Physical and geotechnical characterization of Bambui River sands, Northwest Region Cameroon to produce sustainable micro-concrete roofing tiles

Abstract

The importance of sustainable construction practices is notably significant in developing nations like Cameroon, where there is a strong need for cost-effective, long-lasting, and environmentally conscious building materials. In the Northwest Region of Cameroon, the Bambui River sands have attracted interest as a potential source for producing sustainable micro-concrete roofing (MCR) tiles. This study aims to conduct a thorough assessment of the physical and geotechnical properties of the Bambui River sands to determine their suitability for producing sustainable MCR tiles. Seven representative sand samples were gathered from various locations along the Bambui Riverbed and analyzed at the local materials promotion authority. The physical characterization involved particle size analysis and sand equivalent testing on the river sands. Following this, the geotechnical characterization included testing MCR tiles produced from the river sands for flexural strength, permeability, water absorption, and impact resistance. The results of the physical characterization revealed the sands contain a mixture of coarse, medium, and fine grains. The sand equivalent tests indicated that the sands were clean, with values ranging from 83.87% to 97.14%. The manufacturing of MCR tiles from the Bambui River sands adhered to recommended standard procedures. The resultant MCR tiles exhibited promising geotechnical characteristics through various tests, such as flexural strength, permeability, water absorption, and impact resistance. Specifically, the flexural strength, average water absorption, and impact resistance (measured by ball drop height) were recorded at 10.68 MPa, 10.70%, and 900 mm, respectively. These outcomes suggest that the Bambui River sands are well-suited for producing sustainable MCR tiles.