Mechanical and thermal properties, and comparative life-cycle impacts, of stabilised earth building products

Abstract

The study presented here investigates the use of alkali-activation and waste materials in stabilised compressed earth construction products. Experimental results for mechanical and thermal properties are presented. Environmental impacts are also compared in a Life Cycle Assessment together with a wider discussion of construction practicalities. Construction and demolition waste shows potential as an aggregate, with processed ground blast furnace slag, together with fly ash, particularly promising for alkali-activated stabilisation. Thermal conductivities of materials using the processed ground blast furnace slag were noticeably lower. Alkali-activated compressed earth blocks appear most promising for reducing the global warming potential of stabilised earth construction.