Introduction
The proper usage of earthen materials for resilient building construction requires a deep understanding of the complex behavior of the base materials, as well as of the construction techniques used. Our research group, in collaboration with other research teams in the USA and internationally, is investigating experimentally the mechanical behavior of compressed and stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs) at the material, element (e.g., blocks and mortar), component (e.g., wallettes and walls), and structure levels. This research also investigates the production methodology, construction techniques, and potential material modifications using natural and artificial fibers (e.g., sugarcane bagasse and recycled plastic), different admixtures (e.g., cement, lime, and fly ash), and recycling potential.
Related Publications
- Rengifo-Lopez EL, Kumar N, Matta F and Barbato M (2017). “Variability of compressive strength and stiffness of compressed and stabilized earth blocks.” Proceedings (full paper), Earth USA 2017, September 29-October 1, 2017, Santa Fe, NM (USA). (Link) (Catalogue PDF)
- Kumar N and Barbato M (2018). “Compressed and Stabilized Earth Blocks Reinforced with Sugarcane Bagasse Fiber.” 7th Annual Graduate Student Research Conference, Louisiana State University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, April 6, 2018, Baton Rouge, LA (USA). (Catalogue PDF)
- Rengifo-López EL, Kumar N, Matta F and Barbato M (2019). “Experimental and numerical study of uniaxial compression behavior of compressed and stabilized earth blocks.” Proceedings (full paper), 13th North American Masonry Conference (13NAMC), June 16-19, 2019, Salt Lake City, UT (USA). Edited by: Patrick B. Dillon, Fernando S. Fonseca. (Link)
- Rengifo-López EL, Kumar N, Matta F and Barbato M (2019). “Experimental characterization and numerical simulation of compressive behavior of compressed and stabilized earth block specimens.” Proceedings (full paper), Earth USA 2019, October 25-27, 2019, Santa Fe, NM (USA). (Link)
- Kumar N and Barbato M (2019). “Properties of Compressed and Stabilized Earth Blocks Produced with Recycled Soil Mixes.” Proceedings (full paper), 10th International Conference on Architecture & Construction with Earthen Materials (Earth USA 2019), October 25-27, 2019, Santa Fe, NM (USA). (Link) (Full-Text PDF) (Presentation PDF)
Funded Projects Supporting this Research
- Feasibility study for low-cost hurricane-resistant residential buildings made of earth blocks
PI: Barbato, M. (34%)
Co-PI: Holton, R. (33%), Mishra, A.K. (33%)
Sponsor: LSU Coastal Sustainability Studio (CSS)
Program: New Projects Fund
Period: August 2014 - July 2015
- A novel hurricane-resistant housing construction system
PI: Barbato, M.
Co-PI: None
Sponsor: Louisiana Board of Regents, NSF EPSCoR, through LSU Graduate School
Program: Economic Development Assistantships (EDAs) 2013-2014
Period: August 2014 - July 2018
- Engineered Earth Masonry for Affordable Seismic Resistant Low-Rise Buildings
PI: Barbato, M.
Co-PI: None
Sponsor: NSF
Program: NEES RESEARCH
Period: September 2015 - August 2018
- A novel pozzolanic concrete additive based on sugarcane bagasse ash
PI: Barbato, M. (July 2018-August 2018)
Co-PI: None
Sponsor: Louisiana Board of Regents, NSF EPSCoR, through LSU Graduate School
Program: Economic Development Assistantships (EDAs) 2017-2018
Period: July 2018 - June 2022