n3xt:


Quality Stone Tiles



I didn't use it on my fence. I use another style (afterall na my build, my money). I used gravel, stone dust and sharp sand for the fence. That pillar is the strongest I've ever done in all my years in this game. I can subject it to any integrity test (crash, crush, compressivity etc)

gabbytabby:
There is a grade of sand used in some parts of lagos(agege and alimosho etn) it's called myers (not sure of spelling) and that is what they use to make their blocks. Your sand looks like this sand. It has some sharp but it is predominantly not sharp.

gabbytabby:
When I see quotes like this I usually think they are misguided cos I prefer to put my best leg forward. It is not to say that people without formal education will never do well but to say which is likely to give better prospect.

Also experience is very important such that the comparative should always be education and experience versus just experience alone.


In the world that we live in, a black man or woman always has more to prove to get the same recognition than a white counterpart.

Of the US presidents how many are college educated versus not college educated. The emphasis should be on the norm not the exceptions.

.

n3xt:


My boss, I'll be interested in reading up the journals if you can provide the source.


Meanwhile, here's my position. Base in my experiment on sand (different types available in the market), I know that River sand is the only sand to get if you're looking for quality. Just few days ago, Egunmogaji posted another type of sand supplied to him as sharp sand. If you're familiar with Lekki axis, there are nothing less than 10 - 12 types of sharp sand (Addo, Berger, BADORE, Langbasa, Chevron, Bogije, Awoyaya etc). These sand are full of silt which takes in moisture and dampens the concrete.
Since I got a dump truck for my projects, I've learnt a lot about sand and I realize that the further we dredge this material the more silt and clay is present and the more difficult it becomes for construction company's (small or big/giants) to get sand of a suitable quality.

However, crushed granite fine (otherwise called granite dust) had grades and I found it as a better alternative to low quality sand we are having around this days.

The CGF has enable us to create large amounts of sand to a specific quality and not varying qualities as it used to be. This may be one of the most overlooked causes of building collapse in Nigeria.

You'll agree with me that crushed granites do not contain impurities such as silt and clay found in most sand we use today; which makes it a stronger alternative to river sand. And there are lots of many more positives.
The only disadvantage is availability and workability which is less of an issue because we are faced with the same problem if we are to source a good quality sharp sand.

Still wondering why crushed granites is mostly used for road paving stones? For making the strongest concrete blocks?

cc: smiley001, Chekitaut, fendorf


Brabus


In 2013 while I was in Ondo, I was presented with some funny sand as sharp sand but opted for crushed granite fine as a substitute not minding the workability. I'll rather cope with the stress than use a less quality material for my build.

gabbytabby:
When I see quotes like this I usually think they are misguided cos I prefer to put my best leg forward.
It is not to say that people without formal education will never do well but to say which is likely to give better prospect.

Also experience is very important such that the comparative should always be education and experience versus just experience alone.


In the world that we live in, a black man or woman always has more to prove to get the same recognition than a white counterpart.

Of the US presidents how many are college educated versus not college educated. The emphasis should be on the norm not the exceptions.

.

EgunMogaji:


Do you think it'll be okay for block setting at all?

Thanks.

Abdulwastecx: we have the so called Professionals, such as architect, civil engineer, quantity surveyor etc (with minimum of 5 years university education . These people are trained to solve problem from conceptual stage, they need lots of theoretical knowledge than practical know how. It is a fact that they need about 75% theory to 25% practical.
for building construction, they conceive the design (the architect), they make it work by using mathematics, economics and understanding of materials properties (civil eng) that "your baba lati" cannot use, they estimate the cost of construction (QS).

Next in line are technicians' these are well trained personnel with 50/50% knowledge in theory and practical. they are trained to know enough in other to translate professionals designs into reality. The theory they know is for them to be able to understand professionals design and the practical they know is to be able to explain these design to the artisans'. A civil engineer, architect, surveyor with HND or OND are technicians.

We have the artisans; These are the people that do the actual work, these are the mason, brick layer, carpenters, painter, roofer, plumber, electricians etc. These men work based on instruction passed down by the technicians, they are employed not to think or design but to perform task specify by those above. they need all the practical of this world and little theory to understand technical drawings and language.

Note: there are overlaps due to several years of working an artisan may become a technicians, but it is very unlikely for either artisan or technician to become a professional without more formal education.

lastpage:


God bless you Madam.

First, l never "condemn" people without education.
What l said was that "Work Experience" can NEVER replace "Formal Education".
They both have their place in life but like you pointed out, an educated person will eventually gain the "experience" on the job but l cant fathom how an illiterate who refuses to go to school, will acquire a first degree!

Due to truancy and/or the circumstances of life, we all cant have top-notch education but l would rather educate my own children to a minimum of a first degree (I have one who is almost finishing Medical School overseas), than build houses for them or spoil them with Money.
I am surprised that these people keep twisting my 'position' and focusing on my person?

