Effect of Wild-Vine Powder (WVP) as Admixture in Compressed Lateritic Earth Blocks (CLEB)

Abstract

In this paper, the effect of wild-vine powder on strength and durability properties of compressed lateritic earth blocks was evaluated through series of laboratory experiments. The wild-vine powder (WVP) used was obtained by crushing roots of wild-vine into smaller particles and then grinding into powder. It was thereafter subjected to chemical composition analysis using standard procedure. The WVP was added to the mixes of the laterite soils at varying percentages of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% respectively by weight of the laterite required for the compressed lateritic earth blocks. The mixes were cast in steel fabricated mould of dimension (230mm x 120mm x 100mm) compressed using UTM machine and demoulded using a locally fabricated mould. The samples were thereafter air-dried and subjected to uniaxial compression tests to establish their compressive strength, alongside durability tests to determine their resistance to abrasion and water absorption. The results showed that WVP predominantly contain calcium oxide (44.6%) and potassium oxide (36.1%). The addition of WVP up to 6% in compressed lateritic earth blocks (CLEB) improves the compressive strength, resistance to abrasion, and water absorption for stabilized CLEB-block. The addition of WVP in laterite up to 10% is adequate as it gives compressive strength of 2.21N/mm² greater than 2N/mm² specified by NBRRI, 2016, and thus recommended for use in building of low-cost earthen buildings.