Earthen construction: Demonstration of feasibility at 1/2 scale of poured clay concrete construction

Abstract

Poured earth construction is a very promising alternative to cement-based construction, however it requires a large increase of productivity. Poured earth concrete can meet this issue, but is currently stabilized with cement leading to a high environmental impact. One possible solution is the use of alginate, a biopolymer, to provide a transient liquid–solid transition before the wall is effectively hardened by the long process of drying. Using design experiment, the impact of four parameters (water to binder ratio, dispersant ratio, alginate ratio and level of acidifier) has been investigated on the consistency and the mechanical properties. In this study the feasibility of the use of poured earth concrete stabilized with biopolymer is demonstrated through low wall manufacturing.