One went about insulting "Educated/Certificated people and claiming they are not employed or "who education don help"?
I responded that "before you can even table your experience in a Trade, you have to show your CERTIFICATE (no matter how lowly) that shows you have the "basic, pre-requisite education".
I used the example of Cleaners, Security Men, Hotel Hands, e.t.c to buttress my point. This people must sit and study to have a "SafePass Certificate".... in western Countries, before they can do any of the above menial jobs

In a world of over 7Billion people, how can a minuscule hundred, be used as proof that "Education does not matter or that "Work experience" can replace education?
Is this a kind of "age-related jaundice" of the brain or what

The girl whose picture was posted might just "pass through school" without allowing her "education/school" to pass through her (but l dont want to knock her because l dont know her circumstances to the detail).
I know that even if you read Yoruba or English and you are sound enough to graduate with 2^1 (as opposed to most children of today who cheat through school and come out with the Certificate but they are actually empty-headed) ... you wont need to carry a placard to earn a living:
what is wrong with starting a "neighbourhood lesson" where you teach younger ones and their parent pay you?
I have engaged a lot of under-graduates who come to my house to teach my children, when they were very young and they make good money, hopping from one "home lesson" to another, abi l lie?
So, how did she end-up with placard, if she is good at what she studied?
That is where l think "half-education" comes into play. If hse is soundly educated, her mind and brain will propose better options to her than this undignified shame she is putting herself through

Again, l find it funny that these illiterates will only use a 'bad example" like this to buttress their failure and inadequacy!
What about the hundred of thousands of graduates that work in Shell, Mobil, NNPC, Banks, NLNG, Doctors, e.t.c whose starting salary as a trainee is not less than 200K monthly?
How many 2^1 Graduates roam the street in US, UK and other Western climes?
Just because Nigeria is rules by the same class of half-baked and stark illiterates like we have foaming in the mouth here, is why some of our Graduates are having it rough but it is not the norm.

I have asked that they show me just One Bridge that was "designed and built" by anyone without education, they cant but instead went on a tangential rant!
Infact,l cant believe that in 2016, someone will openly say that "Education does not help"?

Anyway, on reflection, l realize that the only people who always tow this line of thinking are either stark illiterates or people with "failed/half education (which they say is even more dangerous! )

It is sad that even supposedly grown-ups cant differentiate between "having money" and "being educated" and having "work experience".
The are not the same thing and are not mutually exclusive but the better person, by a mile-off, is "he who is well educated and made money legitimately from it and gained 'work experience' over ...and with their education".

Any fool can have money at anytime (you can even win a lottery! ) ... but it takes time, diligence and dedication to have quality education.
And if you are well-educated, it will show in EVERYTHING you do or say. You cant hide it.
You will even be a cut above the crowd if you now add "experience" to your education.

For example, l work with personnel who have spent +30yrs in the military, who will never rise beyond "Warrant officer 2" till they are honourably discharged (retire).... while a young boy of less than twenty-two years who has a BSc. joins the military as Second Lieutenant!
Is it not his "certificated education" that propelled him over and above the "uneducated one with decades of experience"?
Why did the one with 30+ years "Experience" not come and claim "l sabi pass am"?

Why have we not have a school cert with fifty years experience, become the Head of NNPC?
How many of these dunce foaming in the mouth here will allow a "Chemist" with ten years "shop-trade" experience perform a surgery on you or your spouse, in case of serious illness?
why would they insist on a well rounded, University trained and qualified Doctor

How can these guys not get it that "education" does more than just provide a "job-path-way" for people?.... it develops you mentally, it broadens your horizon and make your brain think and work in ways that are "beyond limitations".

Honestly, l just laugh at the idiocy of this argument.




Lastpage!


Below is a post by @Abdulwastexc , that shows the difference between an "educated/certificated" professional .... and an illiterate Artisan with "experience". These illiterates need to sit down and study the difference properly.

EgunMogaji:


But, not all US presidents were credentialed. FACT.

Which is my point, we can't make it an absolute and paint with a wide brush.

If I'm having a triple bypass, I want both a credential and experience surgeon, not one that was homeschooled. As an example.

If I'm throwing a party, maybe I want an experienced caterer and not a recent graduate of culinary school.

Finally, the emphasis to be on the norm is just your personal opinion. There's no reason why it can't be otherwise.

Miscellaneous:



man, 3 cubes was tested & average taken ...& did u believe I wouldn't do all aforementioned under supervision ? Man, I did all that. The only mistake I made was not snapping pix before submission of the detailed report


cc: n3xt

babalose:
@brabus.....are you saying you pay more attention to quality when it comes to your own house as compared to your clients?
I can't but notice what you said about the pillar holding your gate.

n3xt:


I never had to compromise at any part of my personal project. I lost the books at some point and quality at whatever cost was given a big priority.

I saw Chinese light fighting a but went for a gate pillar of 70k for a pair. That cannot be said of client who wanted to spend 300k to buy all the light fittings in their house.

