QUALITY ASSURANCE ASSESSMENT OF SANDCRETE BLOCKS PRODUCED IN AUCHI, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

The strength of blocks produced in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria is significantly reducing. This study focuses on the quality assurance assessment of sandcrete blocks produced by five different block factories in Auchi, Edo State. A total of sixty (60) sandcrete blocks comprising 30 six-inch and 30 nine-inch blocks were randomly sampled and subjected to laboratory tests including compressive strength, density, Water absorption, visual inspection and dimensional conformity in accordance with the Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS 87:2004). The findings revealed that a significant proportion of the blocks did not meet the minimum strength requirement of 2.5 N/mm² for non-load bearing walls and (1.5 N/mm² for 6″, 3.45 N/mm² for 9″) of load-bearing walls as stipulated by NIS. It was observed that improper mix ratios, inadequate curing, and lack of quality control contributed to the substandard quality of blocks in the area. Recommendations were made towards improving production practices and enforcing compliance with standards.