NIGERIA BUILDING AND ROAD RESESARCH INSTITUTE

(FEDERAL MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION)

NORTH CENTRAL ZONAL OFFICE, JOS

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

ON

Determination of modulus of rapture and specific heat capacity of NBRRI

interlocking compressed stabilized Earth blocks

JULY, 2022

RESEARCH TEAM

S/No Name Qualification Rank

1. Pyendang Zachariah B. Sc (Industrial Chemistry) ROI
Shendam*
2. Lucas A. J. Hamidu M. Eng (Chemical ) SRO
3. Isheni yakubu B. Eng (Mechanical) SRO
4. Felix Achema B.Eng (Mechanical) SRO
5. Zingfat moses.J B.Sc (Building) ROI
6. Timothy Danjuma B.Eng (Electrical) SRO

SUMMARY OF PROPOSAL
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Housing is the basic need as universally acknowledged by humans, and its
ownership is one of the most cherished cultural acquisitions. Unfortunately,
because of the large population of poor citizens, many Nigerians are unable to
afford houses of their own. The ownership of houses has largely eluded them
because of the high costs of building materials. Thus, it has become necessary to
find ways of cutting building construction costs. The developments of alternative
indigenous building materials that can mitigate these challenges are needed. The
use of locally sourced materials, such as laterite soil, is a possible solution.
Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) has carried out research
and development of Interlocking Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks technology
to address most of these challenges. These Blocks are produced from laterite
stabilized by cement of not less than 5% by weight with a minimum compaction
effort of 3N/mm2. With the deployment of this technology, remarkable decrease in
these challenges had been recorded without compromising the structural qualities
and convenience provided by the building. The properties of this technology such
as compressive strength, density, water absorption, fire resistance, abrasive test and
thermal conductivity were investigated and the results proven okay within the
standard recommended by bodies. But other properties such specific heat capacity
and modulus of rapture are yet to be investigated. Therefore, this research centered
on determining the specific heat capacity and modulus of rapture of NBRRI
interlocking CSEB.

1.0. General introduction

2
The investigation of alternative materials for the construction of low cost housing
has been the focus of many studies in many developing countries. The present
rate of construction in developing countries according to [S.krishnaiah &
P.S.Reddy, 2008] is generally sufficient to meet the needs of only 10% of the net
increase in population per year. This is partly due to the unavailability and the
soaring costs of conventional building materials. As this shortage of building is
becoming worse, more efforts are being made to develop cheap, serviceable and
energy efficient construction materials for the construction of affordable
sustainable buildings. According to Tathagat & Dod (2015), world studies have
acknowledged that buildings were attributed to 33% of all energy-related CO 2
emission and expected to grow from 7.85 to 11Gt and to 15.6Gt by 2030. The
change in climate caused by the release of greenhouse gases (primarily carbon
dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere has been recognized as one of the greatest
threats of the 21st century. The global warming is caused by the emission of
greenhouse gases such as CO2 to the atmosphere by human activities. Among the
greenhouse gases, CO2 contributes about 65% to global warming. The cement
industry is responsible for about 6% of all CO2 emissions, because the production
of one tonne of Portland cement emits approximately 0.9 tonne of CO2 into the
atmosphere (Nazeer and Kumar, 2014).

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change(UNFCCC), 2007

opines that, climate change has wider range effects on the environment,
socioeconomic activities and related sectors including; water resources, agriculture
and food security, human health and the built environment. As countries would
like to be seen doing something in line with their environmental commitments in
the aforesaid quest, there has not been a growth in the rate of uptake of Green
Buildings (GB) in Nigeria. At present, Green Building is the only way for the
3
construction industry to move towards achieving a sustainable development in
ecosystem, socioeconomic and cultural issues (Sinha et al., 2012).

