Compressed Stabilized Earth Brick (CSEB) As Building Construction Elements

摘要

Background: The durability and affordability of buildings could be attained in a more environmentally friendly manner if Compressed Stabilized Earth Bricks (CSEB) are used. These bricks, when appropriately dosed with the right amount of stabilizer and pressure, could be more sustainable. The aim of this study was to examine the behaviour of CSEB subjected to elevated temperatures. Materials and Methods: Soil samples were taken from Menjung-Nkwen, Bamenda III in the North West Region of Cameroon and analyzed using standard methods. The bricks were stabilized with cement CPJ 35, with an Initial setting time of 2hrs 50 mins, Final setting time of 3 hrs 40 mins, Standard consistency of 35% and subjected to elevated temperatures. The bricks were fabricated at the following stabilization percentages: 0%, 5.56%, 6.25%, 7.14%, 8.33% and 9.17%. Curing was done at 7 days and 28 days, and later subjected to temperatures ranging from 25 to 900°C. Results and discussion: The compressive resistance showed that bricks of rich mixture (9.17%) had a high resistance at low temperatures. Bricks of 0% stabilization had a higher resistance at high temperatures compared to brick batch at 9.17% stabilization. A significant positive correlation (r=0.97, p=0.000 < 0.01) was recorded between stabilizer dosage and mean resistance of bricks for 7 days and 28 days. Also, analysis between temperature and resistance revealed that as stabilization dosage increases, an increase in temperature lead to a low resistance of the bricks both after 7 days and 28 days. Conclusion: This study suggested that CSEB with 5.56% stabilization should be used for thermal comfort because of its resistance to elevated temperatures.