Influence of Fly Ash and Palm Fibre on the Mechanical Properties of Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks

The global population growth and escalating cost of building materials have resulted in a global housing deficit. There has also been a growing concern about environmental and ecological issues caused by human activities. This has prompted continuous research efforts into the beneficial use of these wastes in developing sustainable, affordable and eco-friendly building materials. This research evaluated the effect of fly ash and palm fibre on the density and compressive strength of compressed stabilized earth blocks. Fly ash was used to stabilize lateritic soil at 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10% while palm fibre was used to reinforce the lateritic soil at a constant proportion of 1% by weight of laterite. The blocks were cured for 28 days after which they were tested. The results obtained indicate that the addition of fly ash in the matrix increased the density and compressive strength of the blocks. The blocks produced with fly ash in the matrix meet the minimum compressive strength requirements for lateritic blocks as specified by the Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute. An optimum stabilization and reinforcement of lateritic soil with 7.5% fly ash and 1% palm fibre by weight respectively of lateritic soil is recommended.