SUMMARY

Alterites are widely used in construction in its natural state with the aim of producing
compressed earth blocs CEB. However, it is noticed that the latter are not resistant when the
characteristics of the soil to be used for their manufacturing is less known by the builders of
all the localities concerned. In this piece of work, the physical characteristics of materials
from the alterite quarry of Makaa at Foréké-Dschang (Cameroon) have been studied. Studies
realized on the field have permitted us to distinguish two mined layers, constituted
respectively of a reddish material (S1) and of a violaceae red material (S2). Particle size
distribution of these natural materials give curves registered only partially in the granular
sphere of soils which can be used for compressed earth blocs, certifying the dominant
presence of fine elements. Realized tests in the laboratory have shown that at the natural state,
these soils are not suitable for the production of quality compressed earth blocs. In sight of the
amelioration of the characteristics of these materials, stabilization by the addition of Portland
cement in different proportions have been proposed. With the aim of verifying the validity of
the elaborated proposals, samples of compressed earth blocs manufactured from stabilized
alterites, with the application of these proposals have been manufactured and tested in the
laboratory. From the obtained results, it springs out that, stabilized with the CPJ 35 Cement,
in an amount greater than or equal to 6%, the material S1 gives resistances to dry compression
and to wet compression greater than or equal to the respective minimal values of 4MPa et
2MPa required by the norms. Similarly, resistances to tension and to abrasion, also with an
amount of capillary water absorption are admissible. All what precedes have permitted us to
affirm the validity of the elaborated proposals. A supply in rough elements on the materials S1
has also been established, allowing the production of non-stabilized CEB destined to be used
as filling elements in the construction of buildings in reinforced concrete frames and with
earth mortar coating. On the other hand, the S2 materials ought not to be used in the
production of CEB.

Key words: compressed earth blocks, alterites, physical characterization, cement

stabilization, resistance, capillary environment.

1
1. INTRODUCTION
Feeding and accommodation facilities are fundamental needs of human beings. A
building surrounds a human being as a third skin and generates a warm and restful
atmosphere. Men use diverse construction materials among which we distinguish « modern »
materials, which come from an industrial production (steel, cement, concrete etc…) and those
that are much more modest such as wood, earth, rocks. The durability and the comfort of
materials have to be accessible to all levels of the population be it the rich and the poor.
Meanwhile, because of their high cost, modern materials are almost inaccessible for the
greater part of the population of developing countries. Due to the problem that these countries
come across, it is imperative to promote local materials adapted relating the cost to the
quality. Among the constructions in local materials is construction in earth material.
According to several authors, construction in earth material have many advantages which are :
low cost of construction [10], aesthetics, thermal [5] and acoustic isolation, the low
maintenance cost, high resistance to fire, flexibility in its application, and several surface
textures can be realized, which produces a more acceptable architecture and assure the
preservation of the cultural patrimony. It is estimated that 30% of the world’s construction
habitats in earth is found in Africa, concentrated in countries said to be poor. [10], Mbumbia
and al. [4] has revealed that in Cameroon, approximately 70% of houses, both in the rural and
urban zones are made in lateritic earth blocks. Taking into consideration the high solicitation
of these materials in construction, it is essential to know their physical characteristics and to
find out stabilization models favorable to the resistance of the habitat.

The objective of this present work is to study the physical characteristics of two
alterites and to elaborate propositions in view of their amelioration for the production of
compressed earth blocks.

2. METHODS
Experimental studies have been done on samples of earth drawn from the quarry of
Maka’a in Foréké-Dschang (Cameroon). Documentary research has permitted us to have an
over view of previous work performed on alterites and their utilization in the fabrication of
CEB. On the field, the touch/smell/washing test have helped us to give an apparent
classification of the material and its organic content [2]. In the laboratory, the bottle test have
permitted us to observe presence of all the elements (sand, silts, clay). The cigar test has
allowed us to observe the cohesion of a soil and before then, the quantities and the quality of

2
the clay. As for the cigar test, the bursting disc test has permitted us to observe the clay
composition of the material. These three tests have been performed, following the
recommendations in vigor [2].

