Development of compressed stabilized earth block as an ecofriendly and sustainable wall making material

Abstract

This experimental study investigates the develop-ment of compressed stabilized earth block (CSEB) as an eco-friendly and sustainable wall making material. In the study, three different types of stabilizers of cement, lime, and wood ash with 5%, 10%, and 15% replacement of soil are used as stabilizers. Moreover, lime and wood ash were blended with cement with 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% of each in order to improve their efficiency. The CSEBs with dimensions of 300×150×100mm were prepared and cured for 28 days. Finally, the compressive strength, density, and water absorption of the CSEB were analyzed. Cement stabilized blocks had the better compressive strength and density and low water absorption rate but cement is environmentally unfriendly and consumes energy. Lime stabilized blocks showed good compressive strength and density but high water absorption. While wood ash stabilized blocks exhibited the poor strength and density and high water absorption but these properties were improved when wood ash was blended with cement. As the results, the optimum proportion was found to be L5C (5% lime and 5% cement) or WA5C (5 % wood ash and 5% cement).