This study investigates the behavior of different earth mortar compositions when exposed to elevated temperatures, considering factors such as the mineralogical nature and volumetric fraction of the aggregates used. Earth mortars made from a combination of a silty-clay earth, silica-calcareous sand and fired red ceramic bricks waste were investigated. Density, thermal conductivity, ultrasonic wave velocity, flexural and compressive strength are determined at 200 degrees C, 400 degrees C, 600 degrees C and 600 degrees C. Results show that incorporating aggregates reduces linear shrinkage and bulk density. The use of fired brick waste reduces the density, thermal conductivity and ultrasonic wave velocity. As the temperature increases up to 600 degrees C, thermophysical properties of the mortars decrease but their compressive strength increases. At the temperature of 800 degrees C, the mortars with silica-calcareous aggregate show a significant degradation but the addition of fired brick waste reduces the damage. TG/DSC analysis and SEM observations provided a better understanding of the reactions. The results obtained can be used to optimize the performance of earth mortars at elevated temperatures.

This study focuses on investigating the thermal, physical, and mechanical attributes of a light-weight fired earth brick composed of clay and dune sand, stabilized with lime. The study explores the impact of incorporating alfa plant powder and glass powder, constituting 15% and 10% respectively, relative to the soil matrix weight. This addition aims to attain optimized thermal, physical, and mechanical characteristics. Employing the statistical software, Statgraphics, experimental designs were created and analyzed, allowing for optimizations. The outcomes demonstrated a notable reduction in thermal conductivity, up to 42.36% and 23.91%, with the inclusion of alfa plant powder and lime, respectively. However, this led to a decrement in physical and mechanical properties. Conversely, the introduction of glass powder led to a decrease of total water absorption rates by as much as 4.52%. Utilizing the statistical program, an optimal ratio of 10.26% alfa powder was suggested, resulting in a brick with a thermal conductivity of 0.384 W/ m.K, a compressive strength of 8.561 MPa, and a total water absorption rate of 26.922%. These findings underscore the potential of incorporating alfa plant powder to enhance fired earth bricks, particularly in terms of thermal insulation. Additionally, it presents a sustainable and eco-friendly material technology.