Investigation of Cement Mortar and Steel used in Reinforced Concrete in Nigeria

Abstract

The study explores the investigation of the chemical composition, microstructure and mechanical properties of steel and cement mortar used in reinforced concrete. The compositions and mechanical properties of the locally produced steel were analyzed to ascertain their potential for applications for construction. Two samples of construction steels produced and used in Nigeria were studied along. The chemical compositions of these steels were determined using Solaris CCD techniques. The microstructure of the steels was characterized using an Optical microscopy. Similarly, two of the cement samples that are produced and commonly used in the Nigerian market were studied. The chemical compositions of the cements were determined using X-ray Fluorescence and X-ray Diffraction techniques. The cements were mixed with standard river sand to produce mortar with well controlled mixed proportions .The setting time and soundness of the mortar were determined along with their compressive and flexural strengths. The implications of the results were discussed for the development of manufacturing of steel and cement and construction codes that could significantly improve the safety and reliability of African buildings.