Optimal Proportioning, Tempering, and Testing of Adobe Brick, Compressed Stabilized Earthen Block, and Rammed Earth for Low-Cost, Sustainable Construction: A Literature Review

POSTER

Abstract

Soil bricks have been used for building and construction for thousands of years. They are environmental friendly and 20 - 30% more energy efficient in heating and cooling as building material than concrete blocks or regular bricks that are cured in an energy consuming kiln. The energy saving is due to the presence of the adsorbed water within the clay minerals of the soil bricks that will increase the latent heat production. The research goal is to develop a next generation masonry construction bricks utilizing advanced materials (polymers and nanotubes) that are energy efficient, have low cost of production and are more environmentally sustainable than traditional soil bricks. As a step toward the ultimate research goal, this study investigates different types of soil brick construction, and examines the optimal proportions of clay, sand, and tempering material that results in the highest strength for each type. The brick types examined are adobe, compressed stabilized earthen block (CSEB), and rammed earth. Natural and synthetic tempering materials are compared, and optimal dimensions of temper material are examined. Preferred testing methods to determine compressive strength and optimum moisture content are also investigated in this study. Based on the results of the study, types of stabilization agent, percentage of sand, silt, and clay content, dimensions of fibers, and testing method for strength and durability are recommended to obtain the optimum results for future study.

Authors

  • LaDonna M. Waters

    Lamar University

  • Arthur Sweeney

    Lee College, Baytown, TX, Lamar University, University of Texas at Arlington, Angelo State University, Rice University, Texas State University, College of William and Mary and National Institute of Aerospace, Nanyang Technological University, China Jiliang University, Baylor University, Louisiana State University, College of William and Mary, University of Oklahoma, University of Texas at Dallas, Univ of Texas, Austin, Texas State Univ-San Marcos, University of Cambridge, University of Texas at Austin, Indiana University - Bloomington, Lamar Univiversity, University of Cincinnati, Deartment of Physics, University of Texas, Arlington, Texas A&M University, College Station, University of Texas - Dallas, University of Dallas

  • Arthur Sweeney

    Lee College, Baytown, TX, Lamar University, University of Texas at Arlington, Angelo State University, Rice University, Texas State University, College of William and Mary and National Institute of Aerospace, Nanyang Technological University, China Jiliang University, Baylor University, Louisiana State University, College of William and Mary, University of Oklahoma, University of Texas at Dallas, Univ of Texas, Austin, Texas State Univ-San Marcos, University of Cambridge, University of Texas at Austin, Indiana University - Bloomington, Lamar Univiversity, University of Cincinnati, Deartment of Physics, University of Texas, Arlington, Texas A&M University, College Station, University of Texas - Dallas, University of Dallas