In Green Building practice, Compressed Stabilize Earth Blocks (CSEBs) create 20

Kg CO2/tonne compared to that of sandcrate Blocks (143 Kg CO 2/tonne), common
fired clay Blocks (200 Kg CO2/tonne) and aerated concrete Blocks (280-375Kg
CO2/tonne) (Morton, 2008). This concern gives CSEBs the drive in finding their
ways into the building construction industries since they offer significant
environmental benefits with respect to resource renewability, biodegradability,
embodied energy, material efficiency etc. as well as providing satisfactory
performance in a wide array of domestic or industrial applications or usages.

NBRRI Interlocking CSEBs has also shown a decrease in the negative

environmental impacts of the construction activities and also ensured the
sustainability of construction. Using NBRRI Interlocking CSEBs for construction,
the resulting buildings will not only reduce the negative environmental impact and
be more economically sustainable and perhaps more resilient when exposed to fire
but also benefit from reduced utility consumption and will also provide a more
comfortable internal environment for occupants. All these properties are important
considerations when designing and constructing a building for a particular purpose.

1.1 PROBLEM STATEMENT

NBRRI has invested a lot of time, effort and resources in the research,
development and deployment of an Interlocking CSEB technology towards
achieving sustainability in construction. Several qualities that gave this technology
a comparative advantage over other Conventional Walling Material (CVM) have
been established. Nonetheless, the properties of this NBRRI CSEB such as specific

4
heat capacity and modulus of rapture are yet to be specifically established so as to
satisfactory ensure its general performance in a wide array of domestic or
industrial applications and usage.

1.2 JUSTIFICATION
In an attempt to promote green building consciousness internationally, there are
calls to adopt the NBRRI Interlocking CSEB for building construction in Nigeria.
The ability of NBRRI CSEB to absorb and release, store and delay the flow of heat
is a complex phenomenon that is keys to its contribution to the creation of thermal
comfort. Also the ability of NBRRI CSEBs to withstand load or force (i.e the
stresses that result due to strain) is an imperative parameter to consider in term of it
performance. These strains typically arise due to load, concentrated loads and
constrained movement.

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this research is to find ways of achieving more environmental
friendliness and sustainability of NBRRI CSEB in building construction with the
following specific objectives:
i. To determine the organic matter and methylene blue test in the lateritic
soil.
ii. To formulate and mould the NBRRI interlocking CSEBs
iii. To determine the specific heat capacity and heat capacity of the NBRRI
interlocking CSEBs
iv. To determine the modulus of rapture of the NBRRI interlocking CSEBs
v. To optimize the properties that will give the NBRRI interlocking CSEBs
more comparative advantage over other CWMs.

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1.4. LIMITATION OF THE STUDY/SCOPE OF THE WORK
This work is limited to determination of specific heat capacity and
modulus of rapture of NBRRI CSEBs after formulation. Also, the
physical properties such as organic matter and methylene blue test of the
lateritic soil would be examine to boost the performance of laterites in the
Construction industry

6
2.0. Research Background

The influence of stabilizers on the physical characteristics of interlocking clay soil

blocks has been assessed by different authors (Sanewu , 2014 & Kamua, 1993) on
their nature of types, contents, and duration of curing. Having invested a lot of time
and research effort in the development of CSEB technology which include the
design and fabrication of machines, blocks production techniques and the wall
construction techniques.

Several studies such as Maton et.al (2014) and Didel et.al (2014) have suggested
that NBRRI CSEB technology possess a comparative advantage over conventional
walling materials with respect to environmental friendliness and cost. This laterites
been used by the NBRRI in the production of CSEB has posses good physical
properties.

PAPER AUTHOR FINDINGS

Quality, Application and
Cost Benefits of NBRRI
Interlocking Blocks as
Solution to Nigerian
Affordable Housing
Aspirations
Comparative Cost
Analysis of Compressed
Stabilized Blocks and
Sandcrete Blocks in
Affordable housing
Maton et al  NBRRI CSEB possesses better
(2014) performance as regards
compressive strength, when
compared to sandcrete blocks.
 It offers cost advantage by saving
up to 20% over conventional
sandcrete blocks.
Didel et al  NBRRI CSEB might be used as
(2014) locally available alternative
building material to meet the
housing needs in Nigeria.
 NBRRI CSEB is a cheaper

