Strength and durability performance of stabilised soil block masonry units

摘要

This paper presents the findings from laboratory strength and durability tests on stabilised soilrnblocks (SSBs). SSBs are masonry units formed by compressing a mixture of soil and a stabiliserrnsuch as cement and water in a mould. The strength, density and stiffness of SSBs with 5%, 7,5%,rn10% and 20% cement by mass were determined at 7, 14 and 28 days . The SSBs were subjected torndifferent curing regimes to determine the best curing method. The ability of the masonry units tornresist prevailing rain, wetting and drying cycles, freezing and thawing cycles, and chemical attackrnare critical if they are to be used in a European climate. The durability of these blocks wasrnevaluated by cyclic freezing/thawing and wetting /drying tests, as well as by determining thernshrinkage, sorptivity and absorption characteristics of the blocks. Through this extensive testingrnprogram, it was found that SSBs are a suitable and viable technology for use in a European climate.