Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks for Improving the Durability of an Ancient Technique

Abstract

In both ancient and contemporary times, structural earthen building elements have been produced on the basis of a mix, where the main raw material (sufficiently clayey earth) is combined with other ingredients with different functions: to increase the mechanical characteristics; to decrease the shrinkage during drying; and to stabilize the mixture. The problem of the perishability of earth building materials has been a well-known critical issue (especially for its vulnerability to water), which has been faced with different technical and design strategies, as well as maintenance strategies. The goals of reducing emissions and limiting the erosion of non-reproducible natural resources in the building sector have favoured research into earthen construction as an appropriate alternative for contemporary scenarios in recent decades. In particular, numerous studies have focused on the stabilisation of earthen bricks or blocks, mainly using lime and cement as additional binders to the clay component of the earth, in order to counteract perishability and increase mechanical strength. The technique of compressing the blocks before drying has significantly increased the material’s performance for structural elements. The paper proposes a general overview of research focused on the stabilisation of compressed earth blocks (SCEB). The ambition to modernise this building material, which has considerable current potential, by linking it to more distant uses, is the cultural context of reference for this study.