Mechanical performance and shrinkage of compressed earth blocks stabilised with thermoactivated recycled cement

Abstract

This paper explores the production and mechanical characterisation of compressed earth blocks (CEB) stabilised with thermoactivated recycled cement (RC) as a more sustainable alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). CEB with 5–10% stabiliser, considering different OPC replacement percentages with RC, were characterised in terms of their main physical and mechanical properties in different moisture conditions.RC revealed high rehydration and stabilisation capacity, significantly improving the mechanical strength of CEB. The mechanical strength improved as much as twice after RC stabilisation and new eco-efficient blocks met the normative requirements. The mechanical strength was little affected up to 50%OPC replacement. RC showed high potential as an eco-efficient alternative to OPC in earth stabilisation.