CHARACTERIZATION AND PERFORMANCE OF SOIL-CEMENT BRICKS PRODUCED WITH SOILS FROM THE ARARIPINA REGION (PE)

Abstract

The Araripe region in the state of Pernambuco is home to vast clay mineral reserves overlapping gypsum deposits. They have been considered waste, therefore, disposed of without any exploitation, which could lead to environmental threats. Taking into consideration the need for sustainable materials in the construction field, this study has assessed the technical viability of bricks manufacturing using soil cement from Araripina’s horizons A, B, and C - with and without adding crushed-stone dust. After running tests of physical characterization, granulometry and consistency, the results showed a predominance fraction of sand and lack of clay in relation to ABNT NBR 10833/2012, besides revealing fissuration after retraction tests. Bricks molded into traces 1:6 and 1:6:0,25 were submitted to both mechanical and absorption tests. The ones molded into 1:6:0,25 traces revealed a better performance, showing technical viability through adequate stabilization.