Influence of the Addition of Sand and Compaction on the Mechanical and Thermal Performances of Plaster

Abstract

Since antiquity, man used to stock up materials and products existing in his close surroundings to build his house, which provides him shelter and comfort. Within the present work, mixtures of plaster and dune sand have been studied with the aim of valorization of locally abundant materials. The tests showed that with the addition of dune sand and the compaction, an optimal mixture (67% plaster and 33% dune sand) can be used as a carrier element for construction of up to three levels; since significant increase of the mechanical strength has been observed. The element obtained offers an acceptable thermal insulation with a decrease in the thickness of the outer wall construction. The use of this gypsum’s mortar block as a carrier element in a structure not exceeding three levels, also enables a considerable savings especially in areas where sand and plaster are abundant and relatively inexpensive