Role of Stabilizers and Gradation of Soil in Rammed Earth Construction

Abstract

The role of cement and lime used in combination with enzymes in enhancing stabilization effect on soil in rammed earth construction has been explored. There were 144 cylindrical rammed earth specimens prepared with six different combinations of stabilizers tested for their engineering properties at four aging periods. Cement was found to be a better stabilizer than cement and lime used in combination for the gradation of the reconstituted soil used in this study. TerraZyme has enhanced the stabilization effect of conventional stabilizers. The macrolevel changes in the engineering properties of test specimens were supported by microlevel changes observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. Based on the results from the laboratory study, it is possible to reduce the cement content used for the construction of rammed earth walls of the proposed residential building. This combined laboratory study and field implementation presents the advantages of using stabilizers in combination and the need for proper grading of soil to be used for rammed earth construction to obtain smooth finish and good texture of rammed earth walls.