Research Article
Study of Four Lateritic Soils from Benin and Recycled Lime to Produce Compressed Earth Bricks (CEB): X-ray Diffraction Analysis and Rietveld Refinement
Ernesto Cabral Houehanou*
,
Finagnon Crepin Alexis Togbe,
Guevara Nonviho,
Mansourou Bissilimou Orounla,
Frederic Hubert Gbaguidi,
Mohamed Gibigaye
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2026
Pages:
146-161
Received:
29 May 2026
Accepted:
11 June 2026
Published:
29 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jccee.20261104.11
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Abstract: Compressed earth bricks (CEBs) stabilized with lime represent a sustainable alternative to conventional construction materials in West Africa. However, the effective stabilization of lateritic soils depends strongly on their mineralogical composition, which remains insufficiently documented for Beninese soils. This study aims to provide the first quantitative mineralogical characterization of four lateritic soils collected from Dassa-Zoumé, Glazoué, N'Dali, and Zogbodomey in Benin, together with a recycled lime derived from oxy-acetylene welding residues, in order to assess their suitability for the production of stabilized compressed earth bricks. The investigation was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD) coupled with Rietveld refinement. Diffractograms were recorded over a 2θ range of 5-70° using a Rigaku diffractometer, and mineral phases were identified using the PDF-4 Minerals 2026 database. Quantitative phase analysis and crystallite size determination were performed through Rietveld refinement and the Scherrer equation, respectively. The results revealed that all four soils are dominated by a quartz-feldspar mineralogy, with quartz contents ranging from 40% to 56%. Significant mineralogical differences were observed among the soils. The N'Dali soil was distinguished by the exclusive presence of kaolinite-1A (26 ± 4%), indicating a high pozzolanic reactivity and strong potential for lime stabilization. In contrast, the Dassa-Zoumé and Zogbodomey soils exhibited predominantly quartz-rich compositions with limited reactive clay content, while the Glazoué soil showed elevated goethite content (12%) and evidence of a poorly crystalline or amorphous fraction. The recycled lime was characterized by a high portlandite content (85.4 ± 1.8%), confirming its suitability as a stabilization binder. The study demonstrates that mineralogical composition is a key factor governing the stabilization potential of Beninese lateritic soils. Among the investigated materials, the N'Dali soil appears to be the most suitable for lime-stabilized CEB production. These findings provide valuable scientific data for the development of sustainable, locally sourced construction materials in Benin and West Africa.
Abstract: Compressed earth bricks (CEBs) stabilized with lime represent a sustainable alternative to conventional construction materials in West Africa. However, the effective stabilization of lateritic soils depends strongly on their mineralogical composition, which remains insufficiently documented for Beninese soils. This study aims to provide the first q...
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