Abstract:
Cement stabilized earth (CSE) bricks and blocks are gradually gaining popularity
in many countries with lateritic soils. CSE Bricks can be manufactured to
standard size of a burnt clay brick. CSE Blocks are bigger in size and can be
manufactured as plain or interlocking. Some of the blocks can be provided with
holes (hollow blocks) to provide continuity in vertical direction and also to reduce
the weight.
The ability to perform structural design calculations for walls made out of different
units of CSE bricks and blocks will be essential to make them popular for houses
and buildings. This study was focused at the determination of characteristic
compressive strength (fk) of walls made out of different types of CSE units and
the bond patterns. The possibility of using the relationships between fk of walls
and unit strengths given in BS 5628: Part 1: 1992 was also investigated for CSE
bricks and blocks.
determined when the unit strengths are known using the wall strength values
specified in Table 2 of BS 5628: Part 1: 1992 with some modification factors.
