Evaluation of geotechnical properties for compressed earth blocks produced from the parties of Kirkuk governorate/ Iraq

Abstract

In this research the soil (Quaternary Sediments) from Al-Sayada village, South of Kirkuk Governorate, are selected to produce compressed earth block, the study aimed to evaluate the geotechnical properties of compressed earth blocks, in order to establish suitable low cost building technology, which may introduced to various parts of Iraq. The range natural moisture content of the soil in depth (40) cm was )16 %), where as the grain size from clay, silt, sand & gravel of the area soil was favorable to produce compressed earth blocks according to international standards AS-1:2007 & ASR 674:1996. Block samples (9X6X2.5) cm³ were prepared for geotechnical testes. The geotechnical tests results were revealed, that the unconfined compressive strength of the blocks, being produced under the compression  (13.5 MPA), after three periods of drying under natural air as follows: age of (7) days rate (14-16) Mpa, age of (15) days rate (17-19) Mpa & age of (30) days rate (20-23)Mpa, The rate of density was between (2.2 -1.8) gm/cm³, while for durability the rate was ranging from weak to medium, in addition to the applicability of very high thermal insulation. It has been concluded by comparison the results of the geotechnical properties of compressed earth blocks, with concrete block & fired bricks properties, that the compressive strength & density specificities was relatively favorable with each other. The ability of thermal insulation, was found to be better than concrete block & fired bricks, so it can be considered, that the soil of studying area is suitable for producing compressed earth blocks, with good specifications and cost low-lying buildings. The weakness property to the durability was to recommended for further studies to find alternatives for packaging interfaces in order to support durability property.