Page 5 - CSEB Report

Study on Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks

2. Literature Review

The evolution of fried clay bricks with mass production in the kiln lead to growing concern
of awareness regarding sustainable building materials and environmental issue, which
gave rise to compressed stabilized earth block (CSEB) as an option in the view of energy

efficient, cost reduction and environmental friendly building materials, overall contribution

on the sustainable development[11]. Internationally, the CSEB bricks were scientifically
proven to have many advantages amongst which some of the prominent qualities
according to [1] were energy efficiency and eco-friendliness, bio-degradable, cost

efficiency, transferable technology, market opportunity, reducing imports, and social

acceptance.

Soil stabilization alter the soil properties by chemical or physical means in order to

enhance the engineering quality of the soil[6]. There are two commonly used soil stabilizers
-cement and lime but some people also uses Fly ash as stabilizer. One of the main

functions of the stabilizing medium is to reduce the swelling properties of the soil through
forming a rigid framework with the soil mass, enhancing its strength and durability[10]. In

cement stabilization [10] stated that the content of the cement binder in the mix ranges
between 4% to 10% of the soil dry weight. However, [12] pointed that if the content of

the cement binder is greater than 10% it becomes uneconomical for the production of
CSEB.

CSEB represents a considerable improvement over traditional earth building techniques.

When guaranteed by quality control, CSEB products can very easily bear comparison with
other materials such as the fired brick. A striking contrast between CSEB and conventional
bricks is the energy consumed during the production process and carbon emission. CSEB

creates 22 kg CO2 /tonne compare to that of concrete blocks (143 kg CO2 /tonne), and

common fired clay bricks (200 kg CO2 /tonne) during production [10].

The research conducted by [10] emphasizes on the advantages of using CSEB for better

living as it promotes healthier building material and cost reducing not only in production
but also in service cost. The [8] also found out that CSEBs are eco-friendly as these blocks

are un-burnt products, during production no coal or burning material is needed, so it does
not produce any harmful gases during production. In terms of thermal properties CSEB is

the appropriate material to replace or as another alternative material used in homes
because it has a low thermal conductivity compared with common clay brick which is

0.771W/m°C[9].

4 Engineering Adaptation and Risk Reduction Division (EARRD), DES, MOWHS