The water content of the material have been done by the oven and weighed
successively, in accordance with the recommendations of the NF P94-050 norm [6]. The real
density has been determined by the liquid pycnometer method according to the NF P 94-054
norm [8]. The dry density (𝑑𝑑 ), the porosity (n), the void index (e) and the degree of
saturation (Sr) of the studied samples have been determined by calculation with the help of
existing relations between state parameters, the masses of materials and the volumes. Tests
have been conducted following the [….] norm. Particle size analyses of the materials by the
wet method have been performed by sieving, following the NF P 94-056 norm [9]. The
liquidity limit have been determined with the help of the cone penetrometer following the NF
P 94-051 norm [7], the plasticity limit have been determined with the help of the roller
method according to the NF P 94-051 norm [7] and with the help of the obtained results, the
plasticity index, the liquidity index and the consistency index have been respectively
determined with the use of existing formulae. In view of the amelioration of the
characteristics of the soil, the mechanical stabilization by the addition of sand and the
chemical stabilization by the addition of cement in diverse proportions have been done. With
the aim of verifying the validity of the elaborated propositions, samples of CEB have been
manufactured and tested with respect to compression and to tension following the NF EN
14617 -15 norm [1]. Abrasion and absorption tests have been respectively carried on
following the recommendations of the NF ….. […] and NF ….. […] norms.

RESULTS ET INTERPRETATION

2.1 DESCRIPTION OF ALTERATION PROFILS

In the quarry producing the study materials, we have noted the presence of a superior
humus layer, an inferior layer consisting of a reddish material (S1) and a middle layer
constituted of violaceae red material (S2). The latter contains an enormous amount of
limestone. The materials of these two last layers are the subject of this present study because
of their abundance, their wide use in construction and the major problems they cause.

3
2.2 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SOIL

The physical characteristics of the studied soils presented in in this paragraph are
essentially state parameters, particle size distribution parameters and consistency parameters.

2.2.1 Identification of the materials

The identification tests on materials have enabled us obtain the results presented in
table 1

Table 1: Results obtained from the identification test on the material

Test Touch / Cigar Bursting disc Bottle

Smell/
Washing
Material
-No smell ; The average of - Great Presence of all
-Very cohesive lengths is 7.13 shrinkage; the elements
cm -is not easily
S1
ground
inbetween
fingers.
- no smell ; The average of - Low Absence of all
- less cohesive ; the lengths is shrinkage ; the element
-Abrasive 5.46 cm - is easily
S2
sensation. ground
inbetween
fingers

Table 1 shows that the material S1 is very cohesive, presents a great shrinkage and is
not easily ground in between fingers, due to the fact that the material is rich in clay particles.
On the other hand, the material S2 is less cohesive, presents a low shrinkage and is easily
ground in between fingers, due to the fact that the material is poor in clay particles. The cigar
test gives average values of 7.13 cm and 5.46 cm respectively for the materials S1 et S2. These
values, found in the range of 5 and 15 cm indicate that these materials are a good soil for the
manufacturing of CEB and this, despite the fact that there is an absence of certain elements in
the material S2.

4
2.2.2 State parameters of studied materials

The values of the water content, the absolute density, the dry density, the porosity, the
void ratio and the degree of saturation of the soils studied are presented in table 2.

Table 2: state parameters of natural materials

Material Water Absolute Dry Porosity, Void ratio, Degree of

content : density, ds density, n (%) e saturation,
w (%) dd Sr (%)
S1 23.98 2.53 1.29 48 0.96 63
S2 25.31 2.50 1.26 49 0.98 65

The data of table 2 shows that the material S1 has a water content of 23.98% at the
moment of sampling and a degree of saturation of 63%. Its absolute density and its dry
density are respectively 2.53 and 1.29. The value of the void ratio is 0.96 for a porosity of
48%. The material S2 of water content 25.31% at the moment of sampling and of degree of
saturation 65%, with an absolute density of 2.50 and a dry density of 1.26. The void ratio and
the porosity are respectively 0.98 and 48%.

The high water content of the studied materials show that these ones are sensitive to
water. This can be explained be that presence of clay particles in the material. The values of
the density parameters of studied materials are so close together (absolute density, dry
density, void ratio and porosity) or almost alike (void ratio and porosity). This is explained by
the fact that these materials are obtained from the same basic rock, have been formed at the
same conditions and are of the same degree of alteration. This shows that they are
homogenous.

