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Database with compression and bending tests on unbaked earth specimens and comparisons with international code provisions

Abstract:

In an effort to calibrate assessment methods of existing earth structures, a new database with compression and bending tests on unbaked earth specimens was assembled. The data-collection database includes 2670 tests with specimens of four different materials: non-stabilized and stabilized adobe, compressed earth block (CEB) and stabilized compressed earth block (SCEB). This paper first presents the data included in this data-collection database. Subsequently, for the purpose of comparing these results with international code provisions, several control and filtering criteria were applied. As a result of this process, 2631 tests remained in the evaluation database. In light of this analysis, the compressive strength obtained from the experimental tests was compared with values proposed by the international codes. As main result, experimental tests generally show a compressive strength lower than the minimum required by international codes, which are the Peruvian and the Spanish code, respectively, for adobe and CEB.