FINAL DRAFT V 1.

GUIDELINES ON CONSTRUCTION OF LOAD BEARING

MASONRY USING INTERLOCKING COMPRESSED
STABILIZED EARTH BLOCKS

Government of Nepal

Ministry of Urban Development

Department of Urban Development and Building Construction

Babar Mahal, Kathmandu, NEPAL

2075
GUIDELINES ON CONSTRUCTION OF LOAD BEARING
MASONRY USING COMPRESSED STABILIZED EARTH
BLOCKS

Prepared by:
Resilient Structures Private Limited

In Association with:
Practical Action Nepal Office

Reviewed by:
Dr. Prem Nath Maskey

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Table of Contents
1 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 6

1.1 Definitions and acronyms .............................................................................. 7

1.2 Notation, symbols and abbreviations ............................................................ 7

2 Scope and Applicability ....................................................................................... 8

3 Materials ............................................................................................................. 9

3.1 Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEB) ............................................... 9

3.2 Cement Mortar Grout .................................................................................... 9

3.3 Mortar Ratio .................................................................................................. 9

3.4 Concrete ..................................................................................................... 10

3.5 Reinforcing Steel ......................................................................................... 10

3.6 Timber ......................................................................................................... 10

3.7 Structural Steel............................................................................................ 10

3.8 Stone ........................................................................................................... 11

4 CSEB Production and Quality Control............................................................... 11

4.1 Soil Sampling .............................................................................................. 11

4.1.1 Smell test .............................................................................................. 11

4.1.2 Nibble test............................................................................................. 11

4.1.3 Touch test ............................................................................................. 12

4.1.4 Sedimentation test ................................................................................ 12

4.1.5 Adhesion test ........................................................................................ 13

4.1.6 Washing test ......................................................................................... 13

4.1.7 Linear shrinkage mold test.................................................................... 13

4.1.8 Dry strength test ................................................................................... 14

4.1.9 Water retention test .............................................................................. 14

4.1.10 Consistency test ................................................................................ 15

4.1.11 Cohesion test .................................................................................... 15

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 4.2 Production Cycles ....................................................................................... 16

4.2.1 Extraction.............................................................................................. 16

4.2.2 Drying and Breaking up the soil ............................................................ 16

4.2.3 Sieving / Screening ............................................................................... 16

4.2.4 Proportioning/ measuring out dry materials .......................................... 16

4.2.5 Mixing ................................................................................................... 16

4.2.6 Test for Soil Mix .................................................................................... 17

4.2.7 Molding and Compressing .................................................................... 17

4.2.8 Curing ................................................................................................... 17

4.2.9 Storage, Stacking and Handling ........................................................... 17

4.3 Mix Proportions ........................................................................................... 18

4.4 Configurations of CSEBs ............................................................................ 18

4.5 Physical Requirements ............................................................................... 20

4.5.1 Dimensional Tolerances ....................................................................... 20

4.5.2 Dry Density ........................................................................................... 20

4.5.3 Compressive Strength .......................................................................... 20

4.5.4 Water Absorption .................................................................................. 20

4.5.5 Linear expansion on saturation ............................................................. 20

4.5.6 Weathering ........................................................................................... 21

5 Site Consideration ............................................................................................. 22

5.1 Site Selection .............................................................................................. 22

5.1.1 Geological Fault or Ruptured Areas ..................................................... 22

5.1.2 Areas Susceptible to Landslide. ........................................................... 22

5.1.3 Boulder Hazard ..................................................................................... 22

5.1.4 River Bank ............................................................................................ 22

5.1.5 Swamp/Marshy Area ............................................................................ 22

5.1.6 Steep Slope .......................................................................................... 23

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 5.1.7 Water-Logged Area .............................................................................. 23

5.1.8 Filled Area ............................................................................................ 23

5.2 Site Investigation ......................................................................................... 23

6 Building Layout.................................................................................................. 25

6.1 Shape .......................................................................................................... 25

6.2 Proportion.................................................................................................... 25

6.3 Story Height ................................................................................................ 25

6.4 Number of Story .......................................................................................... 25

6.5 Plinth Level.................................................................................................. 25

6.6 Openings in walls ........................................................................................ 25

7 Foundation Details ............................................................................................ 26

7.1.1 Minimum Depth of Foundation.............................................................. 26

7.1.2 Minimum Width of Foundation .............................................................. 26

7.1.3 Foundation Material .............................................................................. 27

7.1.4 Foundations on Sloping Site ................................................................. 27

8 Wall Details ....................................................................................................... 29

8.1 General ....................................................................................................... 29

8.2 Wall Thickness ............................................................................................ 29

8.3 Unsupported Wall Length ............................................................................ 29

8.4 Height of Walls ............................................................................................ 29

8.5 Laying ......................................................................................................... 29

8.6 Masonry Bond ............................................................................................. 30

9 Vertical reinforcement in walls .......................................................................... 31

9.1 Corner Reinforcement ................................................................................. 31

9.2 Wall T-Junction Reinforcement ................................................................... 32

9.3 Opening Jamb Reinforcement..................................................................... 33

9.4 Starter Bars ................................................................................................. 34

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10 Horizontal Bands in walls ............................................................................... 34

10.1 Plinth Beam ............................................................................................. 35

10.2 Sill Band................................................................................................... 35

10.3 Lintel Band ............................................................................................... 36

10.4 Floor/ Roof Beam ..................................................................................... 36

10.5 Gable Band .............................................................................................. 37

10.6 Parapet Band ........................................................................................... 38

11 Floors and Roofs ............................................................................................ 38

11.1 Rcc Slab .................................................................................................. 38

11.2 Timber Joist Flooring ............................................................................... 40

11.2.1 Joists and Bearings ........................................................................... 40

11.2.2 Flooring ............................................................................................. 41

11.3 Steel Joist Flooring .................................................................................. 41

11.3.1 Joists and Bearings ........................................................................... 41

11.3.2 Flooring ............................................................................................. 41

11.4 Pitched Roofs .......................................................................................... 41

11.4.1 Timber Roof System .......................................................................... 42

11.4.2 Steel Roof System............................................................................. 43

11.4.3 Roof Coverings .................................................................................. 43

11.5 Roof Anchorage ....................................................................................... 44

11.5.1 Purlin Anchorage ............................................................................... 44

11.6 Diagonal Bracing...................................................................................... 44

12 CSEB for Infill wall in Framed Structures........................................................ 46

5
1 INTRODUCTION
The Compressed Stabilized Earth Block (CSEB) Design Guideline includes the
technical specifications for construction with CSEB. The Guideline will aid engineers
and construction professional for construction of buildings using CSEB. This will
ensure quality control by setting out certain construction parameters. It will also
provide flexibility to home owners to construct the building with their desired shape
and size within the limitation prescribed in this guideline.

In preparation of this guideline, assistance has been derived from standards and
guidelines of different countries. Particularly, following publications have been referred
to:

1. WD-ARS 1333:2018, Compressed stabilized earth blocks – Requirement,

production and construction, African organization for standardization, Nairobi,
Kenya, 2018.
2. Rigassi, V. and CRATerre-EAG, Compressed Earth Blocks: Manual of
Production, Deutsches Zentrum fur Entwicklungstechnologien – GATE in:
Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH, 1995
3. Guillaud, H.; et.al, Compressed Earth Blocks: Manual of Design and
Construction, Deutsches Zentrum fur Entwicklungstechnologien – GATE in:
Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH, 1995.
4. Guidelines for Construction of Compressed Stabilised Earthen Wall Buildings,
The Gujrat State Disaster Management Authority. Government of Gujrat, 2001.
5. Maini, S., Earthen Architecture for Sustainable Habitat and Compressed
Stabilized Earth Block Technology, Auroville Earth Institute.
6. Maini, S., Earthquake resistant buildings with hollow interlocking blocks,
Training manual for architects and engineers, Auroville Earth Institute, 2001.
7. Shrestha, H.D., Manual for earthquake safe building construction, CSEB green
buildings in Nepal, CORD, 2012.
8. Shrestha, H.D., Manual for engineer, CSEB green buildings in Nepal, CORD,
2012.
9. Adam, E.A., Compressed stabilized earth block manufacture in Sudan, United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Paris, France, 2001.

