Physical and mechanical characterization of cement-stabilized compressed earth bricks

Abstract

Soil is the basic material for the manufacture of compressed earth bricks, working the soil without any type of stabilization the physical and mechanical properties are minimal. This research aims to evaluate the physical and mechanical characteristics of compressed earth bricks stabilized with different dosages 5, 8, 12, 12, 15 and 18 % of cement, the tests that were performed were: absorption, compressive strength and flexural strength per unit of masonry, compressive strength of piles, diagonal compressive strength of walls and the X-ray diffraction test of the bricks; the results obtained from the different tests determine that with 18% cement the optimum strengths are obtained, the samples subjected to the absorption test have a 12. 63%, as for their compressive strength increased by 53. 95%, flexural strength in 43%, resistance to compression of piles in 36.6%, diagonal compression strength of walls in 41.24%, taking as a reference base the standard sample of 0% cement, in the X-ray diffraction test of the compressed brick stabilized with 18% cement where predominates the 32. 4% of calcium silicate, 23.8% of aluminum silicate, 17.4 % of hydrated calcium, 14.2 % of illite, 6.86 % of calcium oxide, 3.34 % of quartz, 1.2 % of kaolinite and goethite 0.8 % ; it is concluded that the bricks of compressed earth stabilized with cement (BCESC) is a sustainable construction alternative that improves the mechanical properties of the soil