Characterization of Clayey Soils from Congo and Physical Properties of Their Compressed Earth Blocks Reinforced with Post-Consumer Plastic Wastes

R G Elenga,B Mabiala,J Goma-Maniongui,G F Dirras,L Ahouet

doi:10.4236/gm.2011.13013

Abstract

Physical properties of compressed earth blocks reinforced with plastic wastes are compared to those of nonreinforced ones. These bricks are made with two clayey soils from two deposits of Congo located in Brazzaville and Yengola. Mineralogical and geotechnical analysis revealed that the soil of Brazzaville is mainly composed of kaolinite whereas that of Yengola is a mixture of kaolinite and illite. The amounts of clay (46 and 48%, respectively) are higher than those usually recommended for bricks’ production without stabilizers. Despite this difference of mineralogical compositions, the physical properties of these soils are quite similar. The compressive strength of the resulted bricks compacted with an energy of 2.8 MPa is about 1.5 MPa, which is the lower limit value allowed for adobes. Reinforcing with polyethylene waste nets increased the strength by about 20 to 30% and slightly enhanced resistance to water, Young’s modulus and strain to failure. However, the reinforcement had no significant effect either on bricks’ curing length or on their shrinkage.

Highlights

IntroductionThe availability of starting material, the low energy consumption and the simplicity of production process justified their great usage as primary housing material in developing countries
Unbaked earth bricks exist in all the continents for centuries [1]
According to standards based on results of Proctor test, these soils are prohibited for compressed earth blocks (CEBs) and adobes [17]

Summary

Introduction

The availability of starting material, the low energy consumption and the simplicity of production process justified their great usage as primary housing material in developing countries. Such constructions have good thermal comfort and sound insulation properties, but low durability [2,3]. In comparison with fired brick or concrete, the compressed earth blocks (CEBs) have a lower compressive strength and are less resistant to water. This high sensibility to water is a major drawback in the equatorial area

Methods

Results

Conclusion