Assessment of Soils Developed on Various Formations in Maroua (Far North, Cameroon) for Production of Compressed Earth Bricks

One of the most important materials in building industry is earth brick. The current work focuses on evaluation Maroua soils and their potential usage manufacturing Compressed blocks (CEB). Four sites (Frolina, Goubeou, Mambang, Djoulgouf) were chosen to conduct this study. sample was collected at each location. Physico-chemical mineralogical characteristics obtained by using particle size, Atterberg limits, X-ray diffraction, fluorescence analysis. Results revealed that sand abundant fraction (36.9% - 50.5%) followed clay (22.1% 28.4%) silt (11.3% 23.8%). They mostly correspond sandy soils. Liquid Plastic limits range between 22.6% 41% 16.1% 24.9% respectively plasticity index spans from 6.5% 20.3%. Plasticity low for Mambang Djoulgouf medium Goubeou Frolina Mineralogical composition presence smectite, kaolinite, illite as minerals, associated with variable amounts quartz, goethite, K-feldspars. Geochemical analyses indicate a high silica content (47.1% 72.8%) alumina (10.9% 22.8%) iron (6.4% 13.2%). mineralogical, chemical physical properties studied they are suitable manufacture CEB according Cameroon Standards CEB.