2.2.3 Particle size parameters of studied materials

With the aim of characterizing the particle size distribution of the natural materials, the
particle size composition has been determined. The particle size of the studied materials is
presented in the form of a curve in figure 1

Figure 1: particle size curves of the materials S1 et S2 Figure 1 and the data of tables 8 and 9
of annex 2 show that the dimensions of the coarse grains are 20 mm et 5mm respectively for

5
S1 and S2 materials. The weight distribution of grains of the different studied materials is as
follows:

 16.28 % of gravel, 33.99% coarse sand , 6.49 % of fine sands and 43.24% fines for
the reddish material (S1) ;
 1.45% gravel, 36.9% coarse sand, 4.52% fine sand and 57.13% fines for the violaceae
red material (S2).

The particle size curves of figure 1 show that the studied materials are rich in fine
particles, which certifies a high degree of chemical alteration. In addition, the curves have
almost the same bent and are close to one another. (Figure 3.3), which testifies the fact that
these materials come from the same principal rock and are of the degree of alteration. The
influence of this particle size distribution on the consistency characteristics of the studied
materials are considerable.

2.2.4 Consistency Parameters of the studied materials

The liquidity limit (WL), the plasticity limit (WP) to which are the plasticity index (Ip),
the liquidity index (Il) and the consistency index (Ic) obtained are presented in table 3

Table 3 : Consistency characteristics of the studied materials

Table 3 shows that the values WL and Wp of the reddish material (S1) are respectively
60,6% and 43,77%. Its plasticity index is 16.83%. For the liquidity and consistency indices,
the values are respectively -1.17 and 2.17%. These values show that the material S1 is a
plastic soil found in the solid or semi-solid state, having a very soft consistency. Concerning
the violaceae red (S2), these values WL and Wp are respectively 63.1% and 56.07% with a
plasticity index equal 7.03% and a liquidity index of -4.38 and a consistency index of 5.38%,
these values show that the material S2 is a less plastic soil found in the solid or semi-solid
state and having a very soft consistency.

According to the plasticity abacus of Casagrande [….] the values of the plasticity
index show that the materials S1 and S2 are made up of inorganic clays. The absence of
organic materials in these clays show that these materials do not present a vegetal
contamination. According to the classification scale of soils, the material S1 is a plastic soil of

6
soft consistency and S2 is a less plastic soil of soft consistency. The position of the points
representing the studied materials in the plasticity diagram is presented on figures 2 and 3.

7
 Figure 2: position of the material S1 in the plasticity zone
Figure 3: position of the material S2 in the plasticity zone

Figures 2 and 3 indicate that the points representing the studied materials are not registered in
the plasticity preferential zone recommended by the norms [25, 27] for the manufacturing of
CEB. It shows that it is indispensable to correct the plasticity of the studied materials before
their use in the production of CEB

3.3 CLASSIFICATION OF STUDIED MATERIALS

An extract of the particle size analysis of the materials obtained in this work is
presented in table 4

Table 4: Extract of the particle size distribution of the studied materials

The data of table 4 show that the passings obtained from the 5 mm, 2mm, 0.4mm, and
80𝜇m sieves are respectively 92.33%, 78%, 55.65% and 43.24% for the reddish materials
(S1). For the violaceae red material (S2), the passsings of the 5 mm, 2mm, 0.4mm and 80𝜇m
sieves are respectively 99.96%, 95%, 67.22% and 57.13%.

According to the HRB classification, the reddish material belong to class A-7-5
corresponding to clay soils, meanwhile the violaceae red material (S2) belong to class A-5
corresponding to silty soils. On the other hand, depending on the Dmax values, the percentages
of passings of the 0,08 mm sieve are 20mm and 43.24% , 5mm and 57.13% respectively for
the S1 and S2 materials. The classification of fine soils of the GTR show that the soil S1 belong
to class A2 (fine clay soils, silt, clays and less plastic marls) while the S2 soil belong to class
A1 (less plastic silts, less polluted fine sands, less plastic arena).

