The influence of the addition of ground olive stone on the thermo-mechanical behavior of compressed earth blocks

Abstract

Sustainable development and environmental challenges incite to valorize local materials such as agricultural waste. In this context, a new ecological compressed earth blocks (CEBS) with addition of ground olive stone (GOS) was proposed. The GOS is added as partial clay replacement in different proportions. The main objective of this paper is to study the effect of GOS levels on the thermal properties and mechanical behavior of CEB. We proceeded to determining the optimal water content and equivalent wet density by compaction using a hydraulic press, at a pressure of 10 MPa. The maximum compressive strength is reached at 15% of the GOS. This percentage increases the mechanical properties by 19.66%, and decreases the thermal conductivity by 37.63%. These results are due to the optimal water responsible for the consolidation and compactness of the clay matrix. The substitution up to 30% of GOS shows a decrease of compressive strength and thermal conductivity by about 38.38% and 50.64% respectively. The decrease in dry density and thermal conductivity is related to the content of GOS, which is composed of organic and porous fibers. The GOS seems promising for improving the thermo-mechanical characteristics of CEB and which can also be used as reinforcement in CEBS.