Physico-Mechanical Characterization of Clay and Laterite Bricks Stabilized or Not with Cement

This study focuses on the valuation and optimization of local materials to meet the challenge of sustainable development. Faced with climate change and the preservation of the environment, research into eco-materials is necessary to reduce the energy bill while ensuring comfort and safety. The objective is to make a comparative characterization of the physico-mechanical properties of compressed earth bricks made from local materials: clay, laterite and sand. These are, on the one hand, bricks made from clay and laterite, reinforced with a percentage of sand varying between 20% and 30% in steps of 5%., were made. On the other hand, these same mixtures stabilized with 5% cement (CEM II-32.5) are also used to produce bricks. A characterization of the raw materials was made before studying the physico-mechanical properties of the bricks themselves. This involved evaluating the water absorbency and compressive strength of stabilized and unstabilized bricks. The results show that the absorptivity of stabilized clay bricks is acceptable up to 25% sand because it is less than the 15% maximum value set by Cameroonian standard NC-104: 2002-06. However, that of stabilized laterite bricks is higher than the maximum value set by the standard. The compressive strengths, for clay bricks stabilized with 5% cement and for laterite bricks with 0% sand added, are all greater than 2 MPa and therefore are acceptable. In addition, clay bricks with 20% sand and stabilized with 5% cement are recommended because they have the most optimal physico-mechanical properties.