The values of the group index corresponding to these materials are less than or equal
to 20 for the material S1 and less than or equal to 12 for the material S2. These values show
that these materials are susceptible of having poor geotechnical performances. In fact,
according to the HRB scale of classification, the lower the group index, the higher the
performance of the material in road geotechnics.

8
3.4 MECHANIC RESISTANCES AND RATE OF ABSORPTION OF CEB
The different non stabilizes earth blocks have been submitted to mechanical tests in
order to determine the resistances to dry and wet compression, the resistance to dry tension,
the resistance to abrasion and to capillary absorption. These CEB have not been submitted to
the wet compression resistance test for the absence of the stabilizer would lead to the
complete destruction of the sample in the presence of water. The different average values of
obtained values are recorded in table 5.

Table 5: Results of mechanical tests and absorption rate of water in the CEB with the primary
basic natural material

According to table 5, the values of the dry compression resistance of CEB produced
from the reddish and violaceae red materials, respectively of 1,90 MPa and 1,69 MPa are
lower to the minimum (4 MPa) required by the norms. Similarly, in dry tension, the resistance
of 0,42 MPa and 0,37 MPa obtained respectively for the reddish and violaceae red are lower
than the minimum value 0,5 MPa required by the norms. Concerning the resistance to
abrasion, the rate of mass loss by abrasion is 3,36% and 8,90% respectively for materials S1
and S2. If the first value is admissible because it is lower than the limit which is 5%, the
second isn’t. As a whole, the values obtained indicate that CEB produced from the studied
natural materials of Foréké-Dschang cannot sufficiently resist diverse mechanical
solicitations.

The rate of capillary absorption of CEB is in the range 17.14% and 23,37%
respectively for the materials S1 and S2, very high values and higher than the absorption rate
admissible by the norms (10 %). Thus, masonries in CEB from the primary materials of
Foréké-Dschang are not convenient in a capillary environment.

3. PROPOSITION IN VIEW OF QUALITY PRODUCTION OF CEB FROM THE

STUDIED MATIALS
3.1 PROPOSITION IN VIEW OF QUALITY PRODUCTION OF CEB
For the valuing of materials, alterites of Foréké-Dschang can be used for the
production of CEB if and only if they are stabilized with the help of existing methods. The

9
particle size correction of these materials is necessary because the grain size curves are only
partially registered in the granular zone of good soils for the production of CEB

The values of the liquidity index, the plasticity index of the studied materials,
respectively 60.6% and 16.63% for the reddish material (S1), 64.4% and 8.33% for the red
violaceae material (S2) indicating that the plasticity of the studied materials is not registered in
the plasticity diagram of good soils for the manufacturing of CEB. The values of resistance to
dry compression and dry tension 1.90 MPa and 1.69MPa with a rate of capillary of 17.14%
for the material S1 and of 0.42 MPa and 0.37 MPa with a capillary absorption rate of 23.37%
for the material S2 attesting that the masonries made from this material cannot resist the
different solicitations, so stabilization is necessary.

In this work, we have proposed two utilization methods:

 The physical stabilization by the addition of sand at different proportions and because
of this we have opted for a sand coming from the Santchou quarry. Thus, we have
chosen the Fombap quarry, which by its characteristics [31] is a good sand for the
stabilization of CEB. In addition, the relative proximity of the Fombap quarry would
facilitate the work and ameliorate its stabilization cost. The proportions of sand used
for the physical stabilization have been of 1/2, 1/3 and 2/3 of the soil volume.
 The chemical stabilization by the addition of sand and CPJ35 cement at these
proportions, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10%.

4.2 VERIFICATION OF THE VALIDITY OF ELABORATED PROPOSITIONS

With the aim of verifying the validity of the elaborated propositions, samples of CEB
stabilized by the addition of sand and CEB stabilized by the addition of sand and cement have
been manufactured. The blocks have been done with the use of sand from the quarry of
Fombap (Santchou). For every proportion of sand and cement, groups of three samples have
been formed and submitted to resistance to compression test, resistance to tension test,
abrasion and capillary water absorption

10
4.2.1 Physical characteristics and classification of the Fombap sand

 Physical characteristics of the Fombap (Stabilizer sand)

Due to proximity reasons, we have used sand from the Fombap quarry (Santchou) for
the study of the stabilization of CEB. The physical characteristics of this material, presented
in this paragraph are essentially density parameters, sand equivalence (table 5) and grain size
composition (figure 4).

