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.

has been cited by the following article:

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

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

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

  JOURNAL NAME: Engineering, Vol.3 No.9, September 23, 2011

  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.