Stabilized Earth Blocks Research Articles

Development of Compressed Stabilized Earth Block as an Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Wall Making Material

Development of Compressed Stabilized Earth Block as an Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Wall Making Material

Compaction effect on the compressive strength and durability of stabilized earth blocks

This work aims to investigate the design of clay matrices with optimum granulometry for their use in compressed earth blocks with and without stabilizers. The results and discussion focus on the mechanical properties, compressive strength anisotropy according to the compaction direction, and durability tests such as abrasion and absorption coefficients. The results show that the granulometry is an important aspect for matrices without stabilizers, as well as the applied compaction forces, obtaining values greater than 2 MPa with compaction forces of 1.96 kN. The clay-sand microstructure matrices are densified when the stabilizers are added, which causes a change in the failure mechanism due to the stiffening of the matrix.

Thermal conductivity of cement stabilized earth blocks

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.

Potential Use of Enzymes in the Preparation of Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks

AbstractCompressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs) prepared with an enzyme along with a combination of cement and lime have been shown to have a nearly 50% increase in wet compressive strength afte...

A comparative study on optimum insulation thickness of walls and energy savings in equatorial and tropical climate

Abstract The increase outdoor temperature acts directly on the indoor climate of buildings. In Cameroon, the energy consumption demand in the buildings sector has been rapidly increasing in recent years; so well that energy supply does not always satisfy demand. Thermal insulation technology can be one of the leading methods for reducing energy consumption in these new buildings. However, choosing the thickness of the insulation material often causes high insulation costs. In the present study, the optimum insulation thickness, energy saving and payback period were calculated for buildings in Yaounde and Garoua cities, located in two climatic regions in Cameroon. The economic model including the cost of insulation material and the present value of energy consumption and the cost over a life time of 22 years of the building, were used to find the optimum insulation thickness, energy saving, and payback period. Materials that extruded polystyrene were chosen and used for two typical wall structures (concrete block (HCB) and compressed stabilized earth block wall (CSEB)). The early cooling transmission loads, according to wall orientations and percentage of radiation blocked were calculated using the explicit finite-difference method under steady periodic conditions. As a result, it was found that the west- and east-facing walls are the least favourite in the cooling season, whereas the south and north orientations are the most economical. Although wall orientation had a significant effect on the optimum insulation thickness, it had a more significant effect on energy savings. In equatorial region (Yaounde), for south orientation, the optimum insulation thickness was 0.08 m for an energy savings of 51.69 $/m2. Meanwhile, in tropical region (Garoua), for north orientation, the optimum insulation thickness was 0.11 m for an energy savings of 97.82 $/m2.

The Use of Colombian Palm Oil Fuel Ash in Alkali Activated Cement Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks

The Use of Colombian Palm Oil Fuel Ash in Alkali Activated Cement Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks

Experimental and numerical study of Interlocking Stabilized Earth Blocks mechanical behavior

One of the modern techniques of earth construction is the Interlocking Stabilized Earth Block (ISEB), which realizes the requirement of a certain type of construction in an economic and technical way compared to conventional materials. The use of this technique fits suitably within the framework of high environmental quality since the process uses an abundant material not requiring a lot of transformation energy.The aim of this study is to perform compressive tests on superposed ISEB that are laid dry without grout mortar. Testing results show that the ​​contact area and the clearance between the blocks have an effect on the masonry's compressive strength, causing it to decrease. For that, particular attention is given to analyzing the contact area effect on the mechanical behavior of superposed ISEB. A finite element method (FEM) analysis is also performed in order to highlight the effect of the local stress around the clearance on the macroscopic compressive behavior of the masonry. Finally, a simplified spring model is considered in order to estimate the vertical apparent Young's modulus of ISEB walls.

Statistical Analysis of the Effect of Mineralogical Composition on the Qualities of Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks

AbstractCompressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs) are typically produced with laterites because of their abundance in the tropics. However, the formation of laterites is governed by the nature of the parent rock, the age of the land surface, climate, and topography and drainage conditions resulting in laterites with varying mineral compositions. Because the geotechnical composition of tropical residual soils appears to be largely controlled by their mineral composition, the first level of any classification system should take into account the factors giving rise to their development. This paper summarizes the results of an analysis of the effect of mineralogical composition on the performance characteristics of CSEBs. The results from the X-ray diffraction analysis show that the soil samples consist of varying proportions of quartz and kaolinite alongside other minerals. The results obtained from this investigation show that soils with higher quartz and kaolinite content produced blocks with better perfo...

