - Department of Civil Engineering, Adama Science & Technology University, Ethiopia
M. Kumar C. L. - Department of Civil Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
K. G. Shwetha - Department of Civil Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
F. Jima - Department of Civil Engineering, Adama Science & Technology University, Ethiopia
K. Fufa - Department of Civil Engineering, Adama Science & Technology University, Ethiopia

Hollow concrete blocks (HCBs) are substitutes for conventional bricks and stones in building construction. Experimental testing has been performed on the feasibility of producing HCBs from sawdust (SD). Sawdust is substituted with fine aggregate (pumice) by weight proportions ۳, ۶, and ۹%. Sawdust is treated with tap water to remove foreign materials. Different tests were performed on blocks in order to find the effect of sawdust and to confirm whether blocks produced will satisfy the minimum acceptable standards. Different tests were conducted on the samples for ۲۱ days as in Ethiopia to reflect the pratical application. Compressive strength of sawdust with additions of ۳, ۶, and ۹% was ۱.۱۷, ۰.۹۹, and ۰.۵۱ N/mm۲, respectively. Replacement with ۹% resulted in a higher rate of water absorption. The density of HCBs was found to be between ۶۳۳.۰۶ and ۶۳۸.۲۱ kg/m۳. In light of the results, it is concluded that ۳% of sawdust can be optimized for the production of blocks.  

Sawdust, Hollow concrete blocks, Alternative building material, Fine aggregate, Pumice