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 10. NBC 202: 2015, Guidelines on: Load Bearing Masonry, DUDBC, MOUD, GON,
2015.
11. NBC 203: 2015, Guidelines for Earthquake Resistant Construction: Low
Strength Masonry, DUDBC, MOUD, GON, 2015.

1.1 DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

Acronyms Meaning
CGI Corrugated galvanized Iron
CSEB Compressed stabilized earth blocks
MPa Mega pascal (N/sq.mm)
NBC Nepal Building Code
ISNB Indian Standard Nominal Bore
OMC Optimum Moisture Content
OPC Ordinary Portland Cement
PPC Pozzolana Portland Cement

1.2 NOTATION, SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Symbol Meaning
b thickness of wall
H Height of wall
fy Yield strength of steel reinforcement
L Length of wall/ joists

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2 SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY
This guideline covers the details for construction of buildings using CSEB as a building
material. CSEB buildings conforming to the details outlined in this guideline are limited
to two story only. This guideline shall be used in conjunction with NBC 109: 1994 and
NBC 202: 2015. Relevant provisions from these standards have been reproduced in
this guideline as well.

This guideline is not intended for design and construction of buildings of important
category such as hospitals and school. However, this guideline does not prevent the
designers/ builders to design and construct the buildings exceeding the standards set
out in this guideline.

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3 MATERIALS
Material specification is divided into three stages: Pre-production, during production
and post production materials specification. The materials covered in this guideline
are as follows:

 Compressed Stabilized Earth Block (CSEB)

 Grout
 Mortar
 Concrete
 Reinforcing Steel
 Timber
 Structural Steel
 Stone

3.1 COMPRESSED STABILIZED EARTH BLOCKS (CSEB)

Compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB) shall be manufactured from a uniform
mixture of soil-sand mixture and ordinary Portland cement stabilizer. The mixture shall
be compressed to obtain high density block at optimum moisture content.

The manufactured CSEB blocks shall be sound. It shall be free from cracks, nodules
and other defects that interfere with the proper laying of the unit. The faces of the block
shall be flat and rectangular. Opposite faces shall be parallel and all the angles shall
be square.

The minimum compressive strength of the CSEB units shall be 3.5 MPa.

3.2 CEMENT MORTAR GROUT

For embedding the vertical reinforcement bars in the masonry wall, cement mortar
grout with cement and sand ratio of 1:6 shall be used to fill the hole.

3.3 MORTAR RATIO

The mortar for CSEB-masonry shall not be leaner than 1:6 in any case.

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3.4 CONCRETE
The concrete to be used in footings and horizontal in wall (bands, dowels, etc.) shall
be of at least M20 Grade; i.e. have a minimum crushing strength of 20 MPa.

A nominal mix of 1:1.5:3 (cement: coarse sand: coarse stone aggregate) by volume is
expected to produce M20 grade concrete. For the concrete it is recommended to use
50% 10mm passing and another 50% 20mm passing aggregate. Water-cement ratio
shall not exceed 0.6 (i.e. not more than 30 litres of water per 50kg of cement shall be
used).

Both Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and Portland Pozzolana cement (PPC) can be
used for cement. However, in higher altitude regions and low temperature
environments, OPC shall be used.

Sand and coarse stone aggregate shall be free from deleterious materials. Water used
for mixing shall be potable.

3.5 REINFORCING STEEL

TOR steel of grade 415 and Thermo-mechanically treated (TMT) steel reinforcing bars
shall be used as steel reinforcement. High strength deformed bars of grade more than
Fe 415 shall not be used as reinforcing bars.

3.6 TIMBER
Well-seasoned locally available timber shall be used. Seasoning can be done in a
traditional manner. Preferably Sal wood, or any other locally available hardwood
timber, shall be used instead of softwood timber for the main structural elements such
as beams, columns, bands, etc. The hardwood timber available in Nepal are Babul,
Black Siris, Dhaman, Shisam, Jaman, Mesua, Oak, Sain, Sal, Sandan and Sisso,
chilaune, champ, etc.

3.7 STRUCTURAL STEEL

Structural mild steel of grade Fe 410 having yield strength (f y) equals to 250 MPa shall
be used.

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3.8 STONE
Easily-breakable soft stones shall not be used. Stones with no obvious fractures shall
be used. Boulder stones shall never be used in its natural shape and shall be broken
before they are laid. The broken boulders shall have flat bedding-surface on top and
bottom. These stones shall not be smaller than 50 mm in thickness and 150 mm in
length or breadth. However, the fillers required for proper bonding may be smaller.

4 CSEB PRODUCTION AND QUALITY CONTROL

CSEB production consists of compressing a uniform mixture of soil-sand mixture and
ordinary Portland cement stabilizer to a required density. The production can be
regarded as similar to production of fired clay bricks, except no firing of blocks is
carried out. Further to this, CSEB are compressed to improve density of bricks. The
production of CSEB is therefore relatively environmentally friendly.

4.1 SOIL SAMPLING

Before any large-scale production of CSEB, the soil collected from trial holes shall be
checked for their appropriateness for manufacturing CSEB through laboratory testing.
For small-scale production, however, it is not essential to employ sophisticated tests
to establish the suitability of soil. Simple field tests can be performed to get an
indication of the composition of the soil sample. Such tests are briefly discussed below.

4.1.1 Smell test

Smell the soil immediately after it has been sampled.

 If it smells musty it contains organic matter.

 This smell will become stronger if the soil is heated or wetted.

4.1.2 Nibble test

Nibble a pinch of soil, crushing it lightly between the teeth.

 If it grinds between the teeth with a disagreeable sensation, the soil is sandy.
 If it can be ground between the teeth, without a disagreeable sensation the soil
is silty.

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  If it has a smooth or floury texture and when a small piece is applied to the
tongue it sticks, the soil is clayey.

4.1.3 Touch test

Remove the largest grains and crumble the soil by rubbing the sample between the
fingers and the palm of the hand.

 If it feels rough and has no cohesion when moist the soil is sandy.
 If it feels slightly rough and is moderately cohesive when moistened the soil is
silty.
 If, when dry, it contains lumps or concretions which resist crushing, and

if it becomes plastic and sticky when moistened the soil is clayey.

4.1.4 Sedimentation test

A simple sedimentation test can be carried out in the field.

Apparatus

A transparent one-liter capacity cylindrical glass or plastic bottle or a jar with a flat base
with a neck wide enough to get a hand in and a lid to allow for shaking.

Procedure

 Fill the bottle to one-third with clean water.

 Add approximately the same volume of dry soil passed through a 6mm sieve
and add a teaspoonful of common salt.
 Firmly close the lid of the bottle and shake until the soil and water are well mixed.
 Allow the bottle to stand on a flat surface for about half an hour.
 Shake the bottle again for two minutes and stand on a flat surface for a further
45 minutes until the water starts to clear.
 The finer particles fall more slowly and as result will be deposited on top of the
larger size particles.

Result

 Two or three layers will emerge, with the lowest layer containing fine gravel, the
central layer containing the sand fraction and the top layer containing silt and
clay.

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  The relative proportions, and hence percentages, of each fraction can be
determined by measuring the depth of each layer.

