Mix design of compressed earth blocks (CEB) made of limestone from Calunasan, Cebu

• Main Authors: Chua, Aldwin, Tamayo, Kristine Cielo, Tan, Gerald
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1999
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/11649
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study determined the most appropriate mix to be used in the production of Lime-Based Compressed Earth Blocks (CEB). Proportions of cement, lime and water were varied to come up with different mixes. There were 30 mixes proportioned, evaluated and tested. The main objective was to determine the relationship of different content of lime, water and cement to the compressive strength of the blocks. The findings revealed that water content plays a major role in the strength development of the blocks. A certain amount of water should be added to achieve the Optimum Compressive Strength of the desired mix proportion. Also, the presence of cement as stabilizer for the 25 mixes produced higher compressive strength as compared to the remaining 5 mixes experimented without cement. With regards to the relationship among the three raw materials, cement was found to be the major factor affecting the compressive strength development of the blocks. The greater the cement content, the higher its compressive strength. However, increasing the cement content also increase the unit cost of the block. This led to the shift in focus to concentrate more to the next crucial factor, which is the water content. Satisfying the water requirements in a particular mix showed a significant increase in the compressive strength of the blocks. Cost analysis was also considered during the course of the study. This played a major factor in choosing the better mix design, which can be used as an alternative product for concrete hollow blocks (CHB) used in low-cost housing. Furthermore, all 25 mixes with cement have surpassed the compressive load required by the Philippine National Standard for typical non-load bearing Concrete Hollow Block (CHB).