Table 5 : Characteristics of density and sand equivalence of Fombap [31]

Figure 4: particle size curve of the Fombap quarry sand [31]

Table 5 shows that the value of the sand equivalence of Fombap is 82.40. The sand
equivalence this material being greater than 80 indicates that on the cleanliness point of view,
this material is a clean sand useful both for the stabilisation of CEB and for making concrete.

The observation of the particle size curve presented on figure 4 show that the sand
contains all the granular classes, its granular curve is equilibrated, which shows the the
characteristics of an average sand.

 Classification of the Fombap sand following the coefficients of uniformity,

of curve and of fineness module
The coefficients of uniformity (Cu), of curve (Cz) and the fineness module (Mf)
determined with the use of the particle size composition of this sand are presented in table 6.

Table 6 : Coefficients of uniformity , of curve and of fineness module of the Fombap sand

Table 6 shows that the value of the uniformity coefficient (Cu) being 2.50 is greater
than 2; the particle size distribution is therefore spread out. For the curve coefficient (Cz), the
value being 1.00, signifies that the particle size distribution is well graded indicating the
presence of a large variety of dimensions

11
 The fineness module have been determined as the sum of the cumulated refusals on
the sieves of modules 23, 26, 29, 32, 35 and 38 brought to the unit. The value of the fineness
module obtained for the sand of the Fombap quarry is 2.44, a value which once more testifies
the average characteristics of the material.

5.2.2 Mechanical resistances and absorption rate of ameliorated CEB (stabilized)

For this present work, stabilization has been done at two levels, firstly the physical (by
the addition of sand at different proportions), then the chemical stabilization (by the addition
of sand and cement at different percentages of cement).

 Physical stabilisation
Similar to the CEB, CEBS with sand have not been submitted to the wet compression
resistance test because the absence of cement would cause complete destruction of the sample
in the presence of water. After the addition of sand in the proportions 1/3, 1/2 and 2/3, the
different stabilized CEB are submitted to mechanical tests in order to determine their
characteristic resistances at 28 days. The average values of the results obtained are recorded in
table 7.

Table 7 : Results obtained from the mechanical tests and the absorption rates of water
after physical stabilization of CEB

Table 7 makes us notice that CEBS produced from the reddish material give
resistances to dry compression and tension of 1.92 MPa and 1.67 MPa, 2.1 MPa and
1,85MPa, 2,01MPa and 1.73 MPa respectively at 1/3 ; 1/2 and 2/3 of the sand. As to the
CEBS manufactured from the violaceae red material, resitances to dry compression and
tension obtained are 0.3 MPa and 0.27 MPa, 0.44 MPa and 0.39 MPa, 0.4 and 0.35MPa
respectively at 1/3 ; 1/2 and 2/3. These results are not always satisfactory because the values
of the resistances to dry compression for the different CEB stabilized with sand are less than
the minimum prescribed values (4 MPa). In dry tension, the results obtained are satisfactory
with the material S1 and rather poor of the material S2 because the values obtained are less
than the minimum value which is 1MPa for CEBS.

The rates of capillary absorption of the CEBS are 18.84%, 10.38% and 23.21%,
respectively at 1/3, 1/2 et 2/3 for the material S1 and 25.75%, 22.01% and 37.37%,
12
respectively at 1/3, 1/2 and 2/3 for the material S2. These values are always very high with the
exception of material S1 in the proportion 1/2 which is near the absorption rate admissible by
the norms (10 %).

Concerning the resistance to abrasion, the values of the rate of mass loss by abrasion
are 3.85%, 8.37% and 10, 32% respectively for the stabilization at 1/3, 1/2 and 2/3 for the
material S1. For the material S2, the values of rate of mass loss by abrasion are respectively
25,36%, 24,62% and 23,83% respectively at 1/3, 1/2 and 2/3. We note that for the
stabilization at 1/3, the material S1 resists to abrasion and do not resist to 1/2 and 2/3 because
the values remain higher than the limit value 5 % fixed by the norms. As for the material S2
the values remain apart at all proportions of stabilization .

