This study contributes to the understanding of the vernacular raw-earth heritage of the Champagne region in France, where such structures are currently being documented. The research investigates the mineral composition, grain size distribution, and physico-chemical, mechanical, thermal, and hydric properties of seven adobe types derived from soils with varying compositions (predominantly silicate or limestone-based soils). In particular, the influence of calcite content, which spans a wide range from 0 % to 84.9 %, was examined. The results indicate a strong dependency of peak compressive strength on calcite content: higher CaCO3 levels correspond to lower peak compressive strength. Additionally, the study reveals that the metal oxide content of soils is a critical factor directly associated with mechanical performance. Interestingly, it was observed that historical builders often used weaker adobes for load-bearing purposes and stronger ones for filling, likely without adherence to formal construction standards. Rather than compressive strength, wall design appears to have played a more critical role in structural stability. Regarding thermal properties, calcite content showed minimal influence on diffusivity, specific heat capacity, and thermal conductivity across all adobe samples. Furthermore, all adobes demonstrated excellent to very good moisture regulation performance, with corresponding Moisture Buffer Values varying from 1.65 to 3.09 g/(m2.%RH). The findings of this study underscore the potential of traditional raw-earth techniques in rediscovering and evaluating earthen architecture, with implications for promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly contemporary earthen construction and renovation practices.

Olden adobe structures had been commonly built on raw clayey earth hence the technique was exposed to be an eco-green and globally sustainable construction. Nowadays, modern construction materials lack long-lasting stability, affordability, and eco-friendliness. On the other hand, overutilization of earth-based materials led to the depletion of natural resources. So, global construction societies were raised to develop organic construction for an eco-friendly environment. This paper reviewed the recent research on the earthen clay adobe bricks and mortar stabilized with Agro-wastes and how they contended with adaptability and stability standards. The literature study focuses on the ability of the rejuvenated clay adobes rather than the traditional clay adobes of historical times. Agro-waste, non-agro-waste, and some synthetic components were used to enhance the adobe's mechanical, durable, and thermal behavior. This review emphasized altering raw clay and Agro-waste or waste additives by endorsing W/B proportions. From the literature, the scientific interpretations were conferred to attain possible usage of alternate binders and Agro-waste additives with viable W/B ratio. The prime findings of this review were subjected to define modifications of raw clay by adding disposal wastes and alternate binders to resolve the shortage of raw clay resources. Nominal mixing strategies of altered clay bricks are to be prescribed since adobes have no specific standards. The renovations of earthen adobe construction are essential to progress and to satisfy commercial needs as an environmentally sustainable material.

The underutilization of natural waste from date palm plantation maintenance presents an opportunity for the production of sustainable building materials. This study investigates the mechanical properties and environmental sustainability of adobe bricks reinforced with date palm waste (DPW) and a small percentage of cement. Adobe bricks were stabilized using 7% cement by weight and varying proportions of DPW (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% by weight), followed by curing under two distinct conditions: moist storage (MS) and open-air (AF). It was observed that bricks cured under MS conditions significantly outperformed those cured in AF, evidenced by a 47.05% reduction in capillary absorption coefficient compared to the reference brick. Despite a decrease in compressive strength due to DPW incorporation, the bricks exhibited increases in capillary and total absorption while still satisfying earth construction standards. Notably, flexural strength improved by 41.66% under MS curing. Enhanced erosion and abrasion resistance, as well as improved performance throughout wetting/drying cycles, were also recorded. These enhancements underscore the potential of DPW as a renewable additive in the formulation of adobe bricks for ecological and durable housing. The study not only proposes a novel use for date palm byproducts but also contributes to the advancement of environmentally -friendly construction methodologies.