The use of sugarcane bagasse ash and lime to improve the durability and mechanical properties of compacted soil blocks

This study analyzes the use of lime and sugar cane bagasse ash (SCBA) as chemical stabilizers in compacted soil blocks. The blocks were tested for flexure and compression in a dry and a saturated state. The tests were performed at 7, 14 and 28 days of age in order to evaluate the effects of the addition of lime and SCBA on the mechanical properties of the compacted soil blocks: The results indicate that blocks manufactured with 10% of lime in combination with 10% of SCBA showed better performance than those containing only lime. Nevertheless, the addition of lime improved the strength of the blocks when compared with blocks fabricated with plain soil. According to SEM and DRX analyses, considerable improvement of the matrix was observed due to the formation of strong phases, such as CSH and CAH for the mixtures with additives. It was also concluded that the combination of SCBA and lime as a replacement for cement in the stabilization of compacted soil blocks seems to be a promising alternative when considering issues of energy consumption and pollution. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.