Dimensional Stability and Hydric Behavior of Lime-Slag Stabilized Compressed Earth Blocks
Session
Civil Engineering, Infrastructure and Environment
Description
This study investigates the dimensional behavior of compressed earth blocks stabilized with 4% lime and varying amounts of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). Four formulations containing 0, 4, 8, and 12% slag were tested to evaluate linear shrinkage, swelling, and capillary absorption. The results show that increasing slag content leads to a consistent reduction in both shrinkage and swelling, indicating improved dimensional stability. For the mixture containing 12% slag, shrinkage and swelling decreased by about 27% compared to the reference, while capillary absorption dropped by nearly 70%. These improvements are attributed to matrix densification and reduced capillarity resulting from limeslag pozzolanic reactions.. The combined stabilization significantly enhances the durability and moisture resistance of the earth blocks, supporting their use as sustainable and dimensionally stable materials for construction.
Keywords:
Linear shrinkage, swelling, capillary absorption, hydric behavior
Proceedings Editor
Edmond Hajrizi
ISBN
978-9951-982-41-2
Location
UBT Kampus, Lipjan
Start Date
25-10-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
26-10-2025 6:00 PM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.47
Recommended Citation
Bouteldja, Ines; Grine, Khaled; and Kenai, Said, "Dimensional Stability and Hydric Behavior of Lime-Slag Stabilized Compressed Earth Blocks" (2025). UBT International Conference. 9.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/2025UBTIC/CEIE/9
Dimensional Stability and Hydric Behavior of Lime-Slag Stabilized Compressed Earth Blocks
UBT Kampus, Lipjan
This study investigates the dimensional behavior of compressed earth blocks stabilized with 4% lime and varying amounts of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). Four formulations containing 0, 4, 8, and 12% slag were tested to evaluate linear shrinkage, swelling, and capillary absorption. The results show that increasing slag content leads to a consistent reduction in both shrinkage and swelling, indicating improved dimensional stability. For the mixture containing 12% slag, shrinkage and swelling decreased by about 27% compared to the reference, while capillary absorption dropped by nearly 70%. These improvements are attributed to matrix densification and reduced capillarity resulting from limeslag pozzolanic reactions.. The combined stabilization significantly enhances the durability and moisture resistance of the earth blocks, supporting their use as sustainable and dimensionally stable materials for construction.