Experimental and numerical investigation of a cement-stabilized compressed earth block masonry system

Compressed earth block (CEB) masonry represents a sustainable construction technique aligned with environmentally and socially responsible building practices. This study investigates the mechanical behavior of an unreinforced cement-stabilized compressed earth block (SCEB) masonry system currently under development in Senegal, using locally sourced soil from the Sindia region for both block and mortar production. The mechanical properties of the system are evaluated at the unit-scale, with particular attention to the influence of specimen geometry and moisture conditions. At the meso-scale, masonry panels are tested under uniaxial compression to investigate load-bearing capacity, deformation behavior, crack development, and failure mechanisms. Experimental results highlight the role of block geometry and material heterogeneity in governing the mechanical response of masonry. A data-efficient numerical model is proposed and calibrated against the experimental results. The model captures the primary mechanical response of unreinforced SCEB masonry while requiring a limited set of input parameters, making it suitable for applications where material variability and limited experimental data challenge conventional modeling approaches. The results contribute to a more systematic understanding of stabilized compressed earth block masonry and provide a methodological basis for its mechanical assessment and future optimization for structural applications.