The importance of soil characteristics on the resistance of Compressed Earth Blocks against water-mediated weathering
The importance of soil characteristics on the resistance of Compressed Earth Blocks against water-mediated weathering
The main drawback of earth-based building materials is their vulnerability against water-mediated weathering. Raw material selection for the production of earth-based building materials is critical for their performance in use. Currently, soil selection is based on empirical practices rather than on a standardized or widely accepted procedure. This study attempts to investigate the effect of soil characteristics on the durability of non-stabilized Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) against water-mediated erosion. Particle-size distribution, Atterberg limits, linear shrinkage, compaction and mineralogical analysis were carried out to thoroughly characterize 5 local soils and 2 soil-sand mixtures that were used to produce non-stabilized CEBs. The resistance of the CEBs against water-mediated weathering was assessed by spray erosion, drip, wet/dry and capillary absorption tests. The results indicate that no single soil characterization test can independently predict the resistance of non-stabilized CEBs to water-mediated weathering. Although some of the soils demonstrated satisfactory properties, according to the CRATerre-EAG, International Centre for Earth Construction recommendations, they failed to pass the durability criteria of the tests. However, in all cases, the mineralogical composition of the soils considerably affected the response of the CEBs when in contact with liquid water. Furthermore, both soil-sand mixtures tested demonstrated an improved performance, satisfying the durability criteria set; this shows that the addition of sand to soil may improve the resistance of CEBs against water-mediated weathering.
Rafail Panagiotou; Ioannis Ioannou
4th International Symposium on the Preservation of Monuments and Historic Sites
Materials, Monitoring and Geotechnical Investigation Methods
https://doi.org/10.53243/tc301-2026-85