Mud-concrete block (MCB): mix design & durability characteristics

Abstract

Mud-Concrete is a novel concept which employs a form of ‘Concrete’ produced using soil, cement and water. The initial concept of developing Mud-Concrete was to incorporate both the strength and durability of concrete into mud-based constructions to introduce a low-cost, load-bearing wall system with easy construction techniques which ensured indoor comfort while minimizing the impact on the environment. Here the fraction of soil is fulfilling the role of aggregate in the material and low quantities of cement will act as a stabilizer. Precisely the usable gravel range and the gravel percentage governs the compressive strength of the material. The considerable high-water amount is used for the hydration of cement and keep the flow of this material. This excessive water amount is enhancing its self-compacting quality, which is capable of self-consolidation, having the ability of passing, filling and being stable without the need of any external forces. Experimental test findings determined the mix proportions of Mud-Concrete block as 4% cement (minimum), fine ≤ 10% (≤ sieve size 0.425 mm), sand 55–60% (sieve size 0.425 mm ≤ sand ≤4.75 mm), gravel 30–35% (sieve size 4.75 mm ≤ gravel≤ 20 mm) and water 18% to 20% from the dry mix. Findings further confirmed that the durability of the Mud-Concrete block satisfied the required durability standards recorded in SLS 1382.