An Investigation of Some Physical and Mechanical Properties of the Wood-Cement Made of Poplar Sawdust and Portland Cement Mix

This study was conducted with the objective of investigating the feasibility of making wood-cement using Poplar sawdust and Portland cement. A total of 48bricks were made in the laboratories of Technical Teacher Training Faculty of Somesara based on ratios of sawdust to cement (3:2 and 2:1) and 100×100×100 and 50×50×50mm dimensions. Mass and volume of samples were measured and then density of bricks was calculated. The composites were tested for compressive strength using testing machine. The mean compressive strength values were 1.17 N/mm2 and 1.25 N/mm2 for 100×100×100mm composites with sawdust to cement ratios of 2:1 and 3:2 respectively, and 0.85 N/mm2 and 0.99 N/mm2 for 50×50×50mm composites with sawdust to cement ratios of 2:1 and 3:2 respectively. Soaked composites swelled irrespective of the sawdust to cement ratio. The compressive strength for the soaked bricks was approximately 45% of the dry weight strength. The composite bricks were found to be unfit for paving and medium heavy load wall construction. Due to their light weight, by imparting decorative mosaics they can be used for interior wall paneling and decoration, where minimal wetting is experienced.