TITLE:
Mechanical Characterization and Finite Element Simulation of Cement-Stabilized Earth Blocks in Humid Tropical Zones: Experimental Characterization and Monotonic Phase-Field Damage Modelling Using Comsol Multiphysics
AUTHORS:
Tchoupe Ulrich Parfait Lelong Wetka, Jules Bertrand Penka, Moses Kuma Mbuh
KEYWORDS:
Mechanical Behaviour, Modelling, Humid Zone, Stabiliser
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Civil Engineering,
Vol.16 No.3,
September
22,
2026
ABSTRACT: The mechanical performance of cement-stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs) under humid tropical conditions remains insufficiently explored. This study investigates the static mechanical behaviour and structural durability of CSEBs produced from lateritic soils of Bamenda III, Cameroon, through combined experimental characterization and monotonic phase-field finite element damage modelling in COMSOL Multiphysics. All mechanical tests were performed under monotonic (non-cyclic) loading at ambient laboratory conditions; the results therefore characterize static strength and simulated damage response rather than measured fatigue behaviour, and humid-climate durability inferences are limited to the water absorption results obtained. Soil classified as A-2-7 exhibited a liquid limit of 65.9%, plasticity index of 23.7%, and maximum dry density of 1.614 g/cm3 at 22.6% optimal moisture content. Blocks manufactured at cement stabilization levels of 0%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% were tested for water absorption, bulk density, compressive strength, and flexural strength. Increasing cement content progressively reduced water absorption from 22.1% to 17.3%, while compressive strength increased from 4.5 MPa to 6.1 MPa and flexural strength from 0.7 MPa to 1.2 MPa. Three-dimensional FEM simulations demonstrated that stabilized walls exhibit superior stress distribution, reduced crack propagation, and enhanced load-carrying capacity, with the 10% stabilized wall achieving a load capacity of 599.38 kN against 485.53 kN for the unstabilized configuration. These findings provide design-oriented baseline data and modelling parameters for resilient earthen construction in humid tropical climates across sub-Saharan Africa.