Earthen MasonryBSh (Hot Semi-Arid / Sahel)Aw (Tropical Savanna)
Compressed Stabilized Laterite Earth Block (CSLEB — 6% Cement)
Bloc de Terre Latéritique Stabilisée au Ciment (BTCS)
Primary Geographic Coverage: Senegal Burkina Faso Mali Guinea Benin Ivory Coast
Compressive Strength
3.8 MPa
Wet yield: 2.2 MPa (Ratio: 58%)Thermal Conductivity (λ)
0.69 W/m·K
Diffusivity: 0.367 mm²/sThermal Phase Lag (30cm)
9.5 hrs
U-Value: 1.74 W/m²·KCarbon vs. Concrete
-61.2%
Embodied: 0.082 kgCO2e/kgSoil Mechanics & Physics
| Soil Classification: | Ferruginous tropical laterite with fine gravel & kaolinite clay |
| Liquid Limit (LL): | 38.5% |
| Plastic Limit (PL): | 21.5% |
| Plasticity Index (PI): | 17% |
| Optimum Moisture Content: | % |
| Proctor Dry Density: | 2050 kg/m³ |
Thermal Thermodynamics
| Conductivity (λ): | 0.69 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (c): | 950 J/kg·K |
| Thermal Diffusivity (α): | 0.367 mm²/s |
| Volumetric Heat Capacity: | 1881 kJ/m³·K |
| 30cm Wall U-Value: | 1.74 W/m²·K |
| Phase Delay (30cm Wall): | 9.5 Hours |
Tectonic Specifications & Architectural Engineering
Bioclimatic Engineering Strategy
Laterite blocks develop hardened ferric shells upon continuous atmospheric drying. High thermal mass pairs with deep Sahelian roof verandas to prevent internal radiative gain.
Mortar Formulation & Stabilization Mix
70% Laterite soil + 20% coarse river sand + 6% cement
Curing, Quality Control & Erosion Protection
Academic References & Lab Data Sources
- Toure, P.M.; Sambou, V.; Faye, M.; Thiam, A. Mechanical and thermal characterization of stabilized earth bricks. Energy Procedia 2017, 139, 676–681.
- CRAterre-EAG: Earth Construction Standards Series, Guide T-102.