Optimization of Stabilizer and Introduction of Admixtures to Manufacture High Strength Compressed Earth Blocks for Commercial Purpose

Abstract

Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks of Size 240mm (Length) x 200mm (Width) x 130mm (Height) were manufactured in the Structural Engineering Laboratory of the Bharath Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), using Laterite Soil Mix taken from Mambakkam village, near Chennai, India. Cement was used as a stabilizer at5%,7% and 9%, to manufacture the Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEBs), with and without adding Super Plasticizers (SP) at 0.5%, 0.75% and 1.0%. The combination was arranged as 3-sets of mix categories; i) soil + 5% cement (Specimen A1); ii) Soil + 5% cement+0.5%SP (Specimen B1); iii) soil+5%cement+0.75% SP (Specimen C1); iv) Soil +5%cement+ 1.0% SP (Specimen D1). newlineSimilarly, for soil mixes containing 7% cement, the combination was: v) soil +7%cement (Specimen A2); vi) soil +7% cement+0.5% SP (specimen B2); vii) soil+ 7% cement +0.75%SP (SpecimenC2); viii) soil+7% cement+1.0% SP (Specimen D2). newlineSimilarly, for the soil mixes containing 9% cement, the combination was: ix) soil+9% cement (Specimen A3); x) soil + 9%cement +0.5%SP (Specimen B3); xi) soil + 9% cement + 0.75% SP (Specimen C3), and xii) Soil + 9% cement + 1.0% SP 9specimen D3). newlineThe soil mixes used were dry-mixed thoroughly. Water was added in steps up to the workable consistency. The paste was filled up in the mould, and hand- compacted. Subsequently, a compaction pressure was applied with a machine at 2MPa. After de-moulding, the specimens were air cured. Five numbers in each category of specimens were subjected to compressive tests and moisture absorption tests. Average of 5 readings was used in the tabulation for data analysis. The compressive strengths (CS) and moisture contents (MC) were tested for all specimens during the Curing Ages of 3days, 7days, 14days, 21days and 28days. newlineThe following trends were indicated: newlinei) The CS of each CSEB specimen showed an increasing trend with the progression of time during the Curing Age. newlineii) The MC of each specimen showed a decreasing trend with the progression of time, during the Curing Age. newlineii