Assessing the use of Sugarcane Baggase Ash and Cement Kiln Dust in Compressed Earth Bricks

Abstract

The issue of providing affordable and environmentally friendly construction materials in rural Uganda remains unaddressed. The housing gap in rural Uganda has been estimated to be in excess of 1.26 million units, and the use of fired bricks further exacerbates deforestation and CO2 emissions. This research proposes the use of agro industrial wastes such as sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) and cement kiln dust (CKD) as new stabilizers in lateritic soils for the production of CEBs in Adekokwok sub county, Lira District Uganda, in place of fired bricks. The main objective of this study was to determine the use of sugarcane bagasse ash and cement kiln dust in compressed earth bricks in Adekokwok sub-county, Lira district. An experimental research approach was used in this study to determine the mix ratio of CKD and SBA that met the load-bearing requirements of BS 3921:1985. Brick samples of dimensions 205mm by 150mm by 70mm of dimensions were produced using a combination of soil with 2% increments and 5% increments for CKD and SBA Our optimal proportion of 6% CKD and 10% SBA mixture that decreased water absorption by 15.18%, and got a 28-day compressive strength of 5.1 MPa, increased bulk density by 22.35%, meaning it was a successful project.