Using ecological materials such as raw earth represents an ancestral building practice that has been revisited for modern construction, thanks to its availability, low cost, environmental friendliness, and thermal properties, which offer optimal insulation and thermal comfort. This article explores the development of a new composite based on raw earth reinforced with 15% mussel shells, a by-product of the aquaculture industry, combined with two stabilizers: lime or cement (3%, 5% and 8%), in distinct formulations. This study aims to characterize the chemical and mineralogical composition of the soil and mussel shells and the thermal and mechanical properties of the composites. The results indicate that the gradual addition of lime to the soil-mussel shell mixture decreases dry density, which reduces dry mechanical strength due to increased porosity but enhances thermal properties. Conversely, incorporating cement into the soil-mussel shell mixture improves significantly mechanical properties while limiting the thermal performances.

Vertical-inclined alternating composite steel pipe pile(VIACP) is a new green foundation pit support technology. A numerical experimental study on the mechanical properties of vertical-inclined combination piles with different pile inclination angles and lengths was carried out with a foundation pit in Longli County, Guizhou Province, as the research object. Results demonstrate that the VIACP reduces maximum deformation by 57.8% (20.07 mm) compared to traditional cantilever piles (47.57 mm), aligning closely with field monitoring data (16.94 mm). The parametric study shows that the maximum horizontal displacement of the pile decreases and then increases as the inclination angle (5 degrees-30 degrees) increases, with the minimum displacement (20.07 mm) at 20 degrees, which is the optimum angle. Increasing pile lengths lead to progressively reduced displacements followed by stabilization while alternating long-short pile configurations exhibit synergistic effects. Mechanically, axial forces and lateral friction resistance show negative correlations with inclination angles, while bending moments adopt an S-shaped distribution along pile depth with minimal sensitivity to angle variations. Mechanism analysis highlights that the inclined piles in the structure have a pull-anchor effect, the soil between the piles together has a gravity effect, and the alternating arrangement of piles has a spatial structure effect. The three major effects increase the stiffness and stability of the support structure, which is conducive to the deformation control of the foundation pit. The research results will provide a theoretical basis for the popularization and application of the structure.

The 21st century is often referred to as the Age of Plastics where the mass consumption of disposables leads to excessive pollution and contributes to the climate crisis. Indeed, single-use plastics are frequently used in packaging applications. Thus, in line with the political and ethical demands of our times, scholars and industries are pushed to search for sustainable materials. In this work, a new generation of nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing using poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) as a matrix reinforced with 5 wt % of POSSPh nanoclusters, i.e. unmodified trisilanol phenyl POSS (POSSPh-triol) and two prepared ionic liquid-modified POSSPh (IL-g-POSSPh) having chloride (Cl-) or bis-trifluoromethanesulfonimidate (NTf2 -) counteranions, in order to develop more sustainable and efficient active packaging food systems. The incorporation of IL-g-POSSPh into the PBSA matrix led to the formation of well-dispersed POSS nanoclusters (10 to 100 nm), resulting in a significant increase of the mechanical performances, i.e., Young's modulus (982 vs 260 MPa) and strain at break (297 vs 226%). In addition, the corresponding PBSA nanocomposites displayed outstanding water (87%) and oxygen (90%) barrier properties combined with higher bactericidal and fungicidal activities. Finally, biodegradation tests under soil burial conditions showed a better ability of the PBSA nanocomposites to biodegrade after 12 weeks (84 against 58% for pure PBSA).

Climate change, soil consumption and waste management are among the major challenges that current and future generations will have to afford. New opportunities and challenges for the building sector take advantages of sustainable materials where waste is used in place of raw matter. This paper presents results of an experimental study in which different combinations of straw fibers with lime putty have been investigated to develop innovative materials. Both lime and straw are natural, renewable resources, contributing to sustainable building practices. The use of lime putty, which can be produced locally, together with straw, an agricultural by-product, contributes to reduce the carbon footprint associated with building materials. Decreasing heat exchange through buildings allow to achieve a better indoor comfort. Insulating properties of lime putty-straw materials have been tested to characterize and compare the experimental materials with traditional and existing one. Furthermore, mechanical properties under compressions were investigated evidencing how these materials have enough strength to be conveniently employed as base floor. The study finally aims at responding to current challenges in the transition towards low environmental impact processes, showing a potential way to produce low carbon emission buildings.