4.1.5 Adhesion test

Compact a ball of moist soil so that it does not stick to the fingers and insert a spatula
or knife.

 If the spatula penetrates it with difficulty, and soil sticks to it upon withdrawal
the soil is extremely clayey.
 If the spatula can be pushed into it without great difficulty but a bit of soil remains
on the knife upon withdrawal the soil is moderately clayey.
 If the spatula can be pushed into the moist ball without encountering any
resistance, but some soil still sticks to it on withdrawal, y the soil contains only
a little clay.

4.1.6 Washing test

Rub the hands with some slightly moistened soil.

 If the hands are easy to rinse clean this implies that the soil is sandy.
 If the soil appears to be powdery and the hands can be rinsed clean fairly easily
the soil is silty.
 If the soil has a soapy feel and the hands cannot be rinsed easily the soil is
clayey.

4.1.7 Linear shrinkage mold test

The shrinkage of soil can be determined using linear shrink test or Alcock’s test.

Apparatus

A wooden box, 60cm long, 4cm wide and 4cm deep.

Procedure

 Grease the inside surfaces of the box before filling it with moist soil with an
optimum moisture content (OMC). Refer to Section 4.2.6.2 for measure of OMC.
 Ensure that the soil is pressed into all corners of the box using a small wooden
spatula that can also be used to smooth the surface.

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  Expose the filled box to the sun for a period of three days or in the shade for
seven days.

Result

 Measure the length of the hardened and dried soil as compared to the length
of the box and calculate the shrinkage length of the soil.

4.1.8 Dry strength test

Form two or three pats of soft soil. Place the pats in the sun or in an oven until they
have completely dried. Break a soil pat and attempt to pulverize it between thumb and
index finger.

 If the pat pulverizes easily, the soil is silty or fine sand and has a low clay
content,
 If the pat can be crushed to a powder with a little effort, the soil is silty or sandy
clay,
 If the pat is hard to break and will not pulverize, the soil has a high clay content.

4.1.9 Water retention test

Form a ball of fine soil, 2 or 3cm in diameter. Moisten the ball so that it sticks together
but does not stick to the fingers. Slightly flatten the ball and hold it in the palm of the
extended hand. Vigorously tap the ball with the other hand so that the water is brought

14
to the surface. The ball will appear smooth, shiny or greasy. Press the ball flat between
thumb and index finger. Observe the number of taps required for a reaction as well as
the consistency of the soil.

 If a rapid reaction is achieved (5-10 taps) and the flattened ball crumbles, the
soil is very fine or a coarse silt,
 If a slow reaction is achieved (20-30 taps) and the flattened ball does not
crumble but flattens, the soil is slightly plastic silt or silty clay,
 If a very slow reaction is achieved (over 30 taps) and the flattened ball does not
change appearance on pressing, the soil has a high clay content.

4.1.10 Consistency test

Prepare a ball of fine soil approximately 3cm in diameter. Moisten the ball so that it
can be modelled but does not stick to the fingers. Roll the ball on a flat clean surface
to form a thread. If the thread breaks when it is thicker than 3mm, the soil is too dry -
add water. The thread should break when approximately 3mm thick. When the thread
breaks, make it into a small ball again and crush it between the thumb and index finger.
Observe what happens when the ball is crushed.

 If soil crumbles before forming a ball it has a high silt or sand content,
 If the ball cracks and crumbles, it has a low clay content,
 If the ball is hard to crush and does not crack or crumble, it has a high clay
content,
 If ball feels spongy, it contains organic matter.

4.1.11 Cohesion test

Roll soil into a sausage with a diameter of approximately 12mm. The soil should not
be sticky, and it should be possible to roll it into a continuous thread, 3mm in diameter.
Place the thread in the palm of the hand. Starting at one end, carefully flatten it
between index finger and thumb to form a ribbon of between 3 and 6mm wide.
Measure the length of ribbon before it breaks.

 No ribbon, shows a negligible clay content,

 5-10cm ribbon, shows a low clay content,
 25-30cm ribbon, shows a high clay content.

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4.2 PRODUCTION CYCLES

4.2.1 Extraction
Topsoil contains organic matter and shall not be used for the production of CSEB. The
subsoil layer immediately below the top soil shall be used.

4.2.2 Drying and Breaking up the soil

The excavated soil which is wet shall be dried. The dried soil then shall be broken up.
In order to obtain a uniform mix of the mineral components lumps more than 200mm
in diameter shall be broken up after excavation. Grains with a homogeneous structure,
such as gravel and stones, shall be left intact, and those having a composite structure
(clay binder) broken up so that at least 50 per cent of the grains are less than 5mm in
diameter.

4.2.3 Sieving / Screening

Soil containing various sizes of grain, from very fine dust up to pieces that are still too
large for use in block production shall be sieved to remove the oversized material,
either using a built-in sieve, as with the pendulum crusher, or as a separate operation.

4.2.4 Proportioning/ measuring out dry materials

Before starting production, tests shall be performed to establish the right proportion of
soil, stabilizer and water for the production of good quality blocks.

To ensure uniformity in the compressed stabilized earth blocks produced, the weight
or volume of each material used in the block making process shall be measured at the
same physical state for subsequent batches of blocks. The volume of soil or stabilizer
should ideally be measured in dry or slightly damp conditions.

After establishing the exact proportion required of each material, a measuring device
shall be built for each material. The dimensions of each measuring box should be such
that their content, when full, is equivalent to the proportion which should be mixed with
other materials measured in other gauge boxes.

4.2.5 Mixing
Dry materials shall be mixed first until they are a uniform color, then water is added,
and mixing is continued until a homogeneous mix is obtained. Mixing may be
performed by hand on a hard surface, with spades, hoes, or shovels.

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Wet mixing shall commence by adding a little water at a time, sprinkled over the top
of the mix and the wet mix turned over with a suitable tool until all the water has been
mixed. The mix shall be used for molding quickly because cement starts to hydrate
immediately after it is wet and delay will result in the production of poor-quality blocks.

4.2.6 Test for Soil Mix

4.2.6.1 Squeeze Test

Take a handful from the soil mix for block production and squeeze it in the hand, the
mix should ball together. When the hand is opened, the fingers should be reasonably
dry and clean.

4.2.6.2 Drop Test

Drop the ball sample onto a hard surface from a height of about one meter. If the
sample:

i. completely shatters, this shows that it is not sufficiently moist,

ii. squashes into a flattened ball or disc on impact with the hard surface, this
implies too high a moisture content,
iii. breaks into four or five major lumps, this shows that the moisture contents or
the soil mix is close to the optimum moisture content (OMC)

4.2.7 Molding and Compressing

Precautions shall be taken to fill the mold with the same amount of mix. Measuring
box shall be used to measure the soil mix. The internal faces of the machine mold
shall be moistened with a mold releasing agent (such as oil) by applying with a rag,
brush or spray.

4.2.8 Curing
The molded CSEB blocks shall be kept for minimum 24 hours in shadow or covered
by tarp until the cement sets. The CSEB shall then be cured for minimum of 21 days.

4.2.9 Storage, Stacking and Handling

CSEB shall be stored and handled in a manner to prevent deterioration and damage,
ensure safety of workmen in handling operations and non-interference with public life
including safety of public, prevention of damage to public property and natural
environment. They shall be stacked on well‐drained, flat and unyielding surface. The

17
stacks shall not impose any undue stresses on walls or other structures. They shall be
unloaded one at a time and stacked in regular tiers to minimize breakage and
defacement. These shall not be dumped at site. The height of the stack shall not be
more than 1.2 m, the length of the stack shall not be more than 3.0 m, as far as possible
and the width shall be of two or three blocks.

