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

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.