In recent years, there has been an increased focus on the research of earthen construction, driven by the rising demand for low-cost and sustainable building materials. Numerous studies have investigated the properties of compressed earth blocks (CEBs), however, very few have examined the properties of earth-based mortar. Mortar is an essential component and further investigation is required to enhance the mechanical performance of CEB structures. The study focuses on raw earth mortar (REM), which is a rudimentary mix of water with natural earth consisting of sand, silt and clay. Through experimental investigation, the fresh and hardened properties of three REM mixes were examined to determine the influence of cement stabilisation and jute fibre reinforcement. Shear triplet CEB assemblages were manufactured and tested to determine the initial shear strength of each mortar mix. The addition of 20 mm jute fibre at 0.25 % by weight increased the compressive and flexural strength of cement-stabilised raw earth mortar by 12 % and 20 % respectively. The addition of jute fibre also enhanced the initial shear strength, angle of internal friction and coefficient of friction during shear triplet testing. Finite element analysis (FEA) was undertaken to model the failure mechanism of the CEB assemblages, employing the use of cohesive zone modelling. The results of the FEA provided a satisfactory correspondence to the behaviour observed during experimental analysis and were within +/- 5.0 % of the expected values. The outcome of this investigation demonstrates the potential of REM and contributes to the development of low-cost and sustainable earth construction.

This research examines the influence of blast furnace slag (BFS) on the physico-mechanical properties of compressed earth blocks (CEBs) stabilised with cement and/or lime. A three-factor mixture design is employed to assess the effects of BFS, cement and lime on key properties such as dry density, water content and compressive strength at 28 and 90 days. The study maintains a constant dune sand proportion with soil substitutions up to 20% (420 grams), while the BFS, lime and cement proportions vary with soil substitutions up to 15% (315 g). The findings indicate that mixtures with over 7.5% cement and equal proportions of lime and BFS, as well as a ternary mixture of 10% cement, 2.5% lime and 2.5% BFS, deliver superior strength. Notably, the optimal compressive strength with a high desirability score of 0.93 is achieved using around 14% cement and 1% lime. Proctor curve analysis shows that BFS-cement-lime substitution reduces water content and increases dry density. Statistical analysis confirms the model's robustness in predicting compressive strength, supported by high F-values and low probabilities, and highlights its effectiveness in guiding design decisions. Additionally, the study's evaluation of rupture types offers further insights into material strength and validates adherence to testing standards.

Modern research is focused on the discovery of new compounds that meet the requirements of modern construction. An example of low energy consumption is that buildings consume between 20% and 40% of energy. In this research, the effect of fiber addition on the properties of compacted earth bricks composed of clay and sand and fixed with cement is studied. Fiberglass or palm are used in different proportions (0% and 0.4%). This is done by studying the change in mechanical and thermal properties. The study focuses on clarifying the role of fiber type and the amount of compressive force applied to the soil. To change the properties of bricks. This is studied using experimental methods and systematization criteria. The results showed a decrease in density by 9.1%, with a decrease in water absorption by 8%, an increase in brick hardness by 42.7%, and a decrease in thermal conductivity by 22.2%. These results show that the addition of fiber improves mechanical and thermal properties. Which reduces energy consumption. The results are important because they explain the changes that occur in the earth block when palm fibers and glass are added and how they are used to improve earthen buildings.

This paper investigates the effect of integrating Alfa fibers into compressed earth blocks (CEBs) stabilized with varying Portland cement contents. CEB composites were manufactured with earth stabilized using different cement contents (5% and 10% by weight) and Alfa fibers reinforcement (0-0.4% by weight), compressed at 10 MPa with a compaction loading press. After 28 days of drying, the CEBs underwent diverse experimental tests to evaluate their physical, mechanical, and durability properties. The findings indicated that incorporating fibers led to a diminution in unit weight, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and dry compressive strength. Moreover, an increase in water absorption was linked with higher fiber content and less cement stabilizer. Despite the drop in mechanical strength, CEBs with lower cement (5%) and higher fiber content (0.4%) show better thermal performance. Thermal conductivity values were decreased from 0.5166 W/m.K (10% cement without fibers) to 0.3465 W/m.K (5% fibers with 0.4% fibers). The findings show also satisfactory erosion resistance, which could play a crucial role in areas prone to extreme weather events (floods and storms). According to the findings of this research, this material has potential as a promoting composite for the building materials industry.

The interest in earth construction is growing increasingly as society becomes more aware of the importance of sustainable building. A considerable number of investigations have been devoted to studying the mechanical properties of compressed earth blocks (CEBs). However, most of these studies were conducted in laboratory settings. Little focus has been directed at studying the performance of CEBs that use on-site soil and other local materials to construct small-scale housing at the same location. A total of 120 CEBs were manufactured on-site from four block mixes: coarse soil with and without Phragmites Australis (Phragmites) and fine soil with and without Phragmites. By comparing the results achieved with minimum strength requirements from different building codes, the dry compressive strengths of all four block mixes were deemed adequate for single-storey structures. The addition of Phragmites caused a slight increase in the compressive strength and a slight decrease in the flexural strength of the CEBs. A formula to estimate the flexural strength of the blocks given the compressive strength is proposed based on a database of test results from the literature and this investigation's results. CEBs can create a sustainable building solution, especially in remote areas and Indigenous communities with limited access to conventional building materials.

