Experimental Approach to Soil Research Conforming to Compressed Brick Production for Housing Construction in Chad

Abstract

The study presents an appropriate soil recognition process for the production of reliable compressed earth bricks (CEB) in Pala, Mayo-Kebbi West. Samples were collected from the quarries of Goub-goub, Madagascar, Yatilim, Sara and subjected to on-site and laboratory identification tests. After analysis and interpretations of the results, it emerges that the red grainy soil made up of a silty earth taken from the site of Sara is the ideal soil for the earth construction. This soil makes it possible to obtain a good compaction because it is naturally well graded (Cu = 14.40 and Cc = 1.37) and it is little plastic (IP = 13.60) so little sensitive to bad weather. Soil of hard consistency (IC=2.68), it is difficult to scratch with the thumbnail. Also, by stabilizing it with 9% of the rice bran by simple compression in a press of 5 to 10 kN, its compression resistance (CR) after cure of 28 days approaches 11.80 MPa, value between 5 MPa and 20 MPa; an interval required by the International Center for Earth Construction, CRA terre. To be eligible, soil samples from the other three quarries must undergo granular changes by adding missing grain sizes or by reducing/eliminating excess grain sizes so that these soils are reduced to well graded and little plastic. And if there are cracks and/or volumetric changes on bricks made with these types of soils, the present study reveals that a reasonable proportion of mineral, plant or animal binder must be added. Finally, whether it is perfect for construction or not, the earth remains the most desired material by users because, apart from its countless technical, ecological and economic qualities, it also integrates our cultural heritage.