This study systematically examines the compressive strength of Interlocking Compressed Earth Brick (ICEB) prisms, with a particular emphasis on various configurations, including wall, beam, column, and half brick designs. A total of 48 ICEB prisms were subjected to testing to ascertain their axial load-bearing capacity. The results indicated that wall brick prisms demonstrated the highest average compressive strength of 4.63 N/mm2, while beam brick and half brick prisms achieved compressive strengths of 4.02 and 3.30 N/mm2, respectively. Conversely, column brick prisms exhibited the lowest compressive strength at 2.71 N/mm2. Notably, the compressive strength of ICEB prisms was found to be 24% lower in comparison to individual brick units, a discrepancy attributed primarily to inadequate grout-brick bonding and inefficiencies in load distribution. The observed failure modes predominantly involved vertical splitting along the brick faces, with cracks propagating through the grout interfaces. These findings underscore the critical role of grout volume and bonding efficacy in influencing compressive performance. Despite these limitations, ICEB prisms present a feasible and sustainable alternative to traditional masonry systems, particularly in the context of low-cost construction. Enhancements in grout application and improvements in interface bonding are likely to contribute positively to the overall structural efficiency of ICEB systems.

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Performance Evaluation of ICEB Prisms: Insights into Sustainable Masonry Systems

  • S. Saari,
  • B. H. Abu Bakar,
  • N. A. Surip

摘要

This study systematically examines the compressive strength of Interlocking Compressed Earth Brick (ICEB) prisms, with a particular emphasis on various configurations, including wall, beam, column, and half brick designs. A total of 48 ICEB prisms were subjected to testing to ascertain their axial load-bearing capacity. The results indicated that wall brick prisms demonstrated the highest average compressive strength of 4.63 N/mm2, while beam brick and half brick prisms achieved compressive strengths of 4.02 and 3.30 N/mm2, respectively. Conversely, column brick prisms exhibited the lowest compressive strength at 2.71 N/mm2. Notably, the compressive strength of ICEB prisms was found to be 24% lower in comparison to individual brick units, a discrepancy attributed primarily to inadequate grout-brick bonding and inefficiencies in load distribution. The observed failure modes predominantly involved vertical splitting along the brick faces, with cracks propagating through the grout interfaces. These findings underscore the critical role of grout volume and bonding efficacy in influencing compressive performance. Despite these limitations, ICEB prisms present a feasible and sustainable alternative to traditional masonry systems, particularly in the context of low-cost construction. Enhancements in grout application and improvements in interface bonding are likely to contribute positively to the overall structural efficiency of ICEB systems.