Experimental investigation and feasibility study on stabilized compacted earth block using local resources

Abstract

Investigation is carried out mainly to find out a suitable mix proportion to blend locally available materials such as soil, sand, clay, grits, jute, etc. with cement for making compacted earth block for construction of affordable residential buildings. The local soil and clay in and around Jalpaiguri town of West Bengal was mixed with the local sand, and stone grits to make a composite good soil of gravel 15 percent, Sand 50 percent, Silt and Clay 35 percent, for compacted stabilized earth blocks (CSEB).1 Blocks of 254 mm x 127 mm x 76 mm size, were prepared with varying percent of Ordinary Portland Cement (5.0 percent, 7.5 percent, and 10.0 percent) and jute fibre of size 2.5 cm and compacting manually to the standard proctor density. Jute size of 2.5cm was chosen as it was found best option from earlier investigation by the same author 8 compared to other sizes from mixing and compressive strength point of view. The blocks were cured and tested for compressive strength, water absorption and density. Based on the results, it has been concluded that the compacted cement stabilized earth blocks both with or without jute fibre may be a cost effective and environment friendly alternative to the burnt clay bricks in lightly loaded building (rural areas) where stability is not a governing factor.