4.3 MIX PROPORTIONS

The ideal soil composition is as follows:

Gravel 15%

Coarse sand 50%

Silt 15%

Clay 20%

The mix shall be proportioned such that volume of sand and gravel is at least 65%.
The mix components shall be proportioned as per different composition of the gravel,
coarse sand, silt and clay in the soil. The different mix proportions are shown in table
4-1.

Table 4-1: Soil Mix Proportions

4.4 CONFIGURATIONS OF CSEBS

Compressed stabilized earth blocks can be produced in variety of shapes and
configurations depending on its use. These blocks can be produced in following
shapes and configurations:

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 1. Plain solid blocks
2. Hollow blocks
3. Solid/ Hollow interlocking blocks
4. Special blocks

In this guideline, only Hollow interlocking blocks have been considered as they can be
reinforced with vertical reinforcement bars and therefore suitable for earthquake
resistance.

The blocks are provided with protruding parts, which fit exactly into recess parts in the
blocks placed above, such that they are automatically aligned horizontally and
vertically. The blocks can be laid dry, no mortar is required, and hence a considerable
amount of cement is saved.

In order to achieve accurate alignment of blocks placed at right angles, in general, the
length of each block should be exactly double its width. The recommended sizes of
the CSEB blocks are as follows:

1. 300 X 150 X 100 mm (length: thickness: height) with 2 numbers of circular holes
of diameter 40 to 50 mm;
2. 245 X 245 X 100 mm (length: thickness: height) with 1 number of circular holes
at the center of diameter 40 to 50 mm and ½ number of circular opening of
diameter 40 to 50 mm at each end;

Two numbers of 10 to 15 mm projection on top and 2 numbers of 10 to 20 mm

depression at bottom of each CSEB at the location of circular hole is provided as keys
for interlocking. The diameter for both the keys vary from 6 cm to 8cm (figure 4-1).

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 300 mm X 150 mm X 100 mm block 245 mm X 245 mm X 95 mm block
Figure 4-1 Typical CSEB detail

4.5 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

4.5.1 Dimensional Tolerances

The maximum variation in the dimensions of the blocks shall not be more than ± 2 mm.

4.5.2 Dry Density

The block shall have a minimum density of 1750 kg/m 3. The dry density shall be
determined from an average of dry density of three specimens.

4.5.3 Compressive Strength

The minimum average compressive strength of the block shall be 3.5 MPa. The
compressive strength of any individual block shall not fall below the minimum average
compressive strength by more than 15 percent.

4.5.4 Water Absorption

The average water absorption of the blocks after immersion in cold water for 24 hours
shall not be more than 18 percent by weight.

4.5.5 Linear expansion on saturation

The average linear expansion on saturation of the blocks, determined in accordance
with Annex E, shall not exceed 0.1 percent.

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4.5.6 Weathering
The average maximum loss of weight, determined in accordance with annex, shall not
exceed 3 percent.

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5 SITE CONSIDERATION
The building site shall be the safest available with respect to natural hazards. Any
existing buildings shall be studied for any evidence of inherent natural hazards in the
locality. Areas with high potential of liquefaction or other hazard during earthquake
should also be avoided.

5.1 SITE SELECTION

A building shall not be constructed in sites having any of the following hazards:

5.1.1 Geological Fault or Ruptured Areas

Areas nearer to geological fault lines or rupture lines shall be avoided. Geological
maps indicating such fault lines shall be referred. Advice from the specialist on the
subject matter shall be sought.

5.1.2 Areas Susceptible to Landslide.

Areas likely experience frequent landslides and rock falls shall be avoided for
construction of buildings. The simplest indication of sustained stability of a slope is the
upright standing of the trees on it. They would be inclined downwards in the case of
unstable slopes.

5.1.3 Boulder Hazard

Nepal, being a mountainous country, has many places where boulders roll down the
bare hill slopes. These boulders can hit and damage the building. Therefore, buildings
shall be constructed in such areas only after the provision of proper prevention by
retaining walls and green barriers of bamboo groves or similar is assured.

5.1.4 River Bank

River banks and areas susceptible to frequent flooding should be avoided.
Constructions on such areas can be undertaken only after carrying out protection
works as suggested by specialists.

5.1.5 Swamp/Marshy Area

Constructions on swamps or marshy areas shall be prohibited.

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5.1.6 Steep Slope
Although not preferred, generally, soil slopes up to 20 are stable and acceptable for
construction. However, constructions on steeper slopes than this is not restricted
provided proper considerations have been made for foundation of the house and soil
retaining measures.

5.1.7 Water-Logged Area

Sites with permanent water-logged areas should be avoided. However, constructions
is allowable if the site is appropriately treated.

5.1.8 Filled Area

No building foundations shall rest on uncompact filled ground. If a building is to be
constructed in a filled-ground, the foundation shall be deep enough so as to rest on
the firm ground surface beneath the fill.

5.2 SITE INVESTIGATION

A site investigation to determine soil type should be carried out. A minimum of two
test pits for each building should be made. The minimum depth of such test pits should
be 2.00 m. unless a sound bedding surface like is found at a lesser depth. No
exploration shall be required if the site is located on rock or on fluvial terraces (Tar) with
boulder/ gravel beds. The soils encountered in the test pits should be classified as per
table 5-1. The allowable bearing pressure is also given in which can be used in
conjunction with the visual classification of the subsurface soil type.

23
 Table 5-1: Classification of Foundation soil and safe bearing capacity

Foundation Soil Presumed Safe Bearing

Classification Capacity, KN/m2
Type of Foundation Materials

Rocks in different state of weathering, boulder

bed, gravel, sandy gravel and sand-gravel
mixture, dense or loose coarse to medium
1. Hard  200
sand offering high resistance to penetration
when excavated by tools; stiff to medium clay
which is readily indented with a thumb nail.

Fine sand and silt (dry lumps easily pulverised

by the fingers); moist clay and sand-clay < 200 and
2. Medium
mixture which can be indented with strong  150
thumb pressure.

Fine sand, loose and dry; soft clay indented < 150 and
3. Soft
with moderate thumb pressure.  100

Very soft clay which can be penetrated several

4. Weak <100
centimetres with the thumb, wet clays.

24
6 BUILDING LAYOUT

6.1 SHAPE
Buildings should preferably be symmetrical and regular in plan and regular in elevation.
Unsymmetrical and irregular buildings shall be divided into several symmetrical and
regular blocks. A clear separation of at least 50 mm shall be provided throughout the
height of the buildings above the plinth level to avoid pounding between the separated
blocks. However, this roof should be well covered by roof to avoid water penetration.

6.2 PROPORTION.
The length to width ratio of a building shall not exceed 3:1 ratio. The length to width
ratio for any room or area enclosed by load bearing walls inside the building shall also
be limited to 3:1. Similarly, the height to width of a building shall also not exceed 3:1
ratio.

6.3 STORY HEIGHT

The floor to floor height of CSEB building shall not be less than 2.5 m and not greater
than 3 m. In case of the attic floor, maximum height from floor level to ridge level shall
be 1.8 m and maximum height from floor level to eave level shall be 1 m.

6.4 NUMBER OF STORY

The buildings shall be constructed up to two stories only.

6.5 PLINTH LEVEL

The minimum height of plinth level shall be at least 300mm from existing ground level.
The height of plinth level can be increased as per site condition.

