Optimisation of Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) using natural origin materials: A systematic literature review

• Published in: Construction & building materials 2021-11, Vol.309, p.125140, Article 125140
• Main Authors: Turco, Chiara, Paula Junior, Adilson C., Teixeira, Elisabete R., Mateus, Ricardo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Circular Economy; Earth Blocks; Reinforcement Fiber; Stabilisation Effect; Sustainability
• ISSN: 0950-0618; 1879-0526
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.125140

[Display omitted] •Optimised Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) using natural origin materials are reviewed.•The role of the natural optimisation on the physical, thermal, mechanical, durability, sound insulation and fire resistance properties of the CEBs is discussed.•The analysis of the sustainability indicators is included and strongly encouraged for future works.•Further studies are needed to improve the proprieties of CEBs for sustainable buildings. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on the effect of the optimisation of Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) using natural origin materials was made in this paper. The purpose of the study is to offer a clearer vision of recent scientific developments on the topic by addressing a number of specifically formulated research questions. To this end, 45 journal articles and conference proceedings were selected following some inclusion criteria, i.e., the raw material (soil), shape (block), methods of compaction (mechanical or hydraulic press), preparation (unfired), the addition of natural origin materials (fibres, powders or ashes). Through a holistic approach, a discussion on the main physical, thermal, mechanical, and durability properties was conducted to find correlations and criticisms. Preliminary considerations are drawn on the sound insulation and fire resistance properties and on the economic performance and environmental impact of optimised CEBs, opening a brief discussion on some sustainability indicators. The research outcomes may encourage researchers to find new solutions to improve the proprieties of earth building materials to promote their broader use and more sustainable buildings.