PRODUCTION OF SOIL-CEMENT BLOCKS USING CHARCOAL ASH

Abstract

This paper investigates the technical feasibility of using charcoal ash as an additive in the production of soil-cement blocks, aiming to reduce environmental impact and material costs without compromising its mechanical strength. The soil was characterized according to NBR 10833/2012, and the blocks were molded using mixtures with different proportions of ash (0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%). The test specimens were subjected to compression strength tests, water absorption, and dimensional analysis, according to NBR 8492/2012. Preliminary results indicate that the addition of up to 2.5% ash maintains or improves the performance of the blocks, demonstrating the potential of the waste as a partial substitute for cement