Simultaneous Investigation of Mechanical and Hygrothermal Properties of Lime Stabilized Earth Bricks

Abstract Lime stabilization has opposite effects on mechanical and hygric property of earth material. In order to determine the optimal lime content for earth material sourced from Turpan, the effects of lime content on both mechanical and hygrothermal properties of lime stabilized earth bricks (LSEB) are investigated simultaneously. The results indicate that there is an obvious correlation existed between the mechanical performance and lime content, and the max value of compressive strength and the minimum of loss of compressive strength after freezing-thawing cycles appear at lime content of 6 wt%. This phenomenon has been explained by effect of lime stabilization on the compactness inside LSEB matrix. When lime content is 6 wt%, thermal conductivity of LSEB is 0.9169 W/(m K) which is considered to be a tiny increase in comparison with LSEB without lime. In addition, all LSEB specimens are capable for regulating the indoor relative humidity.