6.6 OPENINGS IN WALLS

Openings in the wall placed for the purpose of door and window openings shall follow
the rules listed below:

1. It shall be as small as possible in size and should preferably be centrally located.

25
 2. Openings are to be located away from inside corners by a clear distance equal
to at least 600 mm.
3. The total length of openings in a wall should not exceed 50 % of the length of
the wall.
4. The horizontal distance (pier width) between two openings is to be not less than
600 mm.
5. The vertical distance from one opening to another opening directly above it shall
also be not less than 600 mm

However, the limitations set out in Section 6.1 to 6.6 shall not bar anyone wishing to
employ qualified professionals to produce an appropriate design. Structures falling
outside these limitations will require the appropriate specific design or state-of-the-art
design.

7 FOUNDATION DETAILS
7.1.1 Minimum Depth of Foundation
The footing should be provided at a depth below the zone of deep freezing in cold
regions and below the level of shrinkage cracks in clayey soils but not less than 800
mm for one storey building and not less than 900mm for two storey building. However,
the building foundations shall not rest on the uncompact fill. If a building is to be
constructed on a filled-ground, the foundation shall go further deeper, so it rests on
the firm ground surface beneath the fill.

If rock or gravelly soil is found at the lesser depth, the foundation depth could be
reduced.

7.1.2 Minimum Width of Foundation

The minimum dimensions for footing for different soils are as given in table 7-1 below:

26
 Table 7-1: Minimum Foundation Widths

Minimum base width (mm) of wall footing for soil type:

No of Storey
Soft Medium Hard

Two 900 650 550

One + Attic 900 650 550

One 650 550 450

7.1.3 Foundation Material

Masonry units shall be large flat-bedded stones or regular-sized well-burnt brick.
Mortar joints shall not exceed 20 mm in any case. All the vertical joints shall be kept
staggered in alternate layers. Mud packing in the core of foundation shall not be
permitted. The gaps in the core shall be well-packed with the masonry units.

7.1.4 Foundations on Sloping Site

No building shall be built on land steeper than 20 (1:3, Vertical: Horizontal). Stepped
strip footing could be constructed for foundations on sloping land. The minimum depth
of a foundation shall be measured from the existing ground level on the filled part and
from the finished ground level on the cut part, and this shall not be less than 750 mm.
Each step shall not be narrower than two times the wall thickness at the base of the
superstructure, as shown in Figure 7-1.

27
 4.00 m

1.20 m (min)
T

FLOOR FINISH + 300 (min)

ORIGINAL
GROUND LEVEL FINISHED GROUND LEVEL + 00

1.20 m (min)
V

1.20 m (min)
750(min)

H
H
W X X X W

X = MINIMUM 2T OR 1.0 m WHICHEVER IS MORE.

H = NOT MORE THAN 300 mm.
Ø = MAXIMUM SLOPE 20°
V = NOT MORE THAN 1.0 m WITHOUT PROVISION OF RETAINING WALL.

Figure 6.2 : Foundation on Sloping Land

Figure 7-1 Foundation of Sloping Land

28
8 WALL DETAILS

8.1 GENERAL
Walls in the foundation and superstructure shall be true to plumb line. Mortar packing
in the core shall not be permitted. The core shall be well-laid with the walling units.
Mortar joints when used shall not be more than 20 mm and less than 10 mm in
thickness. Vertical joints in alternate layers shall be staggered. The width of the wall
shall be uniform.

8.2 WALL THICKNESS

The minimum thickness of walls for different story heights shall not be less than those
stated in Table 8-1.

Table 8-1: Minimum Wall Thickness

No. of Story Minimum Wall Thickness (mm)

One 150

One + Attic 150

Two 245

8.3 UNSUPPORTED WALL LENGTH

The maximum length of unsupported wall shall not exceed 4.5 m.

8.4 HEIGHT OF WALLS

The maximum height of walls shall not exceed 12 times its thickness.

8.5 LAYING
A thin layer of mortar up to 5 mm is recommended as shown in figure 8-1. Further, it
is mandatory to fill every hole in CSEB with cement mortar.

29
 Figure 8-1 Mortar laying and grout filling
The blocks shall be laid with full length in one layer. The block shall be laid with ½
blocks adjacent to openings and ¾ blocks at T-junctions in alternate layers as shown
in figure 8-2.

Figure 8-2 Laying of CSEB

8.6 MASONRY BOND

In order to achieve the full strength of masonry, the usual bonds specified for masonry
shall be followed so that the vertical joints are broken properly from course to course.

30
9 VERTICAL REINFORCEMENT IN WALLS
Vertical steel reinforcement shall be placed inside the masonry wall at critical locations.
Following locations are considered as the critical locations:

 Corners of wall
 Junction between two walls
 Jambs of openings

The reinforcement shall be embedded by filling the cavities with cement grout. These
vertical reinforcements shall start from foundation level and continue throughout up to
roof level. At roof level, they shall be terminated by embedding in the roof band/ beam.

9.1 CORNER REINFORCEMENT

Three numbers of vertical bars shall be placed at the corner of the wall as shown in
figure 9-1.

Figure 9-1 Wall corner reinforcement detail

31
The details of minimum required steel reinforcement is given in table 9-1

Table 9-1: Wall Corner reinforcement details

Number Floor Number Diameter

of Story of bars of bar (in mm)
One Ground 3 10
One + Attic Ground 3 12
First 3 12
Two Ground 3 12
First 3 12

9.2 WALL T-JUNCTION REINFORCEMENT

Four numbers of vertical reinforcement shall be placed at the wall junction as shown
in figure 9-2.

Figure 9-2 Wall T-junction reinforcement detail

32
The details of minimum required steel reinforcement is given in table 9-2.

Table 9-2: Wall T-Junction reinforcement details

Number Floor Number Diameter

of Story of bars of bar (in mm)
One Ground 4 10
One + Attic Ground 4 12
Attic 4 12
Two Ground 4 12
First 4 12

9.3 OPENING JAMB REINFORCEMENT

One number of vertical reinforcement shall be provided at the jamb of the openings as
shown in figure 9-3.

Figure 9-3 Opening reinforcement details

33
The details of minimum required steel reinforcement is given in table 9-3.

Table 9-3: Wall opening reinforcement details

Number Floor Number Diameter

of Story of bars of bar (in mm)
One Ground 1 10
One + Attic Ground 1 12
First 1 12
Two Ground 1 12
First 1 12

9.4 STARTER BARS

To avoid lifting of blocks too high, starter bars of length of 900 mm shall be provided
protruding out from plinth level.

10 HORIZONTAL BANDS IN WALLS

Horizontal reinforcement in the form of bands shall primarily be provided at following
locations:

1. Plinth level
2. Sill level
3. Lintel level
4. Floor/ Roof level

The bands shall have width equal to the width of the wall. The thickness of the RC
band may be kept to a minimum of 75 mm where two longitudinal bars are required
and at least 150 mm where four longitudinal bars are required. U-shaped special
blocks as shown in figure 10-1 can also be used for providing horizontal bands at sill,
lintel and eaves/ floor level.

34
 Figure 10-1 U-Shaped Special Blocks

10.1 PLINTH BEAM

Plinth beam is provided at the plinth level of the buildings. Plinth beam shall be
provided in all walls. Plinth beam serves the purpose of minimizing differential
settlements in foundations. The thickness of plinth beam shall be 150 mm. 4 number
of 12 mm diameter longitudinal bars shall be provided. 2 legged- 8 mm diameter at a
spacing of 150 mm shall be used as stirrup. The details of reinforcement in plinth beam
is given in Figure 10-2 and Table 10-1.

Figure 10-2 Plinth Beam Details

Table 10-1: Wall opening reinforcement details

Depth (mm) Longitudinal Reinforcement Transverse Reinforcement

200 4- 12 mm 2L-8 mm @ 150 c/c

10.2 SILL BAND

Sill band shall be provided through all the walls, just below the openings. The band
shall be provided in all stories. The details of reinforcement in sill band is given in
Figure 10-3 Table 10-2.

