Failure characteristics of Interlocking Stabilized Lateritic Clay Soil Block Walls

The effect of lime (L), cow dung (CD), rice husk ash (RHA) and pozzolanic cement (PC) on the performance of interlocking clay soil block masonry panel under compressional loading was investigated. CINVA Ram type interlocking blocks were used to quantify the behavior of soil stabilizer mixture, through testing their dry compressive strength, water absorption, abrasion test and structural performance of walls. Three types of wall panels of size 900 mm long x 1200 mm high were constructed with blocks that sustained highest 28-day compressive strength:  CSW1 (L-PC blend), CSW2 (PC-RHA blend) and CSW3 (CD only). The study found that, lime stabilization causes a delayed gain of compressive strength in soils with higher clay content as compared to pozzolanic cement but for lime to perform better in clay soil stabilization it should be used together with pozzolanic cement. A blend of lime and cement in clay soil results to failure of wall along its unbraced regions. This type of walls can be used under braced conditions. Walls made of blocks stabilized with PC-RHA blend failed by spalling of blocks into small debris, with the wall sustaining weak loads. However, when cow dung was used in clay soil stabilization, the walls were capable of sustaining higher compressive load and failed by compression crushing. Keywords: Abrasion resistance, Cow dung stabilization, Laterite clay soil, Wall failure mode