High-Temperature Performances of Compressed Earth Blocks Stabilized with Cementitious Binders

The present study assesses the effect of exposure to high temperatures on engineering and durability performances of stabilized compressed earth blocks (CEB). The CEB were produced using clay-rich earthen material stabilized with 8% cement (CEM-CEB) and 10% lime-rich binder (CCR-CEB). CEB, cured in ambient conditions, were exposed to temperatures up to 1200 ℃ for 2 h. The test results showed that the performances of CEB were maintained or even improved up to 600 ℃. The dry compressive strength increased from 6.6 to 11.7 MPa; i.e. 1.8 times; and from 3.2 to 6 MPa; i.e. 1.6 times; respectively for CEM-CEB and CCR-CEB. It remarkably decreased beyond 600 ℃. Similar evolutions were observed for the wet compressive strength. The loss of performance after exposure to more than 600 ℃ was related to the cracks on the surface of the CEB. This was confirmed by the increase in the water absorption capacity of the CEB. After exposure to 1200 ℃, the coefficient of capillary absorption exponentially increased 15.6 and 8.2 times respectively for CEM-CEB and CCR-CEB. Moreover, the coefficient of abrasion resistance was increased from 13.3 to 33.2 cm2/g and decreased from 13.3 to 6.2 cm2/g up to 600 ℃ respectively for CEM-CEB and CCR-CEB. This study shows that the CEB stabilized with cementitious binders can at least maintain their performance up to 600 ℃.