Q1. Can I use any soil with Stabilized Soil Block Machines?
A. No! Pure sand cannot be used as we must compact the mixture. We use prescribed dosage of cement ratios to bind the soil. To achieve the compaction necessary for the strength to produce a strong block, we need a clay soil of 10%>. If the insitu soil is too sandy, then most definitely some 'clayish' soil has to be mixed in with the existing insitu soil. A compaction test will give you a clear idea of the proper mix to work with.
Q2. Can I mix water with the soil?
A. Stabilized Soil Blocks use what is called
a "dry mix" which
in fact uses a minimum of (10 to 15 %) water . Most often the soil is
wet enough to be used as is. If need be, a small amount of water can
be added. The mixture must not be over wet, otherwise compaction will
not be achieved.
Q3. Do I need a mixer?
A. For small projects, mixers are not used at all -
but can be if so desired. We emphasise the labour intensive possibilities
of Stabilized Soil Blocks. If the project needs a high output of blocks, we recommend
the use of a pan mixer to improve productivity.
Q4. Do I have to prepare the soil before mixing in the Clay
Brick Stabiliser?
A. Once again, for small projects, there is no need
for mechanisation of the soil preparation. A good grid trough (into which
the soil is shovelled)
will eliminate stones and other big components and will produce very
good results. If a higher output is required, we recommend the use of
a crusher that will reduce the lumps and stones and give a very high
consistent quality to the final product.