Lime – and sand – stabilization of clayey materials from the Logone valley (Lake Chad basin) for their utilisation as building materials

Abstract

A study of mechanical, durability and water resistance properties was carried out on clay samples stabilized by the addition of variable proportions of sand and lime. 64 formulations were prepared for a total of 768 specimens with clayey materials (0%, 25%, 50% and 100%), sand (0%, 25%, 50% and 75%) and lime (0%, 4%, 8% and 12%). The obtained results show that the specimens specifically stabilized with sand, although resistant with compressive strength ranging from 1.4 to 3.2 MPa, disaggregate and collapse after 24 h immersion in water. The compressive strength of clay stabilized with lime increases with the amount of lime added, giving 5.1 MPa at 12% lime stabilization (4–12% of lime for 0.4–5.1 MPa). The highest compressive strength values are obtained with 12% lime and 0–25% sand (5.1 and 4.1 MPa respectively). The water absorption varies between 15% and 34%. The compressive strength values obtained are above the minimum recommended values for use in construction. A production method of resistant clay bricks from clayey materials from the Logone Valley is proposed. It is recommended to use the suitable mixture for building construction.