Flexural Strength of High-Performance Soil-Cement: A New, Alternative, Sustainable Construction Material

Abstract

Soil-cement is a building material that is considered low-cost and has a low environmental impact. Despite its benefits, performance optimisation studies are scarce compared to other materials such as concrete. The possibility of obtaining soil-cement with improved characteristics, such as flexural strength, would enable the increased use of this product in new applications in construction. The aim of this study is to produce high-performance soil-cement (HPSC) specimens and to evaluate and compare this new material with high-performance concrete (HPC) in terms of flexural strength. A total of 12 specimens were produced with a mixture of 23.5% (by mass) of cement with the application of 10 MPa of pressure for its compaction. The results show that, at 28 days, the specimens reached an average strength of 6.73 MPa and, at 240 days, 12.34 MPa. This means that the HPSC reached a flexural strength resistance equivalent to HPC without the need for mined materials, such as sand and gravel, or the additives adopted in some doses of HPC, such as superplasticisers. Therefore, when using local soil, HPSC can be considered an environmentally preferable alternative to HPC for many construction applications where flexural strength is a requirement.

Mechanical properties and microstructures of cement-treated soils: a review

“…Anggraini et al [50] revealed that the coconut fibers could significantly enhance the flexural strength of cement-treated marine soil in the Selangor State of Malaysia. Moreover, Vinolas et al [51] found the method to enhance the flexural strength of cementtreated soil by adding 10.5% clay, 42.5% fine sand, and 48.5% coarse sand. The material dosage includes 23.5% cement and 76.5% of soil.…”

Exploring the Use of Wood Pellets as a Sustainable Alternative for Indoor Insulation

“…The probe was placed in the middle of the main face (Figure 1e). Thermal conductivity was calculated via Equation (2).…”

“…The construction sector is a major contributor to global economic growth, with a predicted increase of 70% by 2025 [1]. However, it also has a significant environmental impact, being a major source of pollution, waste production, and energy consumption [1,2]. In the EU, it accounts for 40% of energy usage and 36% of CO 2 emissions [2].…”

“…However, it also has a significant environmental impact, being a major source of pollution, waste production, and energy consumption [1,2]. In the EU, it accounts for 40% of energy usage and 36% of CO 2 emissions [2]. On the other hand, bio-based construction materials offer a sustainable solution, with the EU recognizing them as a high-potential growth area.…”