Performance evaluation of compressed laterite blocks stabilised with cement and gum Arabic

Compressed stabilized earth blocks are the innovation of building materials replacing the earth blocks commonly called adobe. However, the use of cement or lime to stabilize these blocks is a major problem for the environment because of the emission of greenhouse gases and these materials are not accessible to everyone due to their cost. Finding a natural, environmentally friendly alternative, such as renewable materials and especially biopolymers or natural binders, to these types of stabilization materials is vital. The objective of this study was therefore to assess the effects of Gum Arabic (GA) as binder on the structural performance of laterite blocks. Compressed laterite blocks were stabilized with 2% of cement (C) and various percentages of GA, from 0 to 10%. The results showed that GA improved the water absorption, dry density and compressive strength of the blocks and the best results were obtained for blocks with (2%C+8%GA). For instance, the compressive strength at 28 days was increased by 27.81% compared to the control blocks with 2% cement. Based on the findings from this study, GA can be recommended as a binder in making laterite blocks in a sustainable way.