Thermal conductivity studies on cement-stabilised soil blocks

Abstract

This study investigates thermal conductivity of cement-stabilised soil blocks (CSSBs) for varying mix proportions and fluctuating operating temperatures. CSSB comprises a compressed mix of soil, sand and cement, which determines its thermal conductivity. In real working conditions, building materials operate at varying temperatures, more evident in tropical regions. However, most studies report a single thermal conductivity value independent of its operating temperature. The varying mix proportions of CSSBs studied include three different clay contents, four different cement contents and three dry densities. The results reveal an increase in thermal conductivity in response to increasing clay content, cement content and densities of the blocks. An increase in cement content from 5 to 16% resulted in a 30·3% increase in thermal conductivity and a 100 kg/m3 increase in density yields nearly a 12·5% increase in thermal conductivity. Thermal conductivities of the blocks have also been tested at varying temperatures of 25, 35, 45, 55 and 65°C. An increase in temperature increases the thermal conductivity of the blocks. This paper examines and explains this variation in thermal conductivity and the performance of CSSBs in comparison with burnt clay bricks and concrete blocks.