2.2.4. Preparation of specimens and mechanical test on CEB

The samples produced were made according to the method prescribed by the Cameroonian standard NC 102-115 (2007), which consist in: extraction, preparation (drying, crushing, sieving, mixing with water), compaction using a hydraulic press, followed by de-molding, and finally air drying. The soil powders of a size less than 1 mm were obtained after grinding. For stabilized specimens, 4%, 6%, and 8% by weight of Portland cement were added to the natural material mixture. After 28 days of maturation in a plastic envelope, all the specimens were tested to determine their physical and mechanical parameters.

Compressive and flexural strengths were measured on prismatic soil specimens of dimensions 4 × 4 × 16 cm. The standards NF P94-420 (2000) and NF P94-422 (2001) were used to measure the compressive and flexural strengths, respectively.