Authors closure to the Discussion of the Review article “Optimisation of Compressed earth blocks (CEBs) using natural origin materials: A systematic literature review”

Turco, Chiara; Paula, Adilson de; Teixeira, E.R.; Mateus, Ricardo

doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.126888

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 26 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…This result agrees with the literature that relates lower density with lower thermal conductivity [7,49]. However, strategies involving the addition or mixing of different materials in different proportions are usually used to vary the density [49,50]. In the case of this study, the variations obtained can only be attributed to the difference in maximum particle size.…”

Section: Overview and Final Remarkssupporting

confidence: 91%

“…Thermal conductivity values for unfired stabilised CEBs generally range between 0.40 and 1.20 W/mK, heat capacity between 870 and 1180 J/kgK, and thermal diffusivity between 3.02 × 10 -7 and 4.82 × 10 -7 m 2 /s [39,45]. Consistent with previous studies on earthbased building materials [7,[46][47][48][49][50], the observed trend is a decrease in thermal conductivity in blocks with lower bulk density (Figure 8). It can be stated that less dense blocks generally have a higher porosity.…”

supporting

confidence: 87%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Influence of Particle Size on Compressed Earth Blocks Properties and Strategies for Enhanced Performance

Turco,

Paula Junior,

Jacinto

et al. 2024

Applied Sciences

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

In the context of sustainable building development, Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) have garnered increasing attention in recent years owing to their minimal environmental and economic impact. However, owing to the inherent diversity of raw soil and the production process’s reliance on expertise, the properties of these blocks are subjected to multifaceted influences. Among these, the significance of soil particle size variation often remains overlooked, leaving its impact ambiguous. This study endeavours to address this gap in existing research by delving into this aspect. Two distinct batches of CEBs were produced by adjusting the grain size curve of a single type of sieved soil with different maximum mesh openings: 2 mm for R1 CEBs and 12.5 mm for R2 CEBs. Experimental results reveal significant differences in thermophysical characteristics: on average, R1 blocks show superior thermal performance, boasting a 23% reduction in thermal conductivity compared to R2 blocks, and are lighter, with an 8% decrease in dry bulk density. Although no significant changes in mechanical parameters were observed, finer-structured R1 blocks showed a 25% greater tendency to absorb water due to changes in their porous structure. This study sheds light on the sensitivity of thermal parameters to changes in soil particle size and shows that blocks with finer particles exhibit poorer heat conduction and heat diffusion. Besides providing new insights into the literature, this research also provides a strategic approach to optimise the thermophysical properties of CEBs. By understanding the influence of particle size, researchers and practitioners can now develop strategies to enhance these properties and improve the overall performance of CEBs.

show abstract

Section: Overview and Final Remarkssupporting

confidence: 91%

supporting

confidence: 87%

Influence of Particle Size on Compressed Earth Blocks Properties and Strategies for Enhanced Performance

Turco,

Paula Junior,

Jacinto

et al. 2024

Applied Sciences

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Turco et al also mention that their review involved studies focusing on blocks optimized with natural origin materials, and the results presented in the mentioned graphs are only related to that specific situation. In response to this discussion, Turco et al [97] argue that there is a high risk of biased analysis, as the data presented by Nshimiyimana et al [96] are drawn from nine studies selected without any apparent criterion or rationale defined. Turco et al also mention that their review involved studies focusing on blocks optimized with natural origin materials, and the results presented in the mentioned graphs are only related to that specific situation.…”

Section: Thermal Conductivitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Advancing Earth-Based Construction: A Comprehensive Review of Stabilization and Reinforcement Techniques for Adobe and Compressed Earth Blocks