35
10.3 LINTEL BAND
Lintel band shall be provided through all the walls, just above the openings. The band
shall be provided in all stories. The lintel levels of all openings such as doors and
windows shall be at the same level. The details of lintel band is given in Figure 10-3
and Table 10-2.

Figure 10-3 Lintel/ Sill Band Detail

Table 10-2: Wall opening reinforcement details

Span Width Depth (mm) Longitudinal bar Transverse Link bar

(m) (mm)
Nos. Diameter
(mm)
2.5 150 75 2 10 8mm  @ 150 c/c
250 2 10
3.0 150 2 10
250 2 10
3.5 150 2 12
250 2 12
4.0 150 2 12
250 2 12

10.4 FLOOR/ ROOF BEAM

Floor/ Roof band shall be provided through all the walls at floor/ roof levels. If the floor
is of flexible type such as wooden joist flooring, the band shall be provided just below

36
the joists. In case of reinforced concrete floor, the floor band/ beam shall be integrated
with the concrete slab.

The width of roof beam shall be equal to width of wall. The details of the roof beam is
given in table 10-3.

Table 10-3: Wall opening reinforcement details

Width Depth Longitudinal Transverse

(mm) (mm) Reinforcement Reinforcement
150 200 4- 10 mm 2L-8 mm @ 150 c/c
250 4- 12 mm 2L-8 mm  @ 150 c/c

10.5 GABLE BAND

When slope roof with triangular gable wall end is provided, the top of this gable wall
shall also be provided with the gable band (figure 10-4). This band will prevent out-of-
plane failure of gable walls. A minimum thickness of 75 mm shall be provided. The
width shall be equal to width of the wall. 2 numbers of 10 mm diameter longitudinal
bars shall be provided in the band. 1 legged- 8 mm diameter at a spacing of 150 mm
shall be used as stirrup. The gable band be tied to the roof structure.

Figure 10-4 Gable Band

37
10.6 PARAPET BAND
Parapets above terraces and at the edges of the balconies should not be taller than
one meter. They should be reinforced with vertical bars of 10 mm diameter spaced not
more than 1.5 m apart. The vertical reinforcement shall be anchored in the steel of the
slab or beam below with a minimum embedment of 300 mm. Also, a handrail should
be provided at the top with a section size of b X 75 mm, where b is the thickness of
parapet and reinforced with one horizontal bar of 10 mm diameter steel.

11 FLOORS AND ROOFS

Floors and roofs provided shall be as rigid as possible. Various floor systems can be
used. Following floor systems are dealt in this guideline:

1. RCC Slab
2. Timber Joist flooring

11.1 RCC SLAB

RCC slabs are preferred floors due to its high in-plane rigidity. RCC slab and beam
shall be cast directly over the walls. Following rules are to be followed during detailing
of RCC slabs (Figure 11-1):

1. The minimum thickness of slab shall be 115mm. The maximum thickness shall
not exceed 125mm.
2. At least 8mm diameter steel reinforcing bars shall be used.
3. The spacing between bottom reinforcing bars shall not exceed 150mm in both
directions.
4. At a discontinuous edge, at least 50% of the bottom bars shall be extended to
the supports and remaining bars can be curtailed at a distance of 0.15 times
the span in that direction from the support.
5. At a continuous edge, at least 50% of the bottom bars shall be continued to the
next panel and remaining bars can be curtailed (or bent-up to form top bars) at
distance of 0.25 times the span in that direction from the support.
6. The spacing between the top bars shall also not exceed 150mm.

38
7. At a discontinuous edge, additional top bars equal to at least 50% of the bottom
bars shall be provided (or 50% of the bottom bars can be U-hooked to act as
top bars) up-to a distance of 0.1 times the span in that direction.
8. At a continuous edge, at least 50% of top bars shall extend up to a distance of
0.25 times the span in that direction from the support. Remaining bars can be
extended only up to a distance of 0.15 times the span in that direction (or it may
be a continuity of bent-up bottom bars).
9. At edges, top bars running parallel to edges might be kept at spacing of 200
mm up to width of 0.2 of span in the direction perpendicular to the bar.

Figure 11-1 Typical slab reinforcement details

39
11.2 TIMBER JOIST FLOORING
Locally available hardwood species shall be used for the structural elements of flooring.
Only sawn and seasoned timbers shall be used.

11.2.1 Joists and Bearings

Joists shall only rest on floor band/ beam. The beam shall be long enough to extend
beyond both the supporting walls. Timber keys shall be provided on both the external
and internal walls as shown in figure 11-2.

Figure 11-2 Details of fixing keys on timber beams

The beams shall be rectangular in section and shall be laid narrower surface horizontal.
The beams shall be spaced not more than 450 mm. The minimum dimensions of the
beams for different spans shall be as tabulated in table 11-1.

Table 11-1: Sizes of timber floor beams for different spans

Size (D X B) for SPAN of

SPECIES 2m 2 to 2.5 m 2.5 to 3 m 3 to 3.5 m

Hardwood 190x100 220x100 240x120 270x140

Softwood 230x120 270x140 310x150 340x160

40
11.2.2 Flooring
Timber planks shall be used as bridging material between joists. The minimum
thickness of timber plank shall be 25 mm. These timber planks shall be adequately
nailed to the timber joists. The details of the timber planking is shown in figure.

As an alternate to timber planking, 2 layers of 19 mm thick ply board can also be used.

11.3 STEEL JOIST FLOORING

Standard Steel Tube sections shall be used as joist for this floor system.

11.3.1 Joists and Bearings

Joists shall never rest directly on a wall and shall only rest on floor band/ beam. The
beam shall be long enough to extend beyond both the supporting walls. These joists
shall be anchored to the RC bands with bolts as outlined in section 11.5. The beams
shall be spaced not more than 450 mm.

The minimum dimensions of the beams for different spans shall be as tabulated in
table 11-2.

Table 11-2: Sizes of Steel joists for different spans

Size of Steel joist for spans of

L 2.5 m 2.5m > L  3.5 m 3.5m > L  4.5 m

70 mm X 45 mm X 3.1 mm 80 mm X 40 mm X 3.1 mm 96 mm X 48 mm X 3.1 mm

11.3.2 Flooring
Two layers of 19 mm ply board shall be used as bridging material between joists.
These ply boards shall be adequately screwed to the steel joists.

11.4 PITCHED ROOFS

Gable walls shall be constructed above the walls to a required slope. The pitched roof
system shall be constructed either in timber or steel.

41
11.4.1 Timber Roof System
The timber roof system consists of timber rafters resting on timber ridge beam and
longitudinal walls. The rafters are spaced not more than 500 mm. The details of
required sizes of the rafters are given in table 11-2.

Table 11-3: Sizes of timber rafters for different spans

Dimension (D X B) for spans

SPECIES 1m 1.5 m 2m 2.5 m 3m

Hardwood 100X65 100X65 100X65 120X65 130X75

Softwood 140X75 140X75 140X75 170X90 180X90

50 mm X 50 mm purlins are placed over these rafters at a spacing of 450 mm. At the
gable ends, these battens rests over the timber wall plate which is anchored to the
gable band as shown in figure 11-3.

Figure 11-3 Timber wall plate anchorage detail

42
11.4.2 Steel Roof System

11.4.2.1 Steel Purlins resting on gable wall

The Steel roof system consists of steel tubular purlins which directly rests on the gable
band. These purlins are anchored directly on gable bands. These purlins are spaced
not more than 600 mm. The required sizes of purlins are given in table 11-3.

