Study of the physicochemical, mineralogical, and geotechnical properties of clayey soils to improve the durability of eco-construction materials in the rural region

Abstract

This study aims to preserve and improve the durability of earthen buildings in rural areas of Morocco, particularly in the Al Haouz province of the Marrakech-Safi region. In this paper, a survey was conducted to identify defects in earthen building materials and investigate factors that lead villagers to use cement over traditional earth-based construction methods. To propose solutions to these shortcomings, mineralogical, physicochemical, and geotechnical studies were conducted on four soils commonly used as rural building materials. Subsequently, some corrections were implemented in the treatment of raw materials and the production process of compressed earth blocks (CEBs), which were then subjected to mechanical, physical, and morphological characterization. The findings of this study revealed several building pathologies in earthen construction in this region, including ceiling water leaks, formulations made, and cracks. Research shows that the key factors influencing the durability of building materials are particle size distribution, mineralogy composition, moisture content, and construction process.