Bridging the lab-field gap: a reproducible protocol for decentralized production of sawdust-cement ceiling boards in low-resource settings

Authors

Oloruntimileyin Akintade, Department of Civil Engineering, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.Follow
Timothy Adeyi, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lead City University, Off Oba Otudeko Avenue, Lagos-Ibadan Express Way Toll Gate Area, Oyo, Ibadan, Nigeria 200255. School of Automation, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, China. Ningliu Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, P.R.C. 210044. Nanjing.Follow
James Aribisala, Department of Civil Engineering, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.Follow
John Adeyemi, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lead City University, Off Oba Otudeko Avenue, Lagos-Ibadan Express Way Toll Gate Area, Oyo, Ibadan, Nigeria 200255.Follow
Shade Ademokoya, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Babcock University, PMB 4003, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.Follow
Sunday Jegede, Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Omotosho Generation Company Limited, Ore, Ondo State A subsidiary of Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited, Abuja, Nigeria Plot 1490, Samuel Ademulegun Street, CBD, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria.Follow

Keywords

sawdust, cement composites Artisanal production Resource, limited construction Hydraulic compaction Sustainable ceiling boards

Document Type

Review Paper

Abstract

Sawdust-cement composites (SCC) are sustainable alternatives to conventional building materials, but they are underutilized by grassroots artisans due to the limited availability of reproducible methods in low-resource settings. This study develops a standardized, field-tested protocol for producing ceiling boards using mixed-species sawdust, cement, and mineral fillers with minimal technical requirements and without reliance on industrial infrastructure. The workflow from sourcing to manual hydraulic compaction was documented and validated under artisanal conditions to assess feasibility, consistency, and performance. Results showed consistent physical properties across batches: density (1620 ± 15 kg/m³), water absorption (11.2 ± 0.3%), and thickness swelling (5.6 ± 0.2%). Low variability confirms reliability and suitability for decentralized production. By emphasizing accessibility and adaptability over optimization, this work provides a replicable framework for community-led construction, laying the foundation for future research on localized, sustainable building materials.

References

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Highlights

A reproducible, low-input protocol for sawdust–cement ceiling board production was developed. Water absorption remained at 11.2 ± 0.3%, indicating stable moisture resistance. Thickness swelling was controlled to 5.6 ± 0.2%, confirming dimensional stability. The mold size (584.2×584.2×25.4 mm³) was designed for easy installation in standard 2-ft on-center ceiling framing. The study emphasized accessibility and replicability to promote community-led sustainable construction.

Recommended Citation

Akintade, Oloruntimileyin; Adeyi, Timothy; Aribisala, James; Adeyemi, John; Ademokoya, Shade; and Jegede, Sunday (2025) "Bridging the lab-field gap: a reproducible protocol for decentralized production of sawdust-cement ceiling boards in low-resource settings," Engineering and Technology Journal: Vol. 43: Iss. 11, Article 12.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.30684/etj.2025.164035.2007

DOI

10.30684/etj.2025.164035.2007

First Page

980

Last Page

990