It springs out from this study made on the stabilization of sand that the proportion 1/2
remains the best with regards to the mechanical resistances obtained. Meanwhile these
proportions are still very low as compared to the prescribed minimum limit values, principally
for the material S2, stabilization by the addition of cement is known to be necessary to obtain
good quality blocks.

 Chemical stabilization
In the present work, stabilisation with cement at diverse percentages has been added to
sand stabilization. Samples of CEBS obtained have been subjected to mechanical resistance
tests and to capillary absorption. With regards to the results obtained from tests above, the
material S2 have been subjected to the compression and tension after stabilization at 4%, 5%
and 8% of cement, while the material S1 have been tested after stabilization at 4%, 5%, 6%,
7%, 8% and 10%. The results of resistance tests to compression (dry and wet), in tension, the
rates of mass loss by abrasion and capillary absorption obtained at 28 days are recorded in
table 8

Table 8: results of mechanical tests and the rate water absorption after chemical stabilization
of CEB

 Resistance to dry compression of CEB

13
 Table 8 shows that CEBS produced from material S1 give good resistances to dry
compression of 4.02MPa, 4.09MPa and 4.24MPa and respectively 7%, 8% and 10% of
cement. At a 6% stabilization of cement, resistance to dry compression of 3.88MPa obtained
is equally acceptable, for it is very close to the minimum (4MPa) required by the production
norms of CEB. Resistances of 3.04MPa and 3.24MPa, obtained respectively after the
stabilization of the material S1 at 4% and 5% of cement, are lightly lower to the required
minimum value, but acceptable for the construction of certain non-demanding locals.

Concerning the S2 materials, stabilization at 4% and 5% cement have permitted us to

obtain respective resistances to dry compression 2.6MPa and 3.47MPa, lower than the
required value of 4MPa. The material S2 stabilized at 8% cement have permitted us to obtain
CEBS of resistance to dry compression being 3.82MPa which is acceptable because it is near
the required minimum.

Resistance to wet compression CEBS

The values of the resistance to wet compression have been obtained after immerging
the samples for 2 hours. After that, a light swelling of the blocks have occurred, which has
been at the origin of the increase in dimensions of the blocks between 0 et 0.2mm, which
indicates that the clay contained in the materials is slightly swelling. CEBS produced from the
material S1 give resistances to wet compression of 1.56MPa, 1.98MPa, 2.05MPa, 2.23MPa,
2.59MPa and 2.68MPa respectively à 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8% and 10% of cement. For the S2
materials the values of the resistance to wet compression of 0.58MPa, 1.23MPa and 1.96MPa
respectively obtained after stabilization at à 4%, 5% and 8% of cement.

From the preceding results, it follows that at 6%, 7%, 8%, and 10% cement content,
the material S1 gives good resistances to wet compression. At 4% and 5% cement content, this
material gives resistances slightly lower than the minimum admissible value which is 2MPa
required by the norms, but is still acceptable. Concerning the material S2, the values of the
resistances to wet compression always remain lower than the minimal value but at 8%
cement, the value is acceptable.

 Resistance to dry tension of CEBS

14
 The values of the resistance to dry tension of CEBS produced from material S1 are of
2.61MPa, 2.79MPa, 3.34MPa, 3.42MPa, 3.49MPa and 3.54MPa respectively at 4%, 5%, 6%,
7%, 8% at 10% and of 2.24MPa, 2.98MPa and 3.11MPa respectively at 4%, 5% and 8% for
the material S2. These results permit us to conclude that for the production of CEBS, these
materials resist very well in dry tension because the values obtained are all greatly higher than
the admissible value of 1MPa required by the norm.