7
 Delivery in Nigeria
Building with Stabilized
Mud
An Experimental Study on A. Laborel-
the Use of Fonio Straw
and Shea Butter Residue
for Improving the
Thermophysical and
Mechanical Properties of
Compressed Earth Blocks
alternative walling material.
Jagadish  A three decade experience shows
(2007) that properly stabilized mud
(earth) competes favourably with
burnt bricks or sandcrete blocks.
 Wall erosion of buildings
constructed with CSEBs can be
prevented through better design
or by surface treatment.
Show that the use of local construction
Préneron et materials (BTC, BLT, CSEB, adobes)
al. (2016) makes it possible to obtain better
and A. thermal performance of the building
Compaore et compared to modern materials.
al. (2017)

2.1. Modulus of rapture

The modulus of rapture (also known as flexural strength or bending strength) is

defined as its ability of a material to resist deformation under load. Flexural
strength is considered to be a key value when it comes to the stability of a material.
It indicates how much force is required to break test sample of a defined diameter.
As soon as this test value in exceeded, the test specimen break.

2.2. Specific heat capacity and thermal mass

8
Specific Heat Capacity is the amount of energy required by a single unit of a substance
to change its temperature by one unit. When you supply energy to a solid, liquid or
gas, its temperature changes. This change of temperature will be different for different
substances like water, iron, oxygen gas; etc. Specific heat capacity c refers to a
material's capacity to store heat for every kilogram of mass. It is measured in
J/kgK. According to the law of conservation of energy the unknown specific heat
is computed from the equation. Thermal mass describes a material's capacity to
absorb, store and release heat. It is a property of the mass of a building which
enables it to store heat, providing "inertia" against temperature fluctuations.
Thermal mass will absorb thermal energy when the surroundings are higher in
temperature than the mass, and give thermal energy back when the surroundings
are cooler, without reaching thermal equilibrium (Hickson, 2013).

3.0. Materials and methods

3.1. Materials

The materials needed for this research include laterites, cement and water.
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3.2. Determination of organic matter and methylene blue test in laterites

The organic matter will be determine to find out the level of micro-organisms,
humus etc in the laterites. Some humid acid (particularly fluidic acid) are harmful
in the event of stabilization, as they delay or deter the setting of hydraulic
binders. The test allows the organic matter content of a sample to be identified.
While the methylene blue tests identify the capability of the fines in a soil to
adsorb methylene blue on the internal and external surface of the soil particles
under consideration. This test therefore particularly suitable for studying clay or
clay fraction of a soil since, it depend on mineralogical composition and this have
specific areas which may vary in size.

3.3. Formulation of CSEB

The CSEB will be formulated base on NBRRI procedure and cure for 21days.

3.4. Determination of specific heat capacity

The test will identify the capacity of the NBRRI CSEB to store heat for every
kilogram of mass.

3.5. Determination of flexural strength (modulus of rapture)

The test will identify the failure characteristics of NBRRI CSEB when a load or
concentrated load is applied to it at specific rates.

4.0. WORK SCHEDULE

The project shall be executed based on the work schedule presented below.
ACTIVITIES TIME
Desk Study Two (2) weeks
Getting Materials One (1) week
Production of the Blocks Four (4) weeks

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Characterization of the Produced Blocks Six (6) weeks
Report Writing Two (2) weeks
TOTAL DURATION Fifteen(15) weeks

5.0. Proposed Research Budget

S/N Items Quantity Prices Total prices

A
1 Coverall 12(Dozen) Available
2 Nose mask 12(Dozen) Available
3 Safety boots 12(Dozen) Available
4 Leather Gloves 12(Dozen) Available
5 Latex Gloves 12(Dozen) Available
6 Hard Hat 6 5,000 30,000
7 Protective’s Eyes 12(Dozen) Available Available
8 Internet 6 15,000 90,000
9 Antivirus 6 15,000 90,000
10 A4paper 2 2,500 5,000
11 Memory Drive 6 5,000 30,000
14 Desktop 1 570,000 570,000
computer( core i7 all in
one)
15 Calorimeter 1 136,584 136,584
16 Thermometer 1 1,500 1,500
17 Measuring cylinders 1 Available Available
(100ml, 500ml, 1000ml
,2000ml)
A-Total 953,084
B
19 Transportation 40,000 40,000
20 Laterites samples 1 trip 35,000 35,000
21 Portland cement 1 5,500 5,500
22 Samples preparations 5,000 5,000
23 Publication 2 60,000 120,000
24 Blocks production 40 blocks 150 6,000

