Based on the RILEM Technical Committee 274-TCE work, this paper is a discussion of the remaining engineering challenges faced by earthen architecture. The assessment of earth material performances requires the development of appropriate procedures and standards. This is discussed in particular for the characterisation, hygrothermal behaviour, mechanical behaviour, and durability of earth materials. One other important challenge, since one of the main advantages classically put forward, is its ecological performance, is a proper assessment of life cycle assessment of earth materials, elements and buildings. Moreover, the paper develops why the approach to earthen construction must be different compared to the dominant construction materials, to preserve its ability to contribute to the ecological transition in the construction sector. In particular, the needs of using local soils, with an architectural approach coping with the limits of the materials, and developing an architectural optimisation to preserve the earthen materials multifunctionality rather than selecting a sole property to be maximised. Lastly, the findings of the paper can be used to develop a holistic approach to earthen construction to foster the development of new earthen architecture projects.
Earth is a predominant eco-friendly construction material which provides a good occupational comfort consuming less energy. To improve the durability performance, stabilization is commonly adopted. However the additional costs induced by such process cannot be afforded by the majority of the population in developing countries, and in some circumstances, the environmental side effect may be controversial. Alternatively, laterite stone which is natural available and readily stabilized material that can be used for building construction is studied in this paper. Lateritic building stones (LBS) from Burkina-Faso are studied for their hygroscopic, physical and mechanical characteristics by conducting experimental investigation such as moisture sorption and desorption, moisture buffering, three-point bending, and cyclic unconfined compression test. The analysis is focused on the moisture ingress of the material and its impact on the mechanical strength and also an insight on understanding linear elastic behaviour of LBS 2 is carried out. The experimental results are compared with the stabilized and un-stabilized earthen construction materials. This comparison underlines the good performances of LBS, in both mechanical and hygrothermal properties as a building material.
The research presented in this paper is aimed at developing novel alternative sustainable stabilised earth materials for use in loadbearing affordable housing construction. Prototype stabilised earth materials have been produced in the laboratory incorporating a range of solid wastes, including aggregates derived from construction and demolition waste as well as industrial processes. The earth construction materials were stabilised with either Portland cement, Portland cement and lime, or through alkali-activation. Experimental results for compressive strength are reported, together with findings from a comparative Life Cycle Inventory analysis.Construction and demolition waste shows promise as a potential aggregate for stabilised earth construction. The use of processed ground blast furnace slag together with fly ash is also promising for development of alkali-activated stabilisation.
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