Physical and Thermo-Mechanical Performance of Cement-Stabilised Unfired Earth Bricks

This study investigates the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of cement-stabilised unfired earth bricks. Cement-stabilised earth bricks were fabricated using soil from Sidi Amor, Tunisia, and 3% cement by dry weight with respect to the soil dry mass. The bricks exhibited apparent dry densities ranging from 1687 to 1853 kg/m³. Whereas moderate capillary water absorption coefficients were found between 9.4 and 23.9 g/m²·s, these results confirm that these bricks exhibit the typical characteristics of lightly stabilised earthen materials. Ultrasonic pulse velocity values (ranging from 1175 to 1670 m/s) indicate satisfactory material continuity. While moderate surface hardness has been confirmed through rebound hammer tests. Flexural strengths of 0.66 to 0.98 MPa and compressive strengths between 1.7 and 8.6 MPa have been obtained through mechanical tests. These brick samples have shown good insulation properties; the thermal conductivity values increase with increasing sample temperature, measuring 0.435, 0.446, and 0.462 W/m·K at 10 °C, 20 °C, and 30 °C, respectively. Overall, the results confirm that cement-stabilised unfired earth brick is a promising candidate as a sustainable masonry in low-rise and non-load-bearing construction.