Study on the mechanical performance of sustainable earth blocks from sandy granite saprolite and marble waste

In the pursuit of sustainable and energy-efficient construction materials, earth-based technologies such as compressed earth blocks (CEBs) offer a promising alternative to conventional fired bricks. This study investigates the physico-mechanical performance of CEBs formulated with 85% sandy granite saprolite from Chétaïbi and 15% marble waste, stabilized with varying cement contents (6%, 9%, and 12% by weight) and subjected to different compaction pressures. The produced blocks were evaluated in terms of dry density, total water absorption, compressive strength, and flexural strength. Results indicate that increasing the cement content significantly improves the mechanical properties while reducing water absorption. All formulations exceeded the minimum compressive strength of 2 MPa required by the French standard XP P 13-901, and water absorption values remained below the 15% threshold established by the Indian standard IS 1725. These findings confirm the potential of these blocks as a viable, low-impact alternative to traditional masonry units, supporting the development of more environmentally responsible construction practices.