CHARACTERIZATION OF LATERITIC SOILS FOR USE IN THE MANUFACTURE OF COMPRESSED EARTH BLOCKS (CEB)

Soil is a widespread natural resource. It comes from the degradation of mother rock, following phenomenon climatic and chemical erosion. Therefore, all soils have very different characteristics depending on their origin [1,2]. Today it estimated that more than one third worlds population lives in earthen housing [3]. In view advantages offered by earth material, several developing countries adopted raw construction order to face crisis intensifying nowadays. Among earth, we can highlight low energy required for its implementation, aesthetic qualities good thermal inertia, which allows cool habitat summer retains heat winter. But problem with constructions they suffer lack resistance, systematic cracking due shrinkage problems related sensitivity water [4]. From ancient times present day, man has sought avoid disadvantages using means stabilization improve performance water, given rise products: adobe, cob, compressed block (CEB) others. Stabilizing give properties reversible against physical stresses [5], currently confirmed CEB binders bitumen improves mechanical resistance insensitivity [6]. Thus, scientific studies been conducted mineral (cement lime) most part [7] fibers (animal, vegetable synthetic). However, use these high proportions may call into question ecological character material [8]. The knowledge lateritic important better manufacture stabilized blocks. Some social strata without control characteristics, leads consequences such as progressive crumbling walls, cracks, poor plasters, discouragement said technology. this study intend compile reliable experimental data CEB. We will take inventory performances determined previous works research teams regarding characterization be used an overview state concerning (physical, hygrometric properties). Finally, literature review also some orientations future research.