 Resistance to abrasion of CEBS

The resistance to abrasion of CEB, expressed in this present work by the rate of mass
loss by abrasion, of the samples of compressed earth blocks is presented in table 8. Data of
these tables show that the rate of loss by abrasion of material S1 is of 3,36%. Thanks to the
stabilization at 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8% and 10% of cement, the rate of mass loss by abrasion of
CEBS decreases considerably to give 2.55%, 2.00%, 1.97%, 1.39%, 1.20% and 1.08% for the
materials S1, values not exceeding the maximum limit 5%, admitted by the norms. This is
explained by the fact that with the growth in the level of cement stabilization, the number of
rigid links formed between diverse particles of sand are increased. Contrarily, for the material
S2, increase in the amount of cement instead tend to reduce the resistance of CEBS to
abrasion (increase in loss rate) by abrasion of CEBS. In fact, stabilization at 4%, 5% and 8%
of cement has instead led to an increase in the rate of loss which has passed respectively to
0.90%, 0.94% and 1.19%. This could be explained by the presence of limestone which, in this
material react with cement and weaken the links between the particles of sand. We note that
the chemical stabilization have permitted us to reduce mass losses, thus reinforcing the
cohesion between grains of sand.

 Rate of absorption of CEBS

The rates of capillary absorption of CEBS are 11.24, 9.35, 9.21, 8.83, 3.18 and 3.18%,
respectively at 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8% and 10% from the material S1 and the values of 12.71,
10.43 and 7.15%, respectively at 4%, 5% and 8% for the material S2. These results allow us to

15
conclude that CEBS are convenient in a capillary environment except of those obtained at 4%
in which the values still remain slightly greater than the limit value.

4.3 COMPARISON OF MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND ABSORPTION

RATES OF WATER OF CEBS BEFORE AND AFTER AMELIORATION
The mechanical characterization of earth blocks produced from alterites of the
Dschang quarry has permitted us to determine resistances to compression (dry and wet) and in
tension, to evaluate the nature of soils and to define the behavior of blocks in a capillary
environment. This study has been made on compressed earth blocks on one side and on
stabilized compressed earth blocks on the other side. We have for example for the studied
material, mechanical characteristics before amelioration of 1.90 MPa and 0.42 MPa in dry
compression, 1.69MPa and 0.37MPa in dry tension, a capillary water absorption coefficient of
17.14% and 23.37% and an abrasion coefficient of 3.36% and 8.90% respectively for the two
materials and S1 and S2. Meanwhile after correcting the primary material, we note the
considerable amelioration as indicated in table 9 and figures 5 and 6

Table 9 : Comparison of mechanical characteristics and the absorption rate with the values
prescribed by the norms relative to compressed earth blocks

Figure 5 : Diagram of comparison of mechanical tests and the rate of capillary water
absorption of the material S1 before and after amelioration

Figure 6 : : Diagram of comparison of mechanical tests and the rate of capillary water
absorption of the material S2 before and after amelioration

From this study, it follows from the physical properties determined on alterites of
Maka’a (Foréké-Dschang) that:

 Reddish material (S1)

 The reddish materials (S1) of Foréké-Dschang can be used for the production of
compressed earth blocks satisfactory for the construction of buildings, with the
condition of stabilizing the soil at an amount greater or equal to 6 % of cement ;

16
  These materials must not be used in the natural state for the production of CEB
destined to remain apparent in constructions. However, non-stabilized earth blocks
manufactured from this primary material can be used as filling materials in the
construction of buildings in reinforced concrete frames but with a stabilized earth
mortar coating which would help protect the surfaces against erosion;
 The materials S1 can be used for the production of CEB with optimal characteristics
by the increase of gross elements in well determined proportions to obtain a good soil.
In fact, this proportion of elements will enable the particle size distribution curve to be
recorded in the particle size distribution zone and to reduce the amount of stabilizers;
 For a better association and a good spread of the material, we have to do a dry mixture
after disaggregation before the wet mixture because cement reacts at the contact of
water.
 Violaceae red material (S2) :

We do not advice this material for the production of CEB despite the fact the results
are acceptable with the stabilization of 8% cement, because limestone present in it would
react with cement, which will be harmful to the blocks in the long run. Economically, this
material is not advised because it is only at 8 % of cement that we obtain acceptable results.

