Effect of soil properties on the compressive strength of compressed earth blocks (CEBS).

The study found an alternative soil (within the vicinity of Metro Manila) which is suitable for Compressed Earth Block (CEB). The appropriate mix design for the said soil sample was also determined. There where five (5) soil samples that where extracted from different locations using a control mix, blocks where formed and tested. Their physical, mechanical and chemical properties were also examined and tested. The Taal, Batangas soil produced the highest compression strength therefore chosen as the most appropriate alternative. Next, the proportions of soil, cement and gravel were varied to come up with different mixes for the chosen alternative soil. Five (5) mixes were proportioned, investigated and tested. With the data gathered from the preliminary phase of the experiment, which is the soil and compressive test, it was found that an even grain distribution and an organic content lower than 2% produced the highest compressive strength. The results also showed that the moisture content of the mixture played a significant role in the contribution of the block\u27s compressive strength. The nearer its value to the optimum moisture content of the soil the higher the compressive strength of the block. Based from the experimental results on the second phase, the compressive strengths of the CEB with high proportions of cement and those mixes were gravel was added were higher. Furthermore, all five (5) mixes passed the criteria of the Philippine National Standards for a typical non-load-bearing block. The alternative CEB soil together with it\u27s well proportioned mix may be used as an alternative building block for low-cost housing units especially if the project is located within the vicinity of the Batangas area