Weatherability of Stabilized Soil Masonry Materials: Fid-Bau Portal

Weatherability of Stabilized Soil Masonry Materials

Ogunye, F. O.

The susceptibility of stabilized soil (SS) masonry components to forces of degradation is significantly dependent on the choice of constituent materials, production techniques, mode of exposure, as well as the aggressiveness of the medium to which they are exposed. This paper examines the choice of mix design format for SS masonry materials contingent on their weatherability characteristics and analyzes the mechanisms that trigger potential weathering variations. Two reproducible model soils (sandy loam [SL] and silty-clay loam [SCL]) in the presence of a variety of stabilizers, pressed at $6 N / {mm}^{2}$ into blocks, applied two curing routines, and measured weight loss following two forms of water-based degradation were used in the study. The test program shows remarkable potential for erosion resistance of SL-cement and SCL-lime mixtures that reflect the inherent variability in the material composition, nature of soil-stabilizer composites, and technique of exposure. The relevance of the weatherability study in the use of SS-based materials in the humid tropics demonstrates innovative and improved use of materials through clearly defined performance indicators and offers capability for retention of desirable properties like restrained configuration and attractive appearance in the building envelope, which otherwise would have been compromised.