Thermal conductivity of cement stabilized earth blocks

Abstract

The present study examines the effect of bulk density and cement content on the thermal conductivity of cement stabilized earth blocks (CSEB). The experimental results show that the thermal conductivity increases as a function of bulk density; changes in cement content result in a small variation in thermal conductivity of CSEB at a given bulk density. No obvious linear relationship between the thermal conductivity and cement content of CSEB has been observed. However, a significant increase of compressive strength of CSEB caused by the addition of cement has been observed; moreover, the compressive strength of CSEB increases with increasing cement content. CSEB show potential in earth buildings due to their improved compressive strength and reduced thermal conductivity.