Mud Bricks Research Articles

Rebuilding a traditional village house using the carbon footprint approach

Houses in villages that are traditionally built with locally available materials like wood, mud, and stones are nowadays being demolished and reconstructed. The current trend has been to adopt framed construction with reinforced cement concrete and red bricks as the main materials. This is going to have a significant environmental impact and needs to be addressed with critical observations. This study was conducted for a local village in Tripura state, India, where a new house for the economically weaker section was constructed using stabilized mud blocks and bamboo as a model house. The main objective was to investigate the environmental impact of the transformation of a traditional house constructed out of locally available materials versus masonry and concrete houses. The impact has been represented as the difference in the Carbon footprint of the two houses based on the LCA approach. It was found that the total carbon footprint of the house built with locally available bamboo and stabilized mud bricks having a built up area of 25 m2 was 9.599 tons, 11.736 tons, and 11.401 tons of CO2 eq lower in landfilling, waste treatment and circular economy, respectively, as compared to concrete and masonry houses, and it has the potential to reduce the life cycle impact of the production stage to be almost neutral.

Improving Mud Brick Durability in Ancient Closed-Box Tombs: A Graphene Oxide Nanoparticle Approach

This paper presents a novel concept for significantly enhancing the strength and durability of ancient closed-box tombs. These tombs hold significant philosophical values, and their architecture serves as a valuable data source, providing insights into the cultural stage of the society in which it was constructed. Throughout medieval and modern times, clay bricks remained a prevalent material for tomb construction due to their affordability and design flexibility. However, these structures currently face neglect and weakening, requiring imperative intervention of protection to prevent them from potential deterioration or extinction. The key objective of this research is to explore the potential use of graphene oxide (GO), a novel nanomaterial, as a treatment method to enhance the durability of mud brick tombs in Aswan, Egypt. Samples of mud bricks were examined and characterized using various techniques, including SEM-EDX, TEM, PLM, XRF, XRD, and mechanical properties analysis. The results indicated that GO nanomaterials significantly improve the mechanical properties of mud brick tombs, allowing them to resist more compressive loading and ultimately resulting in more durable and long-lasting structures. By using these innovative materials, effective restoration and preservation of these ancient structures for future generations could be viable. This research has the potential to revolutionize the preservation of closed-box tombs, ensuring these historical landmarks stand longer the test of time.

Revitalizing Degraded and Abandoned Lands: Reflections from Local Government Involvement in Mud Brick Production - Tanzania

The study assessed local government involvement in revitalising abandoned holes and degraded lands around brick-making sites in Morogoro Municipality. Specifically, it delineated the effects of mudbrick-making activities on the communities surrounding the brick-making sites, identified alternative uses of the abandoned holes in the brick-making sites, and established the knowledge required by the community and brick-makers for improving abandoned land use for sustainability. Several techniques were utilised in data collection, including interviews and focus group discussions with village and ward leaders, district environmental officers, district community development officers, district planners, mud brick makers, and some members of the community from three specific wards, namely Kauzeni, Mindu, and Kihonda Maghorofani. The findings revealed a significant contribution of the mudbrick-making industry to enhancing income and improving the living standards of communities through employment creation. Particularly, women were involved in selling food to brick makers, while youth actively participated in brick-making activities. The abandoned holes resulting from soil extraction were repurposed for fishing, vegetable cultivation, and sugar cane production. The income accrued from these activities improved housing standards and increased social interaction among people from different regions, including seasonal migrants attracted to brick-making activities. Despite the noted positive effects, mud brick activities contributed significantly to land degradation due to the traditional technologies used in the process, resulting in large holes that posed risks to human and livestock lives. The study recommends enhancing brick makers' and landowners' awareness of implementing mud brick-making activities with appropriate sustainable environmental protection to improve the socio-economic status of both brick makers and the broader community.

