The Use of Volcanic Rock Dust in Interlocking Block Products

Abstract

This research aims to study the using of volcanic rock (vesicular basalt) dust in interlocking block products. The mixture ratios of Portland cement type 1: volcanic rock dust are 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, and 1:11 by weight and 10% by total mixture weight of tap water. The interlocking block samples were cast into10 x 10 x 20 centimeter cubes with a manual compression molding machine. The interlocking block samples were tested in accordance with TCPS 602-2547 (2004) standard for interlocking blocks. The results showed that the weight, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity of interlocking blocks with high quantity of volcanic rock dust were lower than interlocking blocks with low quantity of volcanic rock dust while water absorption of interlocking blocks with high quantity of volcanic rock dust were higher. However, all of volcanic rock dust interlocking block samples with the ratio less than 1:8  met  the quality standards.