Examining the viability and benefits of cement-stabilized rammed earth as an affordable and durable walling material in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Cement-stabilized rammed earth, recognized as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative in the construction industry, is gaining traction. This research investigates its potential as an affordable and durable walling material in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and compares it with other prevalent walling products. The study evaluates red clay soil’s physical and mechanical characteristics, both pre and post-cement stabilization. Laboratory tests conducted using soil samples from Addis Ababa demonstrate the viability of cement-stabilized rammed earth. Increasing cement content enhances strength and erosion resistance, making it a cost-effective solution for addressing regional housing challenges. This study assessed the effect of cement content at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. Results show that compressive strength increases as the cement content increases; the compressive strength of cement stabilized rammed earth is 1.766 MPa, 2.85 MPa, 4.79Mpa and 7.61 MPa for 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% cement content respectively. The cement stabilized rammed earth durability test for 10% and 15% cement content against rainfall erosion show no penetration where 117.5 mm and 1 mm penetration depth for 0% and 5% cement content; the findings underscore increased cement content enhancing the material’s resistance to rainfall erosion.

Keywords:

• Cement stabilized earth block
• soil classification
• sustainability
• alternative walling

Reviewing Editor:

• Ian Phillip Jones, University of Birmingham, UK

SUBJECTS:

• Composites
• Materials Science
• Civil
• Environmental and Geotechnical Engineering
• Structural Engineering

Acknowledgment

The Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction, and City Development (EiABC) and Addis Ababa University (AAU) were acknowledged for their infrastructure support during the data-gathering stage. Thanks to Mr. Matheows from EiABC's material testing lab for his valuable contributions.

Author contributions

Ermias A. Amede provided supervision conceptualization and contributed to writing and editing. Gebrella G. Aklilu and Helen W. Kidane focused on data curation, original draft preparation, and laboratory investigation. Alemayehu D. Dalibsou supervised and validated the project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Additional information

Funding

No organization or institute funded the study.

Notes on contributors

Ermias A. Amede

Ermias A. Amede is a lecturer at the Ethiopian Defense university, Adjunct lecturer, and senior researcher at the Chair of Appropriate Building Technology in Addis Ababa University.

Gebrella G. Aklilu

Gebrella G. Aklilu is a master’s student and an assistant researcher at the Chair of Appropriate Building Technology in Addis Ababa University.

Helen W. Kidane

Helen W. Kidane is a master’s student and an assistant researcher at the Chair of Appropriate Building Technology in Addis Ababa University.

Alemayehu D. Dalbiso

Alemayehu D. Dalbiso is a lecturer and senior researcher at the Chair of Appropriate Building Technology in Addis Ababa University.