Check what you see at H52. I bought Roman Blinds which is 100k plus. Most client won't pay for that. Sorry to say.


What about toughened glasses used for my glass partitions? I had option of buying ordinary for less.

My tiles are real Spanish and I paid its real price and not having a champagne taste on la casera budget.

My build is in Sagamu. Yet I did raft where everyone is doing Strip foundation.

I bought an electric mixer solely for all my backyard DIY project. I could do it with hand.

So like we say in computer world "GIGO"

Memejem:
Your comment really just rubbed me the wrong way. You were asked a simple question. All you had to reply was that you were not constrained when it came to money as you were building to your own taste and quality preference. Instead you chose to brag and highlight all the expenses you spent on your house and foundation cost. And you didn't do it in a way that displayed humility.

What are you trying to prove here?

adanny01:


In that case, something somewhere went wrong. The difference between the two couldnt be that much.

n3xt:


Bros, kindly ignore.

Memejem:
I've noticed you do this a lot. This time I just could not hold my tonge. You offer excess amount of information and it comes across as the sole purpose is to show off or railroad rather than to pass knowledge.

And it's hard to ignore you as it seems to be your life purpose to comment on this thread with long epistles of all you think you've accomplished in life or defend yourself against multiple accusation of poor work.

n3xt:


I never had to compromise at any part of my personal project. I lost the books at some point and quality at whatever cost was given a big priority.

I saw cheap Chinese light fittings but went for a gate pillar light of 70k for a pair. That cannot be said of client who wanted to spend 300k to buy all the light fittings in their house.

Check what you see at H52. I bought Roman Blinds which is 100k plus. Most client won't pay for that. Sorry to say.


What about toughened glasses used for my glass partitions? I had option of buying ordinary for less.

My tiles are real Spanish and I paid its real price and not having a champagne taste on la casera budget.

My build is in Sagamu. Yet I did raft where everyone is doing Strip foundation.

I bought an electric mixer solely for all my backyard DIY project. I could do it with hand.

So like we say in computer world "GIGO"

EgunMogaji:


What are your thoughts on using this as part of mix to set blocks ONLY?

I've heard from AbdulWastecx but he doesn't build in this area.

mavverick:
I have not seen your full report but I think I have an idea on the conclusion.
A quick question for you, so is stone dust not good for interlock production ?
Can interlock be made months before use or better to be made just before use ?
Thanks in advance

n3xt:


3 cubes. Agreed. But manual mix without adequate water is a capital NO! Manual mix on the ground or inside a water-tight/non-absorbent container?

The supervisor was just standing by as an observer because you complained about workability of the CGF. Otherwise, he would have told you to use a mixer or add a little more water to the granite dust/cement mix until the concrete is of desired consistency. How long did the test took before results came out? How much time for curing? 7 or 28 days?


Brabus

adanny01:


In that case, something somewhere went wrong. The difference between the two couldnt be that much.

Miscellaneous:


Workability wasn't really that bad ... I was saying in comparism to the sharp sand. A compacting factor test was also done (had I snapped the report, you would have seen everything). My supervisor was not surprised about my result. He has worked in the construction industry for close to 20years & he said he knew that granite dust was not it & that most engineers always argue like you are doing now. & who said it was mixed in an airtight container ? Don't assume man.... it doesn't help. The container of the automated mixer was used.... (not the rotating automated but, the automated mixer that has about 4 turning blades starting from top of the container cover, through & ending at the bottom of the container). & as a matter of fact, the mix didnt even reach 1/2 of the container. Water-cement ratio used was 0.55 for all.... water shouldn't be added arbitrarily in a lab. It is a test to compare, moreso.

back2sender:

You did a raft foundation because you built your house on a water infested environment. Try and be humble abit, it pays!!!! You are a service provider

Miscellaneous:
Okay. The test was conducted for the sole purpose to see how fine aggregate as do coarse aggregate influence the desired strength of concrete. For this purpose, two tests were conducted with one using granite dust as fine aggregate & the other using the popular laterite (sharp sand). You see, before now, there have always been mixed reactions concerning this granite dust but, the below results nipped it in the bud. Now, my findings:

1. The granite dust gave a blending color to the mix as oppose to sharp sand.
2. The granite dust proves very difficult to bond with the mix ( I used trowel for both experiments & I'm certain it is same even with an automated mixer)
3. The desired strength was 25N/mm² but, sharp sand gave me 26N/mm² while granite dust gave 16N/mm²
4. For some reason, I believe the workability of sharp sand is better than granite dust.

Since it was a time limited experiment, I couldn't make a general conclusion but, however, the strength is what really left me dazed.
N:B ==> A mix of 1: 3/2 : 3 ( 4: 6: 12) was used which I believe does not have any detrimental effect on the suppose granite dust. It's just a mix, afterall.

I made the summary as short as I could.


Cc: Abdulwastecx, Egunmogaji , n3xt