Assessment of the Properties of Compressed Earth Bricks Stabilized with Locust Bean Pod Powder

The high cost of cement and the associated environmental impact has necessitated many researchers to conduct investigations on alternative stabilizers. The research was aimed at assessing the properties of compressed earth bricks stabilized with locust bean pod powder (LBPP). It involved the addition of LBPP in 0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% for a curing period of 3, 7, and 14 days. The laterite used had sand (58%), silt (31%), clay (10.0%), and organic matter (1%). The liquid limit was 30.13%, plastic limit 15.46%, plasticity index 14.67%, shrinkage 1.7%, maximum dry density 1.7 g/cm3, and optimum moisture content 10%. Chemical oxide composition showed SiO2 to be 16.3%, CaO 13.6%, K2O 35.8%, SO3 4.18%, Cl2 3.16, Fe2O3 16.6%, and P2O5 7.64%. Results obtained from stabilized bricks showed that the compressive strength improved from 0.52 N/mm2 for 0% LBPP content at age 3 days to 2.7 N/mm2 for 10% LBPP content at 14 days. The bending strength also increases from 0.02 N/mm2 for 0% LBPP content at age 3 days to 0.25 N/mm2 for 10% LBPP content at 14 days curing age. The researcher concludes that LBPP contains cementitious properties and chemical oxides similar to that of Portland cement and that it improves the compressive and bending strengths of CSEB. The researcher recommends 10% LBPP content and a 14-day curing period for practical applications.