Influence of soil gradation, proportion and combination of admixtures on the properties and durability of CSEBs

As it is well known that grading of soil influences the properties of compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs), a need was felt to explore the possibility of using soils as found in nature for their production without physical modification or increasing the stabilizer content of 8% needed for their preparation as suggested in literature. This was made possible by the use of lime in combination with cement. Findings from this study would give flexibility in choosing soils of wider gradation as available in nature, thereby eliminating the need for blending with sand. This has a lot of practical significance and also application for the construction industry.

Characterization of Stabilized Earth Blocks with Incorporation of Cement Expanded Polystyrene for Use in Buildings

Characterization of Stabilized Earth Blocks with Incorporation of Cement Expanded Polystyrene for Use in Buildings

Compressed Stabilized Earth Block: A Green Alternative for Non-load Bearing Building Block in Developing Countries like Bangladesh

Compressed Stabilized Earth Block: A Green Alternative for Non-load Bearing Building Block in Developing Countries like Bangladesh

Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks by using Lime

Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks by using Lime

Embodied energy of conventional load-bearing walls versus natural stabilized earth blocks

According to recent studies, the manufacturing and construction of the structural elements of buildings (for example, columns, beams and load-bearing walls) represent the largest proportion of embodied impacts. Some of these reports highlight the need to analyse the materials and techniques used today in order to make the building sector more sustainable. This paper presents the results of embodied energy and global warming potential, using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, for load-bearing walls, being these one of the most common types of structures for buildings. This study analyses through an eco-design tool new options for materials used in the construction of structural load-bearing walls. The research aims to examine the environmental performance of each material alternative assessed: fired clay brick masonry (FC), concrete block masonry (CB), reinforced concrete-based wall (RC), and stabilized soil block masonry (SS); stabilized with natural fibers and alginates. These conventional and new materials – especially those with a low level of embodied energy, such as earth blocks – are evaluated from the point of view of their environmental consequences.

Role of lime with cement in long-term strength of Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks

Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEBs) are manufactured using stabilizers to provide adequate compressive strength and durability, so, as to make them suitable as building blocks. Though cement is a popular stabilizer used in manufacture of CSEBs, no study has been reported utilizing lime in combination of cement. This experimental study on CSEBs prepared using lime as a replacement to cement in certain proportions has clearly brought out the effectiveness of lime with cement in improving the long-term build-up of strength better than using cement alone. It was observed that blocks prepared with optimum quantity of lime along with cement has led to continuous buildup of strength even beyond 2 years, whereas blocks prepared with cement alone and lesser quantity of lime than optimum quantity have not gained much strength after 6 months from the time of preparation of the blocks. The research findings show a need to relook at the grading of ingredients and quantity of stabilizers for achieving good building blocks. This would be an added benefit not only in reducing the cost of the blocks, but also has serious implications in terms of the reduction of energy consumed in the manufacture of blocks when done in large scale.

Comparative Analysis of the Thermal Behavior between Cellular Concrete Blocks and Stabilized Earth Blocks as Wall Materials

In extreme climates like the desert climate of Northwest Mexico, indoor thermal conditions in buildings, and particularly in low-cost housing developments, are very uncomfortable. In buildings where the use of air conditioning devices can be afford, excessive energy is spent, leading to high acclimatization costs.In many cases, construction materials for low-cost houses are selected according to the lowest price, and not taking into account the best thermal behavior according to the local climate. Different types of blocks are widely used as a construction material for walls, such us earth blocks, adobe, concrete hollow blocks, cellular blocks, bricks, because of their low price and easy installation. Designstrategies must be very carefully selected according to the local climate, because they have a great impact on energy consumptions and in the quality of life of the occupants. The selection of the appropriate materials for the envelope is part of these design strategies, and is the main subject of this paper.In this work we analyze the thermal behavior of a wall compound of two different materials: cellular concrete blocks and stabilized earth blocks. The monitored wall is part of a low-cost house constructed for demonstrative and experimental purposes. External and internal superficial temperatures have been measured and infrared images of the same areas have been analyzed.Infrared thermography is particularly useful to evaluate non-homogeneous materials or non-traditional materials, from which not all thermal properties are known. The thermal behavior is analyzed, in relation to the expected characteristics according to the climate, such as adequate thermal insulation and thermal inertia of the envelope, which are different for air-conditioning and non air-conditioning situations.