Using Gradiometric Technique to Prospect Archaeological Features in Tell Al-Deylam, South of Babylon City, Middle of Iraq

An extensive vertical magnetic gradiometry survey was carried out over an area spanning 1,188 square meters in the northwestern section of Dilbat; a recently discovered archaeological city within Tell Al-Deylam located approximately 20 km south of Babylon city, so as to reveal the real image of the archaeological features hidden beneath the earth’s surface. The vertical gradiometric survey was done by the Geometrics-G-858 Cesium magnetometer. The gradiometric results showed three clear longitudinal magnetic anomalies in different places on the magnetic contour map. The main anomaly is located on the edge of the northern part of the study area and extends longitudinally in the northwest and southeast direction. This may indicate the presence of the main outer wall, as it extends lengthwise about 30 m, with a width of 3-4 m, and a depth of about 1 m below the surface of the ground, and may contain the main northern gate of the Dilbat Temple. Besides that, this anomaly displayed approximately a high magnetic value of about + 60 nT, which indicates that the wall was built from baked brick composed of clay minerals rich in iron oxides. Furthermore, the magnetic contour map showed two other magnetic anomalies. The first one is located in the western part of the study area and appears perpendicular to the main magnetic anomaly. Meanwhile, the second anomaly occupied the southern part of the study area and is parallel to the main anomaly. The two anomalies showed approximately lower magnetic strength than the outer wall. So, they may represent the remains of the inner room walls built from mud bricks. The thickness of the two supposed walls is about 2.5 m and they are at a depth one meter from the ground. The findings of this method have been a good guide for new excavation, which led to finding the main wall built from fired bricks.

Molding properties of clay mixtures in the soft mud brick manufacture

The article reveals physical and mechanical characteristics of clay mixtures in the soft mud brick manifacture. Considering that currently Russia has no advisory or regulatory documents on the selection of raw materials for soft mud bricks and requirements for their physical and mechanical properties, this issue is quite relevant. The authors, based on their extensive practical experience, present data on acceptable ranges of clay mixtures deformation and critical compressive stress in the soft mud brick manufacture, as well as the results of studies on the influence of electrolyte additives on these indicators. The findings of how the mineral composition of clay raw materials and moisture con-tent influence the critical compressive stress and stickiness of clay mixtures are also presented. Thus, it has been experimentally established that the critical compressive stress of clay mixtures for soft mud bricks should be in the range of 0.2 – 0.8 kg/cm2, and the deformation degree of raw bricks should be in the range of 3 – 5 units. Moreover, even within such narrow limits, depending on their variation as well as on the method of molding and the composition of clay mixtures, it is possible to obtain differ-ent structures of the brick front surface: granular, tuberculate, grooved, wavy, corrugated, spotted, scaly, and their combinations. The moisture content of clay mixtures, depending on the type of clay raw material, can vary within very wide limits: from 20 to 38 per cent. The data obtained will make it possible to develop methods for selecting raw materials for soft mud bricks, which in turn will con-tribute to the organization of its wide production in various regions.

An archaeomagnetic study of the Ishtar Gate, Babylon.

Data from the marriage of paleomagnetism and archaeology (archaeomagnetism) are the backbone of attempts to create geomagnetic field models for ancient times. Paleointensity experimental design has been the focus of intensive efforts and the requirements and shortcomings are increasingly well understood. Some archaeological materials have excellent age control from inscriptions, which can be tied to a given decade or even a specific year in some cases. In this study, we analyzed fired mud bricks used for the construction of the Ishtar Gate, the entrance complex to the ancient city of Babylon in Southern Mesopotamia. We were able to extract reliable intensity data from all three phases of the gate, the earliest of which includes bricks inscribed with the name of King Nebuchadnezzar II (605 to 562 BCE). These results (1) add high quality intensity data to a region relatively unexplored so far (Southern Mesopotamia), (2) contribute to a better understanding of paleosecular variation in this region, and the development of an archaeomagnetic dating reference for one of the key regions in the history of human civilizations; (3) demonstrate the potential of inscribed bricks (glazed and unglazed), a common material in ancient Mesopotamia, to archaeomagnetic studies; and (4) suggest that the gate complex was constructed some time after the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem, and that there were no substantial chronological gaps in the construction of each consecutive phase. The best fit of our data (averaging 136±2.1 ZAm2) with those of the reference curve (the Levantine Archaeomagnetic Curve) is 569 BCE.

