Evaluating the properties of compressed soil earth blocks after the addition of bagasse ash, marble powder and paddy straw

Abstract

Constructing structures and their establishments with the help of non-toxic and ecological materials that reduce the environmental damages caused in the process and help protect nature can be termed sustainable construction. Red burnt clay bricks are being used for the construction which requires a lot of energy in the process. For the preparation of these bricks, cement is used as a stabilizer and we all are aware that the production of cement releases a lot of energy. Red burnt clay bricks are burnt in kilns which pollutes the environment. Many countries have started using compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs) to overcome these situations. CSBEs are the blocks consisting of clay and one or more stabilizers which are compressed together with the help of a manual press or machines. This study used waste materials like rice straw, marble dust, and bagasse ash as stabilizers. Using waste materials in CSEBs can help us in sustainable development and also will help in reducing the cost of construction. In this study, rice straw is used in the percentages 0.75%, 0.90%, and 1.05%. Marble dust is used in the percentages of 8%, 10%, and 12%. And bagasse ash is used in the percentages of 27%, 32%, and 37%. A total of 27 combinations were selected with these percentages. And for each test, 2 blocks of size 220mm x 100mm x 100mm and beams of size 500mm x 100mm x 100mm were prepared. These blocks were cured by the sprinkling of water for 28 days. Various tests like OMC & MDD, and Flexural Strength were performed in this study.