GENERAL CONCLUSION AND PERSPECTIVES

This piece of work had aimed at studying the physical characteristics of alterites of
Foréké-Dschang and proposing improving measures for the production of compressed earth
blocks. To reach this goal, we have carried out identification tests for the primary material
obtained from the Maka’a quarry and have proceeded to a comparison of the mechanical
characteristics of compressed earth blocks (CEB) manufactured from the primary material in
the natural state to those of CEB produced from the primary material having undergone
stabilisation by the addition of sand on one side and from sand associated to Portland cement
on the other hand at different proportions. It follows from the obtained results that:

 The reddish materials (S1) are clay soils of class A-7-5(20) following the HRB
classification or the class A2 following the GTR while the violaceae red material (S2)

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 are silty soils of class A-5(12) following the HRB classification or of class A1
following the GTR. They are associated to fine clay sand of low plasticity ;
 The particle size distribution of natural material present high proportions in fine
particles and of curves not registered in the preferential zone, which do not allow them
to be used in making CEB. However, compressed earth blocks manufactured from the
non-stabilized S1 material can be used for the construction of buildings with reinforced
concrete frames with the condition of protecting wall surfaces with coating of earth
stabilized with cement ;
 The addition of cement in a content 6% to 10% enables us to make CEBS with
acceptable characteristics and useful for the construction of buildings with carrying
walls in apparent masonry ;
 Even though corrected by the addition of stabilizers, the materials S2 should not be
used for the manufacturing of CEB because it contains limestone and gives only weak
mechanical resistances.
 Besides, the use of CEB in good conditions requires an integration of technical
criteria (time of mixture, humidification) and a good knowledge of the arts rules of
earth constructions.

The results obtained from the physical characteristics of alterites of Foréké-Dschang

show that the latter still needs studies, which will enable to elaborate other more economical
proposals for the amelioration of the characteristics of the manufactured CEB, both on the
mechanical resistance view point and water impermeability. The possibility of amelioration of
the latter by the association of mass hydrofuse will be studied. Further research will equally
be tilted towards the determination of the mineral and chemical nature of alterites of Foréké-
Dschang. The thermal behavior and the conditions of good durability of the manufactured
CEB and the possibility of utilization of the said alterites in road construction will be studied.
Lastly, studies can be continued for a possible extension of the synthesis of characteristics of
alterites at the divisional level.

REFERENCES BIBLIOGRAPHIQUES
[1]BOUBEKEUR S., RIGASSI V., « Blocs de terre comprimée : procédures d’essais »,
Technologie CDI Bruxelles, Belgique, n°16 (2000) 121 p.

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[2]HOUBEN H., RIGASSI V., GAMIER P., « Blocs de terre comprimée : équipements
de production», CDE & CRATerre-EAG, 2ème ed. Bruxelles, (1996) 155 p.

[3] KAMGA D. T., BISHWEKA B. C., KAMDJO G., NGAPGUE F., « Caractérisation
Physique des Sables de Rivières en Vue de Leur Meilleure Utilisation dans la Confection des
Bétons», International Journal of Innovative and Scientific Research, Vol. 25, Issue 2 (2016),
pp. 517-527

[4] MBUMBIA L., MERTENS DE WILMARS A., & TIRLOCQ J., «Performance
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[5] MEUKAM P., NOUMOWE A., JANNOT Y., et Duval R., « Caractérisation
thermophysique et mécanique des briques de terre stabilisées en vue de l’isolation thermique
de bâtiment », Materials and structures/Matériaux et constructions, RILEM, Vol. 36, n° 261
(2003).

[6] NF P 94 – 050 « Sols: reconnaissance et essais. Détermination de la teneur en eau

pondérale des matériaux. Méthode par étuvage », AFNOR, Paris, (1995).

[7] NF P 94-051

[8] NF P 94-054 « sols : reconnaissance et essais. Détermination de la masse volumique des

particules solides des sols. Méthodes du pycnomètre à eau », AFNOR, Paris, (1991).

[9] NF P 94-056 « Sols : reconnaissance et essais. Analyse granulométrique des sols.

Méthode par tamisage à sec après lavage », AFNOR, Paris, (1996).

[10] P’KALA A., « Caractérisation en compression simple de blocs de terre comprimée

(BTEC) : Application aux maçonneries (BTC-Mortier de terre) », PhD Thesis. Institut
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