Research Assistant / Research Fellow (Soil-Cement) at Meru University of Science and Technology

About the Organization

A reputable organization seeks a dedicated individual for this role at the Soil-Cement Laboratory, Institute of Cement and Concrete, Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST).

Project Summary

The project focuses on the development and evaluation of Stabilized Soil Blocks (SSBs) and Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs). The primary aim is to produce sustainable, cost-effective, and durable building blocks using locally available soil materials stabilized with appropriate cement and additives. This initiative seeks to contribute to affordable housing solutions, promote environmentally friendly construction practices, and enhance the technical capacity of academicians, researchers, policy makers, regulators, and other industry professionals in innovative cement-earth-based construction technologies. Through comprehensive testing and analysis, the project aims to establish optimal mix designs, mechanical properties, and construction guidelines for industry practitioner applications.

Project Objectives

• Determine the optimal mix proportions of soil, stabilizers (such as cement), and water to achieve desirable strength, durability, and dimensional stability
• Develop and produce Stabilized Soil Blocks (SSBs) and Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) suitable for sustainable construction using locally sourced soils and stabilizers
• Evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of the blocks, including compressive strength, water absorption, density, and durability
• Analyze the environmental and economic benefits of using stabilized soil and compressed earth blocks as sustainable building materials
• Establish standardized testing procedures and quality control measures for the production of SSBs and CEBs
• Promote awareness and capacity building among academia, researchers, industry professionals, policy makers, and local communities on the advantages of soil-cement earth-based construction materials
• Develop training workshops that inform practitioners on soil-cement construction technologies