In the context of sustainable building development, Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) have garnered increasing attention in recent years owing to their minimal environmental and economic impact. However, owing to the inherent diversity of raw soil and the production process's reliance on expertise, the properties of these blocks are subjected to multifaceted influences. Among these, the significance of soil particle size variation often remains overlooked, leaving its impact ambiguous. This study endeavours to address this gap in existing research by delving into this aspect. Two distinct batches of CEBs were produced by adjusting the grain size curve of a single type of sieved soil with different maximum mesh openings: 2 mm for R1 CEBs and 12.5 mm for R2 CEBs. Experimental results reveal significant differences in thermophysical characteristics: on average, R1 blocks show superior thermal performance, boasting a 23% reduction in thermal conductivity compared to R2 blocks, and are lighter, with an 8% decrease in dry bulk density. Although no significant changes in mechanical parameters were observed, finer-structured R1 blocks showed a 25% greater tendency to absorb water due to changes in their porous structure. This study sheds light on the sensitivity of thermal parameters to changes in soil particle size and shows that blocks with finer particles exhibit poorer heat conduction and heat diffusion. Besides providing new insights into the literature, this research also provides a strategic approach to optimise the thermophysical properties of CEBs. By understanding the influence of particle size, researchers and practitioners can now develop strategies to enhance these properties and improve the overall performance of CEBs.

Interlocking Compressed Earth Blocks (ICEBs) have recently surfaced as a valuable and innovative inclusion among earthen building materials. They offer workable answers to the common problems with burned bricks and cement blocks. Researchers frequently used river sand in their studies to address and reduce the finer content in soil. This study explored recipes to make ICEBs from construction and demolition wastes. Fine recycled concrete aggregate (FRCA) was used as a soil modification within the ICEBs as a part of this investigation to support ecofriendly, low-carbon product development driven by global climate concerns and the need for improved construction waste management to combat pollution. ICEBs, made by mixing construction and demolition trash, regulate environmental impact and address the scarcity of building materials. Due to the inherent diversity of soil and the lack of a standardized mix design for the manufacturing of ICEB, 40 different mix ratios were generated using the proportionated blends of sand and FRCA. Based on the compressive strength results, the best recipes representing conventional river sand and the FRCA were selected. The prepared samples of ICEBs using the optimized mix recipes of river sand and FRCA were further analyzed for mechanical, thermal, and durability performance alongside the required forensic endorsements, and the test results were enhanced for both ICEBs compared to first-class burnt clay bricks. Sand-incorporated ICEBs achieved 13.72 MPa compressive strength, while FRCA-incorporated ICEBs reached 13.38 MPa. Both ICEBs showed a noticeable improvement in compressive strength compared to various studies. The durability of ICEBs, in terms of water absorption, improved around 70% compared to fired bricks commonly used in the construction industry. The test findings reveal that FRCA incorporated ICEBs showed 14.3% lower thermal conductivity than ICEBs with sand incorporation. Therefore, the use of ICEBs specially designed with FRCA provides the most sustainable alternative to conventional fired bricks used by the construction sector in the developing countries.

This study aims to preserve and improve the durability of earthen buildings in rural areas of Morocco, particularly in the Al Haouz province of the Marrakech-Safi region. In this paper, a survey was conducted to identify defects in earthen building materials and investigate factors that lead villagers to use cement over traditional earth-based construction methods. To propose solutions to these shortcomings, mineralogical, physicochemical, and geotechnical studies were conducted on four soils commonly used as rural building materials. Subsequently, some corrections were implemented in the treatment of raw materials and the production process of compressed earth blocks (CEBs), which were then subjected to mechanical, physical, and morphological characterization. The findings of this study revealed several building pathologies in earthen construction in this region, including ceiling water leaks, formulations made, and cracks. Research shows that the key factors influencing the durability of building materials are particle size distribution, mineralogy composition, moisture content, and con-struction process.

This study investigates the impact of incorporating Juncus fibers (JF) into compressed earth blocks (CEBs) stabilized with varying Portland cement contents, aiming to enhance local construction materials' performance and reduce housing costs. CEB composites were produced with soil stabilized using different cement contents (4%, 8%, and 12% by weight) and JF reinforcement (0 to 0.2% by weight), compressed at 10 MPa with a hydraulic press. After 28 days of drying, the CEBs underwent diverse experimental characterizations to assess their physical, mechanical, thermal, and durability properties. The results revealed that incorporating JF led to a reduction in unit weight, ultrasonic pulse velocity (up to 36%), and dry compressive strength (approximately 17%). Higher fiber content correlated with increased water absorption and an increased capillarity coefficient. Thermal conductivity analysis indicated improved thermal performance, decreasing from 0.4350 W/m center dot K (12% cement without fibers) to 0.2465 W/m center dot K (4% cement with 0.2% JF). Despite the decrease in mechanical strength, CEBs with lower cement (4%) and higher fiber content (0.2%) demonstrated satisfactory durability (abrasion and erosion) and thermal insulation properties. This research suggests the potential of this material as a promising composite for the building materials industry. The findings contribute valuable insights into sustainable construction materials and have implications for cost-effective housing solutions.

This work focuses on the feasibility of improving the mechanical strength of Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) made from Macrotermes termite mound soil with corn starch gel to provide an ecological and sustainable building material. The results demonstrate the suitability of raw earth collected from termite mounds for the production of compressed earth blocks (CEB) at the Proctor optimum. Mechanical tests on 4 x 4 x16 cm(3) specimens showed an increase in the compressive strength with decreasing water content (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% and 13.6%). In addition, unstabilised CEB and CEB stabilised with corn gel (5%, 10% and 15%) concentrated at 10% in water are compared in the dry state. Our results show that corn gel improves the mechanical properties by more than 50% and has a negligible effect on the thermal conductivity of compressed earth blocks. In short, starch seems to give CEBs improved thermal properties. This new family of composite materials - termite mound soil and starch - would be ideal for the construction of modern, sustainable, renewable buildings with a low carbon footprint.