TITLE:
Physico-Mechanical Characterization of Clay and Laterite Bricks Stabilized or Not with Cement
AUTHORS:
Mathioro Fall, Déthié Sarr, Elhadji Malick Cissé, Daouda Konaté
KEYWORDS:
Brick, Laterite, Clay, Absorptivity, Compressive Strength
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Civil Engineering,
Vol.11 No.1,
February
26,
2021
ABSTRACT: This study focuses on the valuation and optimization
of local materials to meet the challenge of sustainable development. Faced with
climate change and the preservation of the environment, research into
eco-materials is necessary to reduce the energy bill while ensuring comfort and
safety. The objective is to make a comparative characterization of the
physico-mechanical properties of compressed earth bricks made from local
materials: clay, laterite and sand. These are, on the one hand, bricks made
from clay and laterite, reinforced with a percentage of sand varying between 20% and 30% in steps of 5%., were made.
On the other hand, these same mixtures stabilized with 5% cement (CEM II-32.5)
are also used to produce bricks. A characterization of the raw materials
was made before studying the physico-mechanical properties of the
bricks themselves. This involved evaluating the water absorbency and
compressive strength of stabilized and unstabilized bricks. The results show
that the absorptivity of stabilized clay bricks is acceptable up to 25%
sand because it is less than the 15% maximum value set by
Cameroonian standard NC-104: 2002-06. However, that of stabilized laterite
bricks is higher than the maximum value set by the standard. The compressive
strengths, for clay bricks stabilized with 5% cement and for laterite bricks
with 0% sand added, are all greater than 2 MPa and therefore are acceptable. In
addition, clay bricks with 20% sand and stabilized with 5% cement are
recommended because they have the most optimal physico-mechanical properties.