Stabilising Earth Brick with Palm Kernel Oil Residue for Construction of Low Cost Housing

Abstract

The quest to explore alternative stabilising materials to fully or partially replace conventional stabilisers for improved engineering properties of earth bricks has resulted in an increased investigation into the potential use of agricultural and industrial waste as earth stabilisers. This study sought to determine the mechanical and durability properties of earth bricks stabilised with palm kernel oil residue (PKOR). The earth sample was prepared in accordance with BS 1881-127:1983 bricks stabilized with various percentages of PKOR were produced and tested for compressive strength, abrasion resistance and water absorption after 28-day curing age. The results showed that, earth bricks with 0% PKOR recorded the highest mean density 1822.00kg/m3±15.76388), while the density decreases with increased in PKOR content. Again, up to 4%, addition of PKOR in earth bricks the compressive strength and Abrasion resistance progressively increased. The study concludes that, the addition of PKOR up to 4% by weight of earth significantly improved its mechanical and durability properties of earth bricks. The study recommends that for maximum strength and durability properties of earth bricks 4% of PKOR should be added to earth for brick production.