Effect of Sesame Stalk Ash Replacement on Compressive Strength and Density of Cement-Stabilized Compressed Earth Bricks Produced from Yobe Lateritic Clay

This study investigated the effect of sesame stalk ash (SSA) replacement on the compressive strength and dry density of cement-stabilized compressed earth bricks (CEBs) produced from Yobe lateritic clay. A base content of 10% cement was utilized for stabilization, with SSA incorporated as a partial cement substitute at 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% replacement levels. The bricks were produced via manual compaction and moist-cured for 7, 14, 28, and 56 days prior to mechanical testing. Experimental results indicated that the control mixture (0% SSA) achieved compressive strengths of 1.88, 2.36, 3.06, and 4.04 MPa at 7, 14, 28, and 56 days, respectively. Incorporating 10% SSA yielded marginal strength reductions, recording values of 1.82, 2.26, 3.00, and 3.95 MPa across the respective curing ages. Higher replacement levels (20% and 30% SSA) exhibited a more pronounced decline in strength, dropping to minimum values of 1.67 MPa (7 days) and 3.57 MPa (56 days) at 30% SSA. Conversely, brick density consistently decreased with higher SSA content; at 28 days, densities recorded were 2.13, 2.03, 1.98, and 1.93 g/cm³ for 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% SSA, respectively. Notably, the 10% SSA mixture retained approximately 98% of the control compressive strength at later curing ages (28 and 56 days). The findings demonstrate that a moderate 10% SSA replacement can successfully minimize cement demand and reduce brick self-weight while maintaining structural performance thresholds suitable for sustainable masonry applications.

Agricultural waste, cement stabilization, compressive strength, density

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