Influence of Layer Thickness and Plasticizers on the Characteristics of Cement-Stabilized Rammed Earth
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 30, Issue 12
Abstract
Cement-stabilized rammed earth (CSRE) is used for load-bearing walls. CSRE is a monolithic construction that is constructed by compaction of processed soil in a rigid formwork. The compacted layer thickness varies between 100 and 150 mm. Generally, a dry density in excess of is achieved for CSRE through compaction. Apart from the need for very rigid/stiff formwork, a considerable amount of compaction energy is expended in achieving such high dry densities. The paper (1) examines the influence of layer thickness on characteristics of CSRE; and (2) explores use of superplasticizers for reducing the compaction energy. Considering four different layer thicknesses, the strength and stress–strain characteristics of CSRE were experimentally determined. The compaction energy and characteristics of CSRE were monitored by using different dosages of superplasticizer additive. The major findings of the investigations are (1) optimum compacted layer thickness giving maximum compressive strength for CSRE is 90–100 mm; and (2) the compaction energy reduces by half with the use of 0.65% of superplasticizer with enhanced strength and modulus for CSRE.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 30 • Issue 12 • December 2018
Copyright
©2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 25, 2017
Accepted: Jun 15, 2018
Published online: Sep 22, 2018
Published in print: Dec 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Feb 22, 2019
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