Augou Ovo Sandrine Flora^1,, Sérifou Mamery Adama², Gboga Ouaga Jean Bruce Nataniel³, Emeruwa Edjikémé²

This study aims to revalue local materials which are full of important characteristics for the construction of homes. It deals with the influence of the decoction of the seeds of the Nere tree on the physical and mechanical properties of laterite-based earth blocks. To do this, the mixing water used for mixing the materials is replaced by the nere decoction. Two types of blocks were developed: earth blocks incorporated with rice straw and earth blocks without straw. They were subjected to the study of density, wear test and capillary rise. Using water to mix the materials, the density of the blocks is equal to 1.26 and 1.22; wear is equal to 1.30 g/𝑐𝑚² and 1.09 g/𝑐𝑚² and capillary rise is equal to 3.4 cm and 4.4 cm, respectively for samples containing rice straw or not. On the other hand, when the nere decoction is used for mixing, the density of the blocks is equal to 0.74 and 0.75; wear is equal to 0.41 g/𝑐𝑚² and 0.38 g/𝑐𝑚² and capillary rise is equal to 2 cm and 2.6 cm respectively for samples containing rice straw or not. Replacing water with nere decoction reduces the density of the earth blocks but improves their resistance to wear and capillary rise. It appears from this study that the decoction of nere seeds improves the quality of local materials and can therefore be rehabilitated in the construction of tropical countries.

Local materials, valorization, decoction, nere seed, block of earth