This study aims to characterize Belgian clays in order to evaluate their use for manufacture of compressed earth blocks (CEB). Nineteen Belgian clay deposits were sampled in 56 sites and 135 samples were collected and analyzed. The analyses focus on the determination of particle size, plasticity, nature and mineralogy as the main characteristics for assessing the suitability of the raw clays to make CEB. These analyses allow for classifying the sampled clay deposits in three categories: clays that can be used unchanged to make CEB (2 clay deposits), clays that are suitable for the manufacture of CEB but require addition of sand and gravel particles (13 clay deposits) and clays that are suitable for the manufacture of CEB if they are mixed with other raw clays (4 clay deposits). In order to verify the use of these clays, five of them served as a model for making CEB. The strength of these bricks was evaluated by testing for compressive strength and abrasion resistance. The results of these tests confirm the suitability or not of the sampled clays for the manufacture of CEB.
This work aims to study four parameters that influence the compressive strength of compressed earth blocks (CEB): clay mineralogy, grain size, formatting pressure, and water content. Five soils with different mineralogical composition were used to study the first parameter. 12.5, 25, 40 and 60% of aggregates sized 0/2, 0/4 and 0/6.3 mm were added to the soil to study the second parameter. CEB were compacted at 100, 200 and 300 kN to study the third parameter. 3, 6 and 10% of water were used to study the fourth parameter. Test specimens were produced using a hydraulic press and characterized by compression. The characterization of the specimens shows that the compressive strength increases with the smectite content. Compressive strength does not always increase with changing particle size. Compressive strength increases with increasing formatting pressure, while increasing water content decreases compressive strength. This study also shows that the compressive strength of CEB is improved differently for each soil type.
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