D. Gooding (1993)

This paper examines the quasi-static compression (slowly applied pressure) method of compacting stabilised soil-cement building blocks. It describes a self-contained piece of research which was conducted to enable the comparison of quasi-static compression with the alternative dynamic methods of soil compaction. It gives an initial over view of the process of soil stabilisation and outlines the roles which soil structure and block curing play in stabilisation. The alternative methods of block compaction are briefly described, followed by a discussion of the material factors which affect the compaction of stabilised soil. A number of simple theoretical models to describe the internal compaction mechanisms of quasi-static compaction are then given.

The results of an experimental investigation to asses the effect of double-sided compaction, mould wall roughness, mould wall taper and pressure cycling relative to the datum process of single-sided, single-cycle compaction are then discussed. This is followed by an experimental investigation to determine the relation between compaction pressure, cement content and seven day wet compressive strength. A formula relating cement content and compaction pressure to wet compressive strength is put forward as the best fit to the experimental data gathered. This formula is then used as the basis for a simple economic analysis of high and low pressure compaction machines.

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