Criteria to assess the flow of cement-stabilised self-compacting earth

Abstract

The cement-stabilised self-compacting earth (CSCE) is composed of the mixture of soil, cement, water and superplasticiser admixture and has a suitable physical-mechanical behavior for application as a construction and building material. There are no guidelines or specific standards for the characterization tests of CSCE in the fresh state. Thus, the study determined criteria to assess the flow of CSCE for application in monolithic wall. The dosage of CSCE mixtures was evaluated to achieve minimum mechanical strength for use in earthen construction; selecting the fluidity ranges of the CSCE mixtures by means of the liquid limit of soils and the linear shrinkage test, and the application of the physical tests: Slump Test, Slump Flow and Flow Table in the fresh state of CSCE mixtures. The results indicated that soils with predominant sandy or clayey characteristics are compatible to obtain a stable CSCE. The adapted Slump Flow test is recommended to assess the fluidity of CSCE and the range of 320-460 mm for the spread diameter of the mixtures is an adequate criterion for guaranteeing the occurrence of the necessary flow of the CSCE mixture without segregation and exudation in the fresh state.