Experimental Investigation on the Properties of Compressed Earth Blocks Stabilised with a Liquid Chemical

Abstract

Soil blocks are usually stabilised with cementing materials, fibres or chemicals to improve their performance properties for construction purpose. This study investigates the properties of compressed earth blocks stabilised with a liquid chemical (Pidiproof LW+). Experiment was conducted using 0.5, 1 and 1.5% weight contents of Pidiproof LW+ to produce compressed earth blocks and cured at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The blocks were tested for density, absorption coefficient, compressive strength and splitting tensile strength. It was found that with the exception of density test, the chemical inclusion in the other tests significantly improved the performance properties of the compressed earth blocks. Furthermore, the higher chemical content (1.5%) inclusion in the compressed earth block provided better performance properties. The paper concludes that the inclusion of the liquid chemical in the compressed earth blocks generally improved the performance properties of the blocks. Recommendation is made to the use of other chemicals for applicability in earthen construction.