Finite Element and Experimental Analysis of 3D Masonry Compressed Stabilised Earth Block and Brick Building Models against Earthquake Forces

The main objective is to study the seismic behaviour of eight building models with scale 1:3 of 3D single room building constructed using country fired brick and three types of Compressed stabilised earth [CSE] blocks along with and without earthquake resistant features [EQRF]. Models were subjected to shake table tests. Four models were constructed using four different blocks along with EQRF. Other four models were without EQRF. To examine the seismic capacity, the models were subjected to long-period ground motion and the test specimen were shaken repeatedly until the failure. The test results from Hi-end Data Acquisition system show that model with EQRF behave better than without EQRF. And also CSEB building models behaved better than brick models. A comparison between the results of tests and the FEM analysis by ANSYS predictions is made. The data obtained from the experimental works were given as train set in Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and a tool was created in Matlab software for analysing various blocks.

Shaking Table Study of Two Reduced-Scale Single-Storey HCSE Block Masonry Building Models

The seismic resistance characteristics of two building models constructed by Hollow Compressed Stabilized Earth Block from locally available soil that represents normal single room building was examined via the experimental studies in the shake table. One model was constructed with earthquake-resistant features (EQRF) having sill band, lintel band and vertical bands to control the building vibration, and another one was without EQRF. The model with EQRF provides superior seismic resistance as compared with that model without EQRF. To examine the seismic capacity, the models were subjected to harmonic acceleration with gradually increasing amplitude, and specimens were shaken repeatedly until its failure. The test results from Hi-end Data Acquisition system show that model with EQRF behaves better than without EQRF. This modified masonry model with new material combined with band system is used to improve the behavior of masonry building.

Mud Building Practices in Construction Projects in the Gaza Strip

The need to use Mud in building works resulted from the shortage of construction materials in the Gaza Strip. This study investigates the applicability of using mud materials in construction projects in the Gaza Strip. The factors affecting the using of mud buildings were investigated. Techniques encountering the construction with earth materials were studied. A questionnaire survey was used which targeted the contractors that participated in the mud building practices.Two mud-building techniques were used; the Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEB) and Adobe techniques. The practice of using mud in building houses is very limited and comes to defy the blockade at the Gaza Strip. The idea of building houses of mud was not accepted by most surveyed contractors due to cultural aspects. The spread of building of mud was mainly affected by “needs for high maintenance, no possibility for future vertical extension, the need for intensive labors and poor resistance to weather conditions.”

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

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.

Domaine de la Terre in Villefontaine (Isère, Francia): balance of an exemplary experiencie

El articulo presenta el resultado de una operacion de construccion con tierra realizada en los anos ochenta del siglo XX pasado, que aun conserva un caracter ejemplar por no haber sido repetida a una escala similar en los paises europeos desde hace cerca de treinta anos. Se trata de un programa de vivienda social desarrollado despues del dificil periodo de las crisis de la energia de finales de los setenta, que inicio investigaciones y experimentaciones para encontrar soluciones alternativas en el consumo energetico. El proyecto, llamado le Domaine de la terre, fue tambien realizado en el contexto de la presentacion de una exposicion en el Centro Georges Pompidou de Paris, Arquitectura de tierra o el porvenir de una tradicion milenaria. El debate internacional alrededor de esta muestra invitaba a dar pruebas de la factibilidad de un rebrote concreto de la arquitectura de tierra, en condiciones reales. Para esta epoca el reto fue considerable porque no habia empresas con el saber hacer suficiente. Fue necesario capacitar a los obreros para construir en tapia, en bloques de tierra estabilizada y en terre-paille, en el lugar. Fue necesario, en condiciones de ausencia de normas, crear las condiciones para una experimentacion piloto con el soporte del Plan de Construccion y Habitat, un programa de promocion de proyectos piloto del gobierno frances. El programa, aunque dificil de realizar, fue un exito, y constituyo una demostracion tanto tecnica como constructiva, arquitectonica y economica.