Stabilised soil block technology for Sri Lanka

Abstract

Due to the high cost and environmental problems associated with burnt bricks and cement blocks used as walling materials, cement stabilized compressed earth blocks have been introduced as a timely alternative. The design parameters which deal with aspects such as cement content, fines content, quality control at site and compaction ratio of the machine have been investigated in order to make this technology scientifically viable. It is shown that the wall strength and the block strength can be related so that it could be used in quality control at site. A summary of the cost analysis is also included in order to show the cost effectiveness of the compressed earth block technology.