The effects of cool roofs on health, environmental, and economic outcomes in rural Africa: study protocol for a community-based cluster randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHigh ambient air temperatures in Africa pose significant health and behavioral challenges in populations with limited access to cooling adaptations. The built environment can exacerbate heat exposure, making passive home cooling adaptations a potential method for protecting occupants against indoor heat exposure.MethodsWe are conducting a 2-year community-based stratified cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) implementing sunlight-reflecting roof coatings, known as “cool roofs,” as a climate change adaptation intervention for passive indoor home cooling. Our primary research objective is to investigate the effects of cool roofs on health, indoor climate, economic, and behavioral outcomes in rural Burkina Faso. This cRCT is nested in the Nouna Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), a population-based dynamic cohort study of all people living in a geographically contiguous area covering 59 villages, 14305 households and 28610 individuals. We recruited 1200 participants, one woman and one man, each in 600 households in 25 villages in the Nouna HDSS. We stratified our sample by (i) village and (ii) two prevalent roof types in this area of Burkina Faso: mud brick and tin. We randomized the same number of people (12) and homes (6) in each stratum 1:1 to receiving vs. not receiving the cool roof. We are collecting outcome data on one primary endpoint - heart rate, (a measure of heat stress) and 22 secondary outcomes encompassing indoor climate parameters, blood pressure, body temperature, heat-related outcomes, blood glucose, sleep, cognition, mental health, health facility utilization, economic and productivity outcomes, mosquito count, life satisfaction, gender-based violence, and food consumption. We followed all participants for 2 years, conducting monthly home visits to collect objective and subjective outcomes. Approximately 12% of participants (n = 152) used smartwatches to continuously measure endpoints including heart rate, sleep and activity.DiscussionOur study demonstrates the potential of large-scale cRCTs to evaluate novel climate change adaptation interventions and provide evidence supporting investments in heat resilience in sub-Saharan Africa. By conducting this research, we will contribute to better policies and interventions to help climate-vulnerable populations ward off the detrimental effects of extreme indoor heat on health.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) DRKS00023207. Registered on April 19, 2021.

Мавзолеи восточных районов Золотой Орды

The purpose of the study: To consider the composition of architecture in the eastern regions of the Golden Horde, using the example of monuments of memorial architecture. As well, to trace regional differences and the influence of various architectural schools and building traditions on the emergence and development of mausoleum forms. Research materials: Mausoleums which are the most numerous type of monumental architecture explored throughout the territory of the Golden Horde. The paper considers both archaeological sites and various images of mausoleums: drawings of the 18th–19th centuries and photographs of the early 20th century. Results and scientific novelty: The work collects and examines all the mausoleums of the eastern regions of the Golden Horde. The review shows that among all the buildings, based on construction technology, two directions of architecture can be distinguished – construction from stone and construction from brick (burnt and adobe). An analysis of the types of planning, construction techniques, and architectural details of mausoleums and construction equipment leads to the conclusion that several directions can be traced in the composition of memorial architecture. In their architectonics, the stone mausoleums of the Urals are closely related to the architecture of Volga Bulgaria which, in turn, arose under the strong influence of Seljuk Asia Minor and to some extent Transcaucasia. Most of the mausoleums are built of baked and mud bricks. Among them, a group of cubic mausoleums with a hipped dome on a drum and a massive portal stands out. These buildings find direct analogies among the monuments of Central Asia, primarily Khorezm. A group of tower or pyramidal mausoleums are buildings of an archaic appearance that replicate the memorial monuments of the Turks. Also in the eastern regions, two-chamber mausoleums were built, consisting of a room for rituals (ziyarat-khane) and a tomb (gur-khane). Mausoleums of this type have no direct analogues outside the Golden Horde and are a creative reworking of already known schemes.

