Akintade, O., Adeyi, T., Aribisala, J., Adeyemi, J., Ademokoya, S., Jegede, S. (2025). Bridging the lab-field gap: a reproducible protocol for decentralized production of sawdust-cement ceiling boards in low-resource settings. , 43(11), 980-990. doi: 10.30684/etj.2025.164035.2007
Oloruntimileyin T. Akintade; Timothy A. Adeyi; James O. Aribisala; John A. Adeyemi; Shade O. Ademokoya; Sunday E. Jegede. "Bridging the lab-field gap: a reproducible protocol for decentralized production of sawdust-cement ceiling boards in low-resource settings". , 43, 11, 2025, 980-990. doi: 10.30684/etj.2025.164035.2007
Akintade, O., Adeyi, T., Aribisala, J., Adeyemi, J., Ademokoya, S., Jegede, S. (2025). 'Bridging the lab-field gap: a reproducible protocol for decentralized production of sawdust-cement ceiling boards in low-resource settings', , 43(11), pp. 980-990. doi: 10.30684/etj.2025.164035.2007
Akintade, O., Adeyi, T., Aribisala, J., Adeyemi, J., Ademokoya, S., Jegede, S. Bridging the lab-field gap: a reproducible protocol for decentralized production of sawdust-cement ceiling boards in low-resource settings. , 2025; 43(11): 980-990. doi: 10.30684/etj.2025.164035.2007

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

Engineering and Technology Journal
Volume 43, Issue 11, November 2025, Pages 980-990    PDF (705.67 K)
Document Type: Review Paper
DOI: 10.30684/etj.2025.164035.2007
Authors
Oloruntimileyin T. Akintade1; Timothy A. Adeyi* 2; James O. Aribisala1; John A. Adeyemi3; Shade O. Ademokoya4; Sunday E. Jegede5
1Department of Civil Engineering, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
2Department 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.
3Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lead City University, Off Oba Otudeko Avenue, Lagos-Ibadan Express Way Toll Gate Area, Oyo, Ibadan, Nigeria 200255.
4Department of Mechanical Engineering, Babcock University, PMB 4003, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.
5Mechanical 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.
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.

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.
Keywords
Sawdust; cement composites Artisanal production Resource; limited construction Hydraulic compaction Sustainable ceiling boards
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