Table 11-4: Sizes of steel purlins for different spans

Span (L), m Purlin Size

L  3.5 ISNB 50M
3.5 < L  4 ISNB 65M
4 < L  4.5 ISNB 80M

11.4.2.2 Steel Truss

The details of truss shape and size is given in figure 11-4. The sizes of purlin to be
used shall be selected from Table 11-4. Truss types other than given in this guideline
can also be used, provided that these trusses are designed by professional engineer.

Figure 11-4 Details of Steel Truss

11.4.3 Roof Coverings

Roof covering shall be as light as possible. Heavy roofing materials such as clay tiles
and slates are discouraged in this guideline. Only light CGI (Corrugated Galvanized
Iron) sheets are considered in this guideline. The CGI sheets shall be properly

43
anchored to the battens/ purlins supporting it. The details of fixing the CGI sheet is
shown in figure 11-5.

Figure 11-5 Details of CGI roof covering fixing

11.5 ROOF ANCHORAGE

Trusses and purlins shall be properly anchored to the roof bands. Proper anchorage is
needed to prevent uplift of roof structure due to wind.

11.5.1 Purlin Anchorage

Purlins shall be fixed on the gable band by means of 1- 12 mm anchor bolt embedded
in the gable band.

11.6 DIAGONAL BRACING

Flexible roofing shall be diagonally braced. The bracing should be properly fixed at
each crossing with joists and rafters. The bracing material could be timber strips, whole
bamboo, or bamboo strips for timber roofing and steel pipes for steel roofing. The
details could be as illustrated in figure 11-6.

44
Figure 11-6 Details of diagonal bracing

45
12 CSEB FOR INFILL WALL IN FRAMED STRUCTURES
CSEB can also be used as partitions and filler/ infill walling material in reinforced
concrete buildings. Reinforced concrete horizontal bands shall be provided to the infill
walls to prevent them from toppling out of frame while under face load.. The bands
shall be provided at 1/3rd and 2/3rd of the wall height in case of solid walls (Figure 12-
1). In case of walls with openings, these horizontal bands shall be provided at lintel
and sill level (Figure 12-2). The width of the band should be equal to the wall thickness
and its thickness equal to 75 mm. The band shall be reinforced with 2 numbers of 8
mm  longitudinal bar and 1L- 8 mm  links @ 150 mm c/c.

Figure 12-1 RC band detail for solid infill walls

46
Figure 12-2 RC band detail for infill walls with openings

47
 Annex A

Determination of compressive strength

A.1 Test specimens

Ten whole blocks shall be selected at random from the sample after carrying out the
dimensional checks. Five blocks shall be used for dry compressive strength and
another five for wet compressive strength.

A.2 Principle

A.2.1 Dry Compressive Strength: A unit is placed in a compression testing machine

and subjected to increased compression until it fails. The compressive strength is
calculated from the maximum load.

A.2.2 Wet Compressive Strength: A unit is immersed in water for a specified period of
time (refer D.5). The unit is then tested using the same principles as A.2.1.

A.3 Apparatus

A.3.1 Loading machine: A compression loading machine either hydraulic or screw type
with adequate capacity and capable of applying the loads at rates specified in A.4.

The machine shall be fitted with two steel platens, which shall be self-aligning.

The bearing faces of both platens should exceed the test specimen by not less than
15 mm in length and breadth and shall not depart from a plane by more than 0.06 mm.
Should the bearing faces of the platens be smaller than required, steel plates of
adequate size may be placed centrally between them and the test specimen. Their
thickness shall be equal to at least one-third of the greater difference in dimension
between the machine platen and the test specimen, when centrally placed but not less
than 25 mm.

A.3.2 Measuring Rule: A rule that can be read accurately to 1.0 mm over the
dimensions of the units being tested.

A.3.3 Water Bath: A water bath of sufficient size to hold the specimens without them
touching each other and sufficient depth to ensure that the specimens will be
completely immersed in water for the full duration of the test.

A.4 Dry compressive strength

48
A.4.1 Procedure: The procedure of each specimen shall be as follows:

(a) Measure and record the following dimensions, to the nearest millimeter.

(b) Clean and wipe the surfaces of the test specimen removing all loose debris. Clean
the bearing surfaces of the platens on the testing machine, and any steel plate to be
placed between the specimen and the platen.

(c) Place the specimen between two pieces of 3 mm in plywood, the length and width
of which shall exceed the corresponding dimensions of the specimen by less than 25
mm; each plywood sheet shall be used only once. The specimen shall be placed in
the testing machine such that the center of the bed face coincides with the loading
axis of the machine.

(d) Apply the load without shock and increase it continuously at a uniform rate of 150
kN/min until failure occurs.

(e) Observe and record the maximum load (WD) at failure.

A.5 Wet compressive strength

A.5.1 Procedure: The procedure for each specimen shall be as follows:

(a) Measure and record the following dimensions to the nearest millimeter.

(b) The specimens shall be immersed in water at 15 °C to 30 °C for 24 h.

(c) The specimen shall be removed from the water bath. They shall then be wiped
clean with a piece of cloth.

(d) The procedure for compression testing shall proceed as described in C.4.1

(e) Observe and record the maximum load (WW) at failure.

A.6 Calculation of results

The compressive strength of each specimen (dry or wet) shall be calculated from the
following expression:

𝑊𝐷 𝑊𝑊
𝐶𝐷 = or 𝐶𝑊 =
𝐴 𝐴

where,

49
CD = dry compressive strength in N/mm2;

Cw = wet compressive strength in N/mm2;

WD = total load at which the dry specimen fails, in Newtons;

WW = total load at which the wet specimen fails, in Newtons;

A = the smaller bed face area, in square millimetres; and

= BL, taken for whichever of the two bed faces produces the smaller area.

A.7 Reporting

Report the average of the compressive strength; either dry or wet of the five specimens.

50
 Annex B

Determination of water absorption

B.1 Test specimens

Five blocks shall be selected at random from the population. Carry out dimensional
checks.

B.2 Principle

A block is saturated by immersion in water for a specified period of time. The specimen
is then dried and the amount of water absorbed is then determined and used to
calculate the percentage water absorption.

B.3 Apparatus

B.3.1 Balance: A balance sensitive to within 1 g.

B.3.2 Drying oven: A thermostatically-controlled drying oven capable of maintaining

temperature of 105 ± 5 °C.

B.3.3 Water bath: A water bath of sufficient size to hold the specimen without them
touching each other and sufficient depth to ensure that the specimens will be
completely immersed in water for the full duration of the test.

B.4 Procedure

(a) Immediately after sampling, the specimens shall be reweighed to the nearest gram,
and the mass shall be recorded as m1.

(b) The specimens shall then be immersed in water at 15 °C to 30 °C for 24 h.

(c) The specimens shall be removed from the water. They shall then be wiped with a
piece of cloth; and within 3 minutes after removing from the water, the mass of the wet
specimen shall be determined by weighing to the nearest gram. Record the saturated
mass as m2.

(d) The saturated specimens shall be dried in a ventilated oven at 105 ± 5 °C for not
less than 24 h and until two successive weighing, at intervals of 2 h show an increment
of loss not greater than 0.2 per cent of the last previously determined weighing weight
of specimen. Record the mass of the oven dry specimen as m1.

51
B.5 Calculation of results

E.5.1 Water absorption: The water absorption (per cent) for each specimen shall be
calculated from the following expression:

(𝑚2 − 𝑚1 ) × 100
𝐴𝑊 =
𝑚1

Where,

AW = percentage water absorption;

m1 = mass of oven dry specimen, in grams; and

m2 = mass of saturated specimen after immersion in water in grams.

B.6 Reporting

Report all results separately for each unit and as average for the five units.

52
 Annex C

Weathering test

C.1 Test specimens

Two whole blocks shall be selected from the sample of blocks obtained as described
under Annex A, after carrying out the test for dimensional compliance. The blocks shall
be designed ‘Specimen A’ and Specimen B’, respectively.

