Physicomechanical Characterization of Lake Chad Diatomite

Ali. A. Allahou^1, , Sarr Déthié², Doko. K. V³, Batrane SIDICK¹, Abakar Ali¹, Ayoub I Correa² and M. Gibigaye³

¹Civil Engineering Department, National School of Public Works (ENSTP), N’Djamena, Chad

²Geotechnics Department, Engineering Sciences UFR, Iba Der Thiam University, Thiès, Senegal

³Civil Engineering Department, Unniversity of Abomey CAlavi, Cotonou, Benin

Cite this paper:
Ali. A. Allahou, Sarr Déthié, Doko. K. V, Batrane SIDICK, Abakar Ali, Ayoub I Correa and M. Gibigaye. Physicomechanical Characterization of Lake Chad Diatomite. American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture. 2025; 13(3):73-79. doi: 10.12691/ajcea-13-3-3

Abstract

This work focuses on the physical, chemical, and mechanical characterization of diatomite through a rigorous study. Lake Chad contains a significant quantity of diatomite, whose use has a very minimal impact on the environment. This study involves the use of three different diatomite samples (44, D, and M) collected from the Lake Chad province, specifically in Ngouri. With the aim of promoting eco-friendly materials, the three samples (44, D, and M) were analyzed. The physical properties (bulk density, porosity, void ratio, and Atterberg limits), chemical properties (oxide content), and mechanical properties (compressive and tensile strengths) were determined. The results show that the diatomite is very fine, with more than 80% passing through the 80 µm sieve, siliceous, with high porosity (around 39%) and low density. Diatomite exhibits favorable characteristics for the production of compressed earth bricks (CEB) and other sustainable materials. Therefore, these results confirm the potential of diatomite as an eco-material for ecological housing in the Sahelian climate. The characteristics are favorable for the manufacturing of compressed earth bricks (CEB) and other durable construction materials. These findings confirm the potential of diatomite as a local material for ecological housing in Sahelian regions.

Keywords:
Diatomite Lake Chad Eco-materials Physico-mechanical parameters

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