Non-burnt earth block with magnesium oxide for load bearing masonry wall

In order to address global environmental problems, the use of earth material has many environmental advantages. This paper proposes the use of non-burnt earth block, stabilized with magnesium oxide (MgO), as the masonry unit for load bearing wall. This study puts its focus on making mechanism that can find the possible mix proportion of earth block that satisfy the required quality and manufacturing conditions. It was found that the hardening mechanism of MgO is due to the formation of magnesium hydroxide, and the water-MgO ratio influences the compressive strength. Furthermore, some properties of the earth block depend on the proportions of the fine particle, MgO and water. These relations of properties and mix proportions were also confirmed in the experiment that used other kinds of clay sampled from different areas.