Physico-chemical and mineralogical characterization of clay materials suitable for production of stabilized compressed earth blocks

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to characterize the physico-chemical and mineral properties of clay materials from Burkina Faso to produce stabilized compressed earth blocks (CEBs). The reactivity of the clay materials was tested based on the electrical conductivity of solutions and the compressive strength of CEBs stabilized with 0-20 wt% CCR (calcium carbide residue) and cured for 45 days at 40±2 °C. Pabre and Kossodo respectively contain the highest fractions of clay (20-30%) and gravel (40%). Saaba and Pabre contain the highest content of kaolinite (60˗70%) and quartz (45-60%) and recorded the highest and lowest reactivity, respectively. The compressive strength of CEBs stabilized with 20% CCR improved tenfold (0.8 to 8.3 MPa) for Saaba and only 2.6 (2 to 7.1 MPa) for Pabre. The clay materials in the present study are suitable to produce CCRstabilized CEBs for load-bearing construction.

Physico-Mechanical and Hygro-Thermal Properties of Compressed Earth Blocks Stabilized with Industrial and Agro By-Product Binders

“…A kaolinite-rich earthen material was stabilized with calcium carbide residue (CCR) and rice husk ash, available in the vicinity of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, for the production of CEBs. The physico-chemical and mineral characterizations of the materials were reported in previous studies [ 13 , 16 ]. The earthen material (Kamboinse, Burkina Faso) is a silt-clay of medium to high plasticity (average plasticity index: 20 and average liquidity limit: 50), containing 20% clay particles (<2 µm), and 55% kaolinite, 20% quartz [ 16 ].…”

“…The physico-chemical and mineral characterizations of the materials were reported in previous studies [ 13 , 16 ]. The earthen material (Kamboinse, Burkina Faso) is a silt-clay of medium to high plasticity (average plasticity index: 20 and average liquidity limit: 50), containing 20% clay particles (<2 µm), and 55% kaolinite, 20% quartz [ 16 ]. It has a specific density of 2.75 [ 13 ].…”

“…These changes considerably improved the compressive strength of CEBs stabilized with up to 8% CCR, beyond which it sharply decreased due to the lack of effective interaction with the earthen materials [ 13 ]. By contrast, the strength continuously increased up to 20% CCR for CEBs cured at elevated controlled temperature of 40 °C [ 16 ].…”

“…The present study assesses “how the stabilization using by-product binders affect the macro-engineering properties of CEBs for structural applications?” compared to unstabilized and cement-stabilized CEBs. Unlike the previous studies [ 13 , 16 ], this study took into account the recommendations [ 17 ] on the water demand of the CCR for the production of stabilized CEBs and curing at ambient temperature in a lab (30 ± 5 °C). It specifically investigates the effect of stabilization with the CCR and CCR:RHA on the compressive strength of CEBs and other engineering properties; such as bulk density, hygrothermal properties, and structural and thermal efficiency for sustainable applications in modern building constructions.…”

Thermophysical and Mechanical Properties of Compressed Earth Blocks Containing Fibres: By-Product of Okra Plant and Polymer Waste

“…The earthen material and CCR were respectively collected from Kamboinse (12°29024.4800 N, 1°32059.2800 W, altitude 326 m) and Kossodo (12°25.9350 N, 001°29.3740 W, altitude 301 m) in the vicinity of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The physico-chemical and mineral characteristics of these materials were reported in previous studies [25], [34]. The earthen material is a silt-clay of medium to high plasticity (plasticity index: 10-25 and liquidity limit: 40-65).…”