Characteristics of compressed stabilized earth blocks for construction in Sudan

Abstract. As literature evidence proved that the compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB) units are an alternative environmentally friendly and low-cost building material, the objective of this case study is to examine the suitability of selected published guidelines to produce CSEB in Sudan. From two different locations in Omdurman city, two soil samples were collected: one was collected from Halaib zone and denoted by H, while the other was collected from the west bank of the river Nile and denoted by N, which was later modified by adding some sand and denoted by Nm. Several laboratory tests, such as particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, and linear shrinkage were carried out on these soil samples to identify and quantify the stabilizer required. The compaction test was then performed to determine the optimum moisture content. The produced CSEB units were subjected to dry and wet compressive strength test. The results suggest that CSEB units made from H and Nm soils demonstrate adequate strength performance, and thus, the selected guidelines are suitable for CSEB production in Sudan.