Assessment of Stabilised Soil Blocks Technology Cost Housing as a Low Material: A Study of Eldoret Municipality.

Abstract

Effective Housing materials ought to be, durable, strong and affordable used in the production of quality-housing in order to be units to majority of the poor. One of the materials that meet these criteria is stabilised soil blocks (SSBs). SSB has received attention recently as a suitable building material for low cost housing in several parts of Kenya. However, little research has been undertaken within Eldoret Municipality concerning the use of SSBs as a low cost walling material. A 3-month study investigating suitability of soils, compressive strength and cost effectiveness SSBs as building materials was thus undertaken in Eldoret municipality. were obtained from 5 zones, Kimumu, Langas, King'ong'o, Soil samples Munyaka and Rehema estates. Suitability of soils for SSBs was based on Pedological test, (sieve and sedimentation of classification, granulation analysis) and atterbergs limit tests. Compressive strength of SSBs was tested using Dennison hydraulic press machine while cost effectiveness of SSBs as building material was compared to other conventionalmaterials based on a prototype low cost house. Results indicated that laterites of fine to medium texture are dominant. They are found in large proportions from 1-3 feet below the ground level. The particles size distribution research area is 32% fine -coarse in depths ranging of laterites in the sand, 52% fine- medium gravels and 16% silt and clay. The soils have liquid limit of (60.2), plastic limit of (39.6) and plasticity index of (20.6). The compressive strength of SSBs increased linearly with increase in cement ratio while the specific gravity of SSBs was higher than those of unstabilised blocks. The most cost effective ratio that yielded structurally sound blocks was 6% cement and 2% lime. In conclusion, soils in Eldoret are suitable for SSBs production and are highly recommended for SSBs production.