Influence of the Addition of Sand and Compaction on the Mechanical and Thermal Performances of Plaster

Saida Dorbani, Fattoum Kharchi, Fatiha Salem, Karima Arroudj, Nadia Chioukh

.

DOI: 10.4236/eng.2011.39109                

Abstract

Since antiquity, man used to stock up materials and products existing in his close surroundings to build his house, which provides him shelter and comfort. Within the present work, mixtures of plaster and dune sand have been studied with the aim of valorization of locally abundant materials. The tests showed that with the addition of dune sand and the compaction, an optimal mixture (67% plaster and 33% dune sand) can be used as a carrier element for construction of up to three levels; since significant increase of the mechanical strength has been observed. The element obtained offers an acceptable thermal insulation with a decrease in the thickness of the outer wall construction. The use of this gypsum’s mortar block as a carrier element in a structure not exceeding three levels, also enables a considerable savings especially in areas where sand and plaster are abundant and relatively inexpensive.

Keywords

Local Materials, Mortar, Plaster, Dune Sand, Compaction, Mechanical Performance, Carrier Element, Thermal Performance

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

[1]	M. Nolhier, “Building with Plaster,” éditions L’Harma- ttan, Paris, 1986, p. 305.
[2]	S. Dorbani, “Contribution for Improvement of Mechanical and Thermal Performance of a Gypsum Mortar,” Magister Thesis, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene, Algiers, 2004.
[3]	S. Dorbani, F. Kharchi and F. Salem, “Building with Plaster,” Proceeding of the XIth Maghreb Days of Materials Science, JMSM Mahdia-Tunisia, November 2008.
[4]	S. Dorbani, F. Kharchi and F. Salem, “Plaster Mortar,” Standards and Requirements Techniquesdans the Building, Civil Engineering and Hydraulic BTPH 02, 3 July 2005, Sidi Fredj.
[5]	F. Kharchi, “Mortar of Sand and Plaster-Economic Materials,” 1997 International Conference on Engineering Materials, Ottawa, 8-11 June 1997.
[6]	F. Kharchi, “Saharan Housing with Plaster and Sand,” International Congress on Modern Techniques and Their Role in the Development of Rural Housing and Sahara in the Arab World, Tripoli Lybie, 10-12 October 2000.
[7]	F. Kodja and M. Houanti, “Study for the Improvement Mechanical and Physical Characteristics of Plaster,” Engineering Thesis, Institute of Civil Engineering, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene, Algiers, 1992.
[8]	B. Meddah and K. Meddah, “Contribution to the Study of Gypsum-Improved of Mechanical and Physical Characteristics by Compaction,” Engineering Thesis, Institute of Civil Engineering, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene, Algiers, 1993.
[9]	C.E.B.T.P, “Manufacture and Use of Gypsum Cooked by Drying,” Plan de Construction REXCOOP, Paris, 1984.
[10]	A. Acceta, N. Jacquetet and C. Pettang, “Dynamic Compaction of MortarSand/Plaster “Production Center Dynasty,” Symposium Building with Plaster in Developing Countries, Paris, 1985.
[11]	J. M. Brouard, “Determination of the Influence of the Annoyed Expansion on the Mechanical Performance of Plaster Mortars,” Reporting of C.E.B.T.P and L.C.P.C Laboratories, Paris, 1987
[12]	International Standardization Organization, “Plaster: Determining of the Mechanical Characteristics,” ISO DIS 3051.
[13]	Algerian Standards, “Plaster: Determining of the Mechanical Characteristics,” NA 527.
[14]	W. Albercht and W. Steinbach, “Influence of Sands on the Begining of Setting of Plaster Mortar,” CERILH Translation of a Paper in Zement Kalk Gips, No. 4, 1961.
[15]	W. Karger, “Caracteristiques of Building Components with Emaciated Plaster Depending on the Lowering of the Open Water,” Bauakademie der D.D.R, l’institut f?r Baustoff, Weimer, 1975.