Mechanical strength, mass loss and volumetric changes of drying adobe matrices combined with kaolin and fine soil particles

Earthen construction represents almost 30% of the housing in developing countries, partially because its low cost compared to steel and concrete construction, also raw materials are available everywhere. One biggest disadvantages earthen is lack information variety on their constitutive materials, specifically soil type. This work addresses physical mechanical properties adobe matrices containing different concentrations kaolin, which a specific type clay, as well proportions fine particles original matrix. All were manufactured with SM-SC obtained from Santiago, Chile, had 0, 10, 30, 50% kaolin 20, fines content. It concluded that compressive strength studied mixtures improves when added mixture. The shrinkage plain was reduced during first days age stayed stable after that. shows inclusion (other than kaolin) did not significantly affect any properties. Unified Soil Classification System sufficient characterize soils for matrices.