Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks for Sustainable Building Construction: A PRISMA-Guided Systematic Review and TCCM Analysis

Global interest in sustainable building materials is increasing due to growing concerns regarding the environmental impacts of conventional construction materials, particularly fired clay bricks. Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEBs) have emerged as a viable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable alternative for building construction. The incorporation of waste-derived additives in CSEBs not only addresses waste management challenges but also enhances the functional performance of earthen materials. This study presents a comprehensive synthesis of existing research on the influence of fibers, binders, stabilizers, and production processes on the performance characteristics of CSEBs. A systematic literature review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, resulting in the identification and analysis of 256 relevant studies. The selected literature was synthesized using the Theories, Contexts, Characteristics, and Methodologies (TCCM) framework to map research trends and methodological approaches. The review indicates that fiber reinforcement primarily improves flexural strength and thermal performance, while binders significantly enhance compressive strength and erosion resistance. The findings also demonstrate that selected waste materials can partially replace natural soil, provided minimum material and performance standards are satisfied. The study highlights the need for standardized manufacturing guidelines and testing protocols to improve the reliability, scalability, and wider adoption of CSEBs in sustainable building applications.