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25 Laboratory analysis of 50,000 50,000
laterites(organic
matter and methylene
blue test )
26 Specific heat capacity 10 blocks 20,000 200,000
test
27 Modulus of rapture 10blocks 20,000 200,000
test
28 Allowances for 30days 6 150,000 900,000
(5,000 per day)
29 Supervision allowances 100,000 100,000
30 Assisted staff 3 15,000 45,000
B-Total 1,706,500
A +B 2,659,584
TOtal

EXPECTED OUTCOME

The result of this research will boost NBRRI CSEB Performance as ecofriendly
materials in the building constructions.

References

Compaore, A., Ouedraogo, B., Guengane, H., Malbila, E. and Bathiebo, D.J. (2017)
Role of Local Building Materials on the Energy Behaviour of Habitats in
12
Ouagadougou. International Journal of Applied Science, 8, 63-72.
https://doi.org/10.21013/jas.v8.n2.p3

Didel J.M, Matawal D.S. and Ojo E.B. (2014). Comparative cost Analysis of
compressed stabilized Blocks and sandcrete Blocks in Affordable Housing
Delivery in Nigeria. Proceedings of International Housing Summit on Acieving.

Hickson P. N, (2013). A way beyond the current scheme dirt. Newsletter of Earth
Building Association of Australia Inc, No. 50: pages 1–9.

Kamau, G.N., Mbindyo, J.K., Githinji, Z.P., and Kinyua, A.M., “Rice husk ash and its
application as cement replacement material in Kenya” International Journal of
biochemiphysics, 2(1-2), 138142, (1993).

Laborel-Préneron, A., Aubert, J.E., Magniont, C., Tribout, C. and Bertron, A. (2016)
Plant Aggregates and Straw in Earth Construction Materials: A Review.
Construction and Building Materials, 111, 719-734.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.02.119

Maton, D.J, Danjuma.G.A, Didel, J.M. and Edom.A. (2014). Quality, Application
and Cost Benefits of NBRRI Interlocking Blocks as solution to Nigeria Affordable
Housing Aspirations. Proceedings of International Housing Summit on Achieving
Affordable Housing in Nigeria, Abuja 2nd-4th June, 2014.

Morton, T. “Earth Masonry Design and Construction Guideline”, Berkshire:

Construction Research Communications Limited, 2008.

Nazeer, M. and Kumar, R. A. (2014), Strength studies on Metakaolin blended

highvolume fly ash concrete, International Journal of Engineering and Advanced
Technology,3(6), pp 176-179.

Sanewu, I.F., Kaluli, J.W., Maritim, N.K. and Kabubo, C.K., “Effect of municipal
solid waste ash on the strength of earthen bricks and walls”, Journal of Agriculture
Science and Technology, 16(2), 140-155, (2014).

Sinha, A., Gupta, R., Kutnar, A., (2012). Sustainable Development and Green
Building; https://www.researchgate.net/publication. 64(1), 45 – 53.

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S. Krishnaiah, and P. S. Reddy, “Effects of Clay on Soil Cement Block,” The 12th
International Conference of International Association for Computer Methods and
Advances in Geomechanics (IACMAG) October 2008, Goa, India. pp. 4362-4368,
2008

Tathagat, D & Dod, R. D., (2015). Role of Green Building in Sustainable

Construction-Need, Challenges and Scope in the Indian Scenario. Journal of
Mechanical and Civil Engineering. 12(2), 1 – 9.

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