Bailly,

El Mendili,

Konin

et al. 2024

Eng

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

This comprehensive literature review investigates the impact of stabilization and reinforcement techniques on the mechanical, hygrothermal properties, and durability of adobe and compressed earth blocks (CEBs). Recent advancements in understanding these properties have spurred a burgeoning body of research, prompting a meticulous analysis of 70 journal articles and conference proceedings. The selection criteria focused on key parameters including construction method (block type), incorporation of natural fibers or powders, partial or complete cement replacement, pressing techniques, and block preparation methods (adobe or CEB). The findings unearth several significant trends. Foremost, there is a prevailing interest in utilizing waste materials, such as plant matter, construction and demolition waste, and mining by-products, to fortify or stabilize earth blocks. Additionally, the incorporation of natural fibers manifests in a discernible reduction in crack size attributable to shrinkage, accompanied by enhancements in durability, mechanical strength, and thermal resistance. Moreover, this review underscores the imperative of methodological coherence among researchers to facilitate scalable and transposable results. Challenges emerge from the variability in base soil granulometry and disparate research standards, necessitating concerted efforts to harness findings effectively. Furthermore, this review illuminates a gap in complete lifecycle analyses of earthen structures, underscoring the critical necessity for further research to address this shortfall. It emphasizes the urgent need for deeper exploration of properties and sustainability indicators, recognizing the inherent potential and enduring relevance of earthen materials in fostering sustainable development. This synthesis significantly contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field and underscores the continued importance of earth-based construction methodologies in contemporary sustainable practices.

show abstract

“…The dry density of compressed earth blocks in the literature varies from 1500 to 2000 kg/m 3 and is lower that than of concrete. The density of bricks is influenced by compaction, the addition of binder, and reinforcement of bricks with natural fibers as the addition of natural fibers decreases the density of bricks [56][57][58]. Linear shrinkage in Calma bricks is around 2.2%, which is considerably high.…”

Section: Physical Characteristics Of Earth Bricksmentioning

confidence: 99%

Feasibility for the Recovery of Excavated Soils in Compressed Earth Blocks as a Sustainable Building Material

Hussain,

Zmamou,

Provost

et al. 2023

Environments

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Soil is continuously excavated for development activities in urban and rural areas and treated as waste. This study investigates the characteristics of urban soils excavated from earthworks of buildings in the Brittany region of France for their perspective reuse in earthen construction materials to valorize soil waste and provide a sustainable building material locally. Excavated soil from earthwork activities was taken from the Brittany region of France from three different locations. Soil suitability for compressed earth blocks was investigated based on their granulometry, consistency limits, and mineralogy. Finally, compressed earth blocks with dimensions of 4 × 4 × 16 cm3 were manufactured with different formulations and compacted dynamically. Flexural and compressive strength tests were performed on bricks to observe their mechanical behavior. Grain size analysis of soil samples shows that the percentage of clay in the landfill stockpile of excavated soils varies between 13% and 16%, while at some local sites, the percentage of clay goes up to 57%. The grain size of soils varies from the recommended zone. The plasticity of soil samples ranges from 17.3% to 20.4%. The plasticity index and clay content of the soil show that these soils are inactive clays with a lesser possibility of swelling and shrinkage. Mineralogical analysis of soil shows the absence of water-sensitive clay minerals, while quartz, kaolinite, and illite are major minerals present in soils. Linear shrinkage in bricks ranges from 0.6% to 2.2% and is considerably higher for clayey soils. Mechanical testing of earth bricks shows that the compressive strength of earth blocks ranges from 0.92 MPa to 2.22 MPa while the flexural strength ranges from 0.25 to 0.74 MPa. A mixture of sandy and clayey soils shows good strength due to improved granulometry. Earth bricks with soils from some stockpiles, excavation sites, and soil mixture show compressive strength higher than 1 MPa, which is recommended strength by international standards, and offer the opportunity to produce sustainable building materials locally.

show abstract

Authors closure to the Discussion of the Review article “Optimisation of Compressed earth blocks (CEBs) using natural origin materials: A systematic literature review”

Cited by 6 publications

References 26 publications

Influence of Particle Size on Compressed Earth Blocks Properties and Strategies for Enhanced Performance

Influence of Particle Size on Compressed Earth Blocks Properties and Strategies for Enhanced Performance

Advancing Earth-Based Construction: A Comprehensive Review of Stabilization and Reinforcement Techniques for Adobe and Compressed Earth Blocks

Feasibility for the Recovery of Excavated Soils in Compressed Earth Blocks as a Sustainable Building Material

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About