Assessment of Cement-Lime as Stabilizer on Mud Bricks

Assessment of Cement-Lime as Stabilizer on Mud Bricks

Hydraulic Characterization of Permeable Materials Used for Filling Mole Drain Channels in Structurally Unstable Soils

Highlights Permeable materials can be used to fill mole drains and provide support to the cavity walls in structurally unstable soils. Permeable materials extend the lifespan and improve the hydraulic performance of mole drainage systems. Darcy’s law for nonlinear porous flow explained the hydraulic performance of the permeable materials used in this study. A numerical method was established to assess the suitability of permeable materials of unknown hydraulic performance. Design guidelines were developed to assist in the planning of filled mole drainage systems installed in structurally unstable soils. Abstract. Mole drainage in soils with low permeability is a cost-effective technique for managing soil drainage. Following installation, the satisfactory performance of the system will depend on having sufficient soil fissure development extending from the soil surface to the roof of the mole channel and mole channel stability to avoid its collapse. Permeable materials such as river-run gravel and crushed stone can be used to fill mole channels to prevent channel collapse in halomorphic and high-silt content (e.g., 50%–70%) soils and extend the lifespan of the system. The objectives of this work were to: (i) characterize a range of permeable materials that can be used to fill mole drains and provide support to the cavity walls in structurally unstable soils; (ii) verify the applicability of Darcy’s law to explain the hydraulic performance of such materials, and (iii) develop a set of design and planning guidelines aimed at improving the performance of mole drainage systems that are filled with permeable materials. Five permeable materials were characterized, namely: three types of river-run gravels, crushed baked mud bricks, and crushed stone. The materials were characterized for their mechanical and hydraulic properties, and the applicability of Darcy’s law was experimentally determined. Small- and medium-sized gravels are easy to handle and apply during field installation due to their shape and flowability properties and the reduced risk of clogging when placed in the mole channel. However, the hydraulic performance of these materials would not allow for system designs longer than about 100 m, which therefore would limit their utilization in practice. Large-sized gravel offered an intermediate solution with overall satisfactory hydraulic performance. Crushed brick and crushed stone offered good alternatives to gravel, allowing for longer (e.g., >120 m) system designs for all combinations of drain spacing and drain gradient. However, their angularity, poor uniformity, and size range distribution can compromise the efficiency of handling and delivery in current mole plough systems. For all materials, the hydraulic conductivity (Kh) decreased with an increase in the hydraulic gradient. For a given hydraulic gradient, Kh was dependent on aggregate size, such that a larger D50 value led to increased Kh. The nonlinear performance of Darcy’s law was verified for all materials, and potential equations were fitted to represent such relationships, all showing acceptable fits to the nonlinear models (P<0.001). A linear relationship (P<0.05) between the parameter m of the potential model and total porosity was established. The set of equations developed by this study will enable estimating Kh based on the aggregate size distribution or as a function of the total porosity of the material. Crushed brick and crushed stone could provide a cost-effective solution for the installation of filled mole drain systems in structurally unstable soils. Keywords: Darcy’s law, Extreme rainfall, Halomorphic soils, Hydraulic conductivity, Reynolds number, Silty soils.

Soil denudation in the northwestern Negev (Israel) following the Late Byzantine – Early Islamic period

During the 5th and 6th centuries, the economic hinterland of the city of Gaza encompassed a network of settlements that supplied the city with agricultural produce. Water was collected in underground cisterns from rooftops and courtyards. While almost nothing remained of the above-ground structures since the settlements collapsed