Durability of Stabilized Earth Brick Modified with Sawdust Ash and Terrasoil Nano Chemical

The study assessed the durability of stabilized earth brick modified with Sawdust Ash (SDA) and Terrasoil Nano chemicals (TNC). The study determined the geotechnical properties and the chemical compositions of laterite. Physical properties of Saw Dust calcined at 600°C and resulting to SDA were assessed using standard methods. Modified Laterite brick with varying proportions of SDA to soil (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10)% and TNC to soil (0, 2 and 5)% were used to make cube specimen of 150×150×150mm. The Compressive Strength (CS), Splitting Tensile Strength (STS), and Water Absorption (WA) of modified bricks specimen were analysed. Two t-tests at 5% significance level were used to determine the effect of SDA and TNC on properties of hardened lateritic bricks. The particle size distribution (PSD) of the laterite samples showed a Coefficient of uniformity (Cu) of 3.20 and coefficient of curvature (Cc) of 1.2 with varying range of the geotechnical properties and chemical compositions depending on the proportion SDA and TNC and amount of laterite. The CS,STS and WA of the modified laterite bricks ranged from 1.12–2.32MPa, 0.22–0.62MPa and 19.5–14.4%, respectively. The best mix of SDA and TNC was 8 and 5%, respectively. Stabilized earth bricks modified with SDA and TNC exhibit improved performance over time. The modified laterite can be used to produce interlocking blocks and kerbs in residential and commercial buildings.