Flexural Performance of Ambient‐Cured Metakaolin‐Stabilized Compressed Earth Brick Walls With Cement‐Soil Mortar Joints

ABSTRACT This study investigates the flexural performance of metakaolin‐stabilized compressed earth brick (CEB) walls with cement‐soil mortar joints, focusing on their potential as sustainable materials in regions prone to lateral loads. While metakaolin‐stabilized CEBs offer sufficient compressive...

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Main Authors: Edmond Didier Medongou Tejiogho, Christopher Kanali, François Ngapgue, Isaac Fundi Sanewu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-04-01
Series:Engineering Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/eng2.70098
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author Edmond Didier Medongou Tejiogho
Christopher Kanali
François Ngapgue
Isaac Fundi Sanewu
author_facet Edmond Didier Medongou Tejiogho
Christopher Kanali
François Ngapgue
Isaac Fundi Sanewu
author_sort Edmond Didier Medongou Tejiogho
collection DOAJ
description ABSTRACT This study investigates the flexural performance of metakaolin‐stabilized compressed earth brick (CEB) walls with cement‐soil mortar joints, focusing on their potential as sustainable materials in regions prone to lateral loads. While metakaolin‐stabilized CEBs offer sufficient compressive strength for infill applications, the flexural strength of the walls is critical for resisting lateral forces. The bond between the CEBs and the mortar plays a key role in this strength. The research aimed to optimize this bond by determining the appropriate cement‐soil mortar mix and metakaolin (MK) content for stabilization. Stabilization levels were represented as CEB_MKX, with metakaolin replacement percentages (X) ranging from 0% to 19%, in increments of 2%. Five CEB samples for each metakaolin content were tested for physical, mechanical, and thermal properties according to WD‐ARS 1333 Edition, 2018. The optimum metakaolin content was found to be 11%, with the best cement‐soil mortar mix at a ratio of 1:0.75:5.25, based on 28‐day compressive strength tests in accordance with BS EN 998–2. Walls made with metakaolin‐stabilized CEBs (Characteristic flexural strength, fxk = 0.43 ± 0.02 MPa) showed a 79.17% improvement in flexural strength (under four‐point loading of five samples) compared to unstabilized bricks walls (fxk = 0.24 ± 0.01 MPa), meeting and exceeding the standards set by British 5628, 2005 for lateral load resistance. Strain gauges and Linear Displacement Transducers were used to measure strain and deflection at the mid‐height of the walls during testing. This research supports the development of design guidelines for eco‐friendly stabilized earth bricks, promoting sustainable building solutions.
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spelling doaj-art-a55b05fe1b4b47a6bfe47f825569d07f2025-08-20T03:12:02ZengWileyEngineering Reports2577-81962025-04-0174n/an/a10.1002/eng2.70098Flexural Performance of Ambient‐Cured Metakaolin‐Stabilized Compressed Earth Brick Walls With Cement‐Soil Mortar JointsEdmond Didier Medongou Tejiogho0Christopher Kanali1François Ngapgue2Isaac Fundi Sanewu3Department of Civil and Structural Engineering Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology, and Innovation, Hosted at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Nairobi KenyaDepartment of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Nairobi KenyaFotso Victor University Institute of Technology University of Dschang Dschang CameroonSchool of Architecture and Building Sciences Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Nairobi KenyaABSTRACT This study investigates the flexural performance of metakaolin‐stabilized compressed earth brick (CEB) walls with cement‐soil mortar joints, focusing on their potential as sustainable materials in regions prone to lateral loads. While metakaolin‐stabilized CEBs offer sufficient compressive strength for infill applications, the flexural strength of the walls is critical for resisting lateral forces. The bond between the CEBs and the mortar plays a key role in this strength. The research aimed to optimize this bond by determining the appropriate cement‐soil mortar mix and metakaolin (MK) content for stabilization. Stabilization levels were represented as CEB_MKX, with metakaolin replacement percentages (X) ranging from 0% to 19%, in increments of 2%. Five CEB samples for each metakaolin content were tested for physical, mechanical, and thermal properties according to WD‐ARS 1333 Edition, 2018. The optimum metakaolin content was found to be 11%, with the best cement‐soil mortar mix at a ratio of 1:0.75:5.25, based on 28‐day compressive strength tests in accordance with BS EN 998–2. Walls made with metakaolin‐stabilized CEBs (Characteristic flexural strength, fxk = 0.43 ± 0.02 MPa) showed a 79.17% improvement in flexural strength (under four‐point loading of five samples) compared to unstabilized bricks walls (fxk = 0.24 ± 0.01 MPa), meeting and exceeding the standards set by British 5628, 2005 for lateral load resistance. Strain gauges and Linear Displacement Transducers were used to measure strain and deflection at the mid‐height of the walls during testing. This research supports the development of design guidelines for eco‐friendly stabilized earth bricks, promoting sustainable building solutions.https://doi.org/10.1002/eng2.70098compressed earth bricks (CEBs)flexural strength of masonrylateral loadingmetakaolin stabilizationresilient masonry structuressustainable construction
spellingShingle Edmond Didier Medongou Tejiogho
Christopher Kanali
François Ngapgue
Isaac Fundi Sanewu
Flexural Performance of Ambient‐Cured Metakaolin‐Stabilized Compressed Earth Brick Walls With Cement‐Soil Mortar Joints
Engineering Reports
compressed earth bricks (CEBs)
flexural strength of masonry
lateral loading
metakaolin stabilization
resilient masonry structures
sustainable construction
title Flexural Performance of Ambient‐Cured Metakaolin‐Stabilized Compressed Earth Brick Walls With Cement‐Soil Mortar Joints
title_full Flexural Performance of Ambient‐Cured Metakaolin‐Stabilized Compressed Earth Brick Walls With Cement‐Soil Mortar Joints
title_fullStr Flexural Performance of Ambient‐Cured Metakaolin‐Stabilized Compressed Earth Brick Walls With Cement‐Soil Mortar Joints
title_full_unstemmed Flexural Performance of Ambient‐Cured Metakaolin‐Stabilized Compressed Earth Brick Walls With Cement‐Soil Mortar Joints
title_short Flexural Performance of Ambient‐Cured Metakaolin‐Stabilized Compressed Earth Brick Walls With Cement‐Soil Mortar Joints
title_sort flexural performance of ambient cured metakaolin stabilized compressed earth brick walls with cement soil mortar joints
topic compressed earth bricks (CEBs)
flexural strength of masonry
lateral loading
metakaolin stabilization
resilient masonry structures
sustainable construction
url https://doi.org/10.1002/eng2.70098
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