Potential Use of Enzymes in the Preparation of Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks

Muguda Viswanath, Sravan; Nagaraj, Honne Basanna

Abstract

Compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs) prepared with an enzyme along with a combination of cement and lime have been shown to have a nearly 50% increase in wet compressive strength after two years of aging compared with blocks prepared without enzymes. The influence of enzymes in improving the property of the blocks is confirmed by the changes induced at the microlevel as evidenced by scanning electron microscope (SEM) views. Furthermore, CSEBs prepared with enzymes are also durable and could be beneficial when used as a unit in building construction. The increased strength of the blocks with the use of microdoses of enzymes would lead to a substantial reduction in the quantity of routinely used conventional stabilizers to manufacture blocks of comparable strength and other properties.

Citation

Muguda Viswanath, S., & Nagaraj, H. B. (2017). Potential Use of Enzymes in the Preparation of Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 29(9), Article 04017103. https://doi.org/10.1061/%28asce%29mt.1943-5533.0001947

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 27, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Apr 19, 2017
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Deposit Date: Apr 27, 2018
• Journal: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
• Print ISSN: 0899-1561
• Electronic ISSN: 1943-5533
• Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 29
• Issue: 9
• Article Number: 04017103
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/%28asce%29mt.1943-5533.0001947
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1333127