Effect of Sesame Stalk Ash Replacement on Water Absorption and Abrasion Resistance of Cement-Stabilized Compressed Earth Bricks Produced from Yobe Lateritic Clay

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the water absorption and abrasion resistance of cement-stabilized compressed earth bricks produced from Yobe lateritic clay using sesame stalk ash (SSA) as a partial replacement material. Four SSA replacement levels of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% were investigated with 10% cement stabilization. Water absorption and abrasion loss were evaluated at 28 and 56 days of curing. Water absorption at 28 days increased from 5.46% for the control to 6.56%, 8.27%, and 9.66% for 10%, 20%, and 30% SSA, respectively. At 56 days, the corresponding values decreased to 4.54%, 5.54%, 6.96%, and 8.44%. Abrasion loss at 28 days increased from 3.58% for the control to 4.38%, 5.12%, and 6.25% for 10%, 20%, and 30% SSA, respectively. At 56 days, the corresponding values decreased to 2.51%, 3.57%, 4.30%, and 5.25%. The results therefore show that increasing SSA replacement increased water absorption and abrasion loss, whereas prolonged curing reduced both properties. Among the stabilized mixtures, 10% SSA provided the most favourable balance of durability performance. The results indicate that all mixtures remained within the adopted durability criteria.