ABSTRACT
There is persistent argument constituting a serious problem as to which is better among the different sand types used for plastering mortars in Yola. Some are of the vague opinion that the cement and the water requirements for the sands are different and thus one is more economical than the other when used to produce plaster mixes. Moreover, as at now there seems to be no document specifying the properties of the two sands in question, thus the need to scientifically investigate as well as establish the suitability of the sands for plastering mortars in Yola. The results from this investigation will assist contractors, designers, builders, and other stakeholder in decision making as to which of the sands will be applied in different part of construction. It will also aid in placing the correct order for supply instead of falling under suppliers? mercy.This research thereforeis aimed at evaluating the properties of two plastering sands used in Yola with the view to establishing their major characteristics as plastering sands. A total number of 192 cubes and prisms were cast using nominal mix ratio of 1:3 with water cement ratio of 0.7 and tested for density, compressive and flexural strength at 7, 14, 28 and 56 days. Abrasion resistance, water absorption, sorptivity tests were carried out at 28 and 56days of curing age. The result showed that at 56 days the compressive strength was 16.48 N/mm2 and 14.41N/mm2, and flexural strength of 10.03 N/mm2 and 10.11 N/mm2 for samples A and B mortar respectively. This research concludes that the sample B mortar has higher flexural strength and durability properties than sample A mortar. The research recommends that where strength of mortar is the requirement, such as in mortar beds and joints, sample A should be used due to it higher compressive strength value and Sample B is a better option when it comes to durability as required in plastering and rendering due to its higher durability properties.