Assessment of Sand Content In a Fine-Grained Soil From South Carolina for the Production of Engineered Earth Masonry
School Name
South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Engineering
Presentation Type
Mentored
Abstract
Earth masonry is a type of brick made from soil that is cured rather than fired. Recognized by the geotechnical community as a sustainable and affordable solution to housing needs around the world, attention has increasingly turned towards the innovation of this material to make it more hazard-resistant. The soil that goes into these bricks is restricted to fall under certain guidelines, including how it retains water as quantified by its Atterberg Limits. Other characteristics of the soil, like its grain-size distribution, are key factors in whether or not a soil will be suitable to manufacture earth masonry. This project determines if manipulating the sand content of the soil would cause it to have the properties within the recommended limits for the production of engineered earth blocks. We found that between 45% to 75% of the soil's weight in sand would need to be added to make the soil viable for developing earth masonry. While the results for this soil can not be replicated as a widespread solution, this project can be used as a model for similar soil types, especially in South Carolina.
Recommended Citation
Kenis, Hannah, "Assessment of Sand Content In a Fine-Grained Soil From South Carolina for the Production of Engineered Earth Masonry" (2020). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 61.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2020/all/61
Location
Johns Hall 109
Start Date
3-28-2020 10:00 AM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
Group Project
No
Assessment of Sand Content In a Fine-Grained Soil From South Carolina for the Production of Engineered Earth Masonry
Johns Hall 109
Earth masonry is a type of brick made from soil that is cured rather than fired. Recognized by the geotechnical community as a sustainable and affordable solution to housing needs around the world, attention has increasingly turned towards the innovation of this material to make it more hazard-resistant. The soil that goes into these bricks is restricted to fall under certain guidelines, including how it retains water as quantified by its Atterberg Limits. Other characteristics of the soil, like its grain-size distribution, are key factors in whether or not a soil will be suitable to manufacture earth masonry. This project determines if manipulating the sand content of the soil would cause it to have the properties within the recommended limits for the production of engineered earth blocks. We found that between 45% to 75% of the soil's weight in sand would need to be added to make the soil viable for developing earth masonry. While the results for this soil can not be replicated as a widespread solution, this project can be used as a model for similar soil types, especially in South Carolina.
