Ecological Compressed Earth Bricks: High Erosion Resistance and Waterproofing in Huancayo, 2024

The inherent vulnerability of earth-based materials to water-induced degradation poses a significant challenge. Compressed Earth Brick (CEBs), masonry units made from raw earth traditionally used in rural areas, often exhibit low durability and are easily eroded by the physical impact of raindrops. This investigation aimed to evaluate the erosion resistance of CEB stabilized with varying cement percentages (5%, 8%, 11%, and 14%) using standardized tests (SLS 1282, NZS 4298, and IS 1725). Absorption tests, when compared against evaluation criteria from international standards IS 1725, SLS 1282, and Peruvian standard NTP 399.613, found the CEB units to be 'acceptable' under parameters of dimensional variation, warpage, and absorption. However, the waterfall erosion test on CEB samples produced no observable erosion, thus this specific test did not solely differentiate durability levels among samples. Furthermore, in subsequent pressurized spray erosion tests, the CEBs exhibited minimal weight loss, varying between 0.01% - 0.6%. Interpretation of the erosionability indicators from the pressurized water spray erosion test concluded that CEB stabilized with 8%–14% cement are 'suitable' for severe exposure conditions. Conversely, unstabilized CEBs (0% cement) should be limited to mild or moderate exposure due to their high erodibility.