Optimisation of Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) using natural origin materials: A systematic literature review

A discussion of “optimisation of compressed earth blocks (CEBs) using natural origin materials: A systematic literature review”

“…The recent article [1] systematically reviewed the current state of the art about the optimization of the performance of CEBs using natural origin materials. The article showed that the main reason of addition of fibers and powders/ ashes (mineral binders) to the earth is for the reinforcement and stabilization of the matrix, respectively.…”

“…The article showed that the main reason of addition of fibers and powders/ ashes (mineral binders) to the earth is for the reinforcement and stabilization of the matrix, respectively. The review showed that the binders improves the compressive strength and the durability of CEBs; while the fibers tend to degrade those parameters and improve the thermal conductivity of CEBs [1]. The article went a step ahead in proposing some of the opportunities for the future researches to be addressed with regard to the durability and aging of fibers, computational and numerical modelling for the optimisation of the mixture design and the mechanical behavior, assessment of the environmental and economic impact, and promotion of the socio-economic acceptance of the material [1].…”

“…Reactivity for the selection of earthen materials [1] stated that "Atterberg limits represent a fundamental knowledge in the predictions of CEBs' mechanical behavior." It is true that the literature has for so long considered the physico-chemical parameters related to the plasticity (interaction of earth with water) and the particle size distribution (PSD) for the selection of earthen material [2].…”

“…Optimum moisture content, bulk density and porosity of CEBs and effects of binders [1] stated that "To attain the maximum compaction, the water content within the mixture should be as close as possible to the Optimum Water Content (OWC), or Optimum Moisture Content (OMC), obtained by the Proctor Test". Firstly, the proctor test is not the most appropriate test to determine the OMC of earth for the production of CEB.…”

Artificial Neural Networks to Predict the Mechanical Properties of Natural Fibre-Reinforced Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs)

“…To this end, several additives ranging from cement to fibres are commonly adopted to minimise such issues [7][8][9][10]. In particular, natural or synthetic fibres are usually introduced to (i) reduce excessive swelling and shrinkage phenomena and (ii) improve blocks' ductility and fracture resistance [7][8][9][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]. Even though this dual role is widely accepted in the literature, many doubts remain about fibre type, quantity and the chemical interaction with the soil.…”