Adobe Improvement Proposal Using Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) as a Stabilizer Applied to Luena-Moxico-Angola

The present research work consists of the study of earth construction techniques, specifically Adobe, aiming to improve its behavior under compression and humidity, with the application of low-cost local materials as stabilizers. The study was developed in order to improve the population’s quality of life, by increasing the useful life of homes, which had to be rebuilt early on, to the detriment of the families’ comfort. On the other hand, it was observed that financial difficulties prevented the acquisition of stabilizers such as cement and lime, so cassava was chosen as the stabilizer to use, because it is a local, accessible and low-cost product. It is also presented the study of the stabilizer and later the production of simple and stabilized adobes, to be evaluated and compared in terms of resistance to compression and absorption. The results obtained in the characterization of the material shown that it did not have an adequate granulometric distribution, with greater emphasis on the absence of clay in its composition, an element that has the function of binder. From the tests carried out on the test pieces, it was found that the stabilized adobes presented better performance, in relation to the non-stabilized adobes. These results indicate that the use of cassava is effective in stabilizing the soil in the region, functioning as a binding element and thus improving the final properties of the adobe. The results obtained in these analyzes objectively satisfy the needs of the population as well as the technical standards that govern buildings on earth.