C.2 Apparatus

C.2.1 Balance: A balance or a scale of 20 kg capacity, sensitive to 50 g.

C.2.2 Drying ovens: Two thermostatically-controlled drying ovens; one capable of

maintaining temperature at 105 ± 5 °C and the other capable of maintaining
temperature at 70 ± 5 °C.

C.2.3 Water bath: A suitable tank for submerging specimens in water at room
temperature.

C.2.4 Wire scratch brush: A brush made of 50 mm x 1.6 mm flat with 0.40 mm wire
bristles assembled in 50 longitudinal rows and 10 transverse rows of bristles on 200
mm x 60 mm hardwood block.

C.3 Procedure

C.3.1 Oven dry specimen A at 105 ± 5 °C for at least 12 h or to constant mass. From
this weight, calculate the oven-dry weight (Wi) of Specimen A. Carry out further
operations on Specimen B only.

C.3.2 Submerge specimen B in water at room temperature for 6 h. Remove and

immediately place it in an oven at 70°C for 42 h and remove. Brush all areas of the
specimen twice with the wire scratch brush. Hold the brush with the long axis of the
brush parallel to the longitudinal axis of the specimen or parallel to the ends as
required to cover all areas of the specimen. Apply the strokes to the full height and
width of the specimen with a firm stroke corresponding to approximately 1.5 kg force
(see note). Eighteen to twenty vertical brush strokes are required to cover the sides of
the specimen twice and four strokes are required on each end.

NOTE: Measure the pressure as follows:

53
Clamp a specimen in a vertical position on the edge of a platform scale and set the
scale at zero. Apply vertical brushing strokes to the specimen and note the force
necessary to register approximately 1.5 kg.

C.3.3 The procedures described in C.3.2 constitutes one cycle (48 h) of the weathering
test. Continue the procedure for 12 cycles. After 12 cycles of test, dry the specimen to
constant weight at 105 ± 5 C and determine the final oven-dry weight (Wf) of the
specimen. The data collected permits calculations of the soil-cement loss of the
specimen after the prescribed test of 12 cycles.

C.4 Calculation of results and reporting

C.4.1 Calculate the soil-cement loss of the specimen as a percentage of the originally
calculated oven-dry weight (Wi) of the specimen as follows:

(𝑊𝑖 −𝑊𝑓 )
Soil-cement loss, per cent = × 100
𝑊𝑖

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 Annex D

Determination of density

D.1 Test specimens: Select at random three blocks from the sample for testing. Carry
out the dimensional measurements noting the average length, height and width of
each block.

D.2 Apparatus

D.2.1 Drying oven: Thermostatically-controlled drying oven capable of maintaining

temperature at 105 ± 5 °C.

D.2.2 Calculation of volume: Calculate the gross volume of the blocks to the nearest
250 mm3 by multiplying the average thickness by the average length and height of the
block.

D.3 Procedure

Dry the three specimen blocks for at least 24 h in a ventilated oven at 105 ± 5 °C.

Cool the blocks to ambient temperature and weigh. Repeat these steps until the mass
lost in one cycle does not exceed 0.05 kg.

D.4 Calculation of density

𝑀
𝜌𝑐 =
𝑉

Where,

b = block density (in kg/m3);

M = oven dry mass (in kg); and

V = gross volume in blocks (in m3).

D.5 Reporting

Report the density to the nearest 10 kg/m3.

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 Annex E

Determination of drying shrinkage and expansion on rewetting

E.1 Coverage

This annex provides methods for determining the drying shrinkage and expansion on
rewetting of aggregate concrete masonry units.

E.2 Apparatus

a) Oven. A forced-draught drying oven capable of maintaining a temperature of 50-

55 °C and a relative humidity of 15-25 %, and of size such as to allow a free air space
of width at least 20 mm around each test specimen.

Note: This relative humidity may be maintained by the inclusion of trays of saturated
calcium chloride solution. The trays should provide a total exposed area of at least 1
m2 per 1 m3 of volume of oven and should contain sufficient solid calcium chloride to
show above the surface of the solution throughout the test.

b) Gauge. A gauge capable of measuring the gauge length of the test specimens to
an accuracy of 0.002 mm.

c) Steel balls, of nominal diameter 6 mm.

d) Desiccator. A desiccator that is large enough to accommodate the test specimens

and that contains a saturated solution of calcium chloride (see the Note in (a) above).

E.3 Preparation of test specimens

a) Cut from each of the six units a test specimen of length (parallel to the length of the
unit), approximately 200 mm and cross-section at least 70 mm × 25 mm.

b) Using an epoxy-resin compound, so fix a steel ball into the center of each end of
each specimen that half of the surface of the ball protrudes.

c) After the resin has set sufficiently for the specimen to be handled, clean the exposed
surfaces of the steel balls, and grease them to prevent corrosion.

d) Use the outer extremities of the balls as reference points.

E.4 Procedure: Drying shrinkage

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E.4.1 Immerse the test specimens in clean water maintained at a temperature of 22-
25 °C, for a period of 4 d.

E.4.2 Remove the specimens from the water and wipe off any excess water with a
damp cloth, wipe the grease from the steel balls and immediately measure the length
between the reference points (measurement A).

E.4.3 After measuring the distance reapply the grease in the steel balls and dry the
specimens in the drying oven for a period of at least 48 h. (Do not place wet specimens
in the oven together with partially dried specimens.)

E.4.4 Remove the specimens from the oven, allow them to cool to a temperature of
22-25 °C in the desiccator, wipe the grease from the steel balls and again measure
the length between the reference points.

E.4.5 Repeat this drying and cooling procedure (but using drying periods of 24 h) until
the difference between consecutive measurements is less than 0.004 mm.

E.4.6 Take the final reading as the dry length (measurement B).

E.4.7 Calculate the drying shrinkage of each specimen, and record the arithmetic
mean of the six individual results as the average drying shrinkage of each unit and
check for compliance with the relevant requirements of 7.8.

E.4.8 Calculation

Calculate the drying shrinkage of each specimen as follows:

(𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐴 − 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐵)
𝐷𝑟𝑦𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑘𝑎𝑔𝑒, % = × 100
𝑔𝑎𝑢𝑔𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ

Where the gauge length is the dry length (measurement B rounded off to the nearest
1 mm) minus 12 mm.

Record the individual results to the nearest 0.001 % and the average result to the
nearest 0.01 %.

E.5 Procedure: Expansion on re-wetting test

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E.5.1 Test specimens: Use the six test specimens previously used in the test for drying
shrinkage.

E.5.2 After completion of the test for drying shrinkage, reapply the grease the steel
balls and immerse the test specimens in clean water maintained at a temperature of
22-25 °C, for a period of 4 d.

E.5.3 Remove the specimens from the water and wipe off any excess water with a
damp cloth, wipe the grease from the steel balls, and immediately measure the length
between the reference points (measurement A). Regard this as the final wet length.

E.5.4 Use the dry length obtained in K.4.6 as measurement B.

E.5.5 Calculate the expansion on re-wetting of each specimen, and the arithmetic
mean of the 6 individual results as the average expansion on re-wetting of the units
and check for compliance with the requirement of 6.8.

E.5.6 Calculation: Calculate the expansion on re-wetting of each specimen as follows:

(𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐴 − 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐵)
𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑒 − 𝑤𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔, % = × 100
𝑔𝑎𝑢𝑔𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ

Where, the gauge length is the dry length (measurement B rounded off to the nearest
1 mm) minus 12 mm.

E.5.7 Record the individual results to the nearest 0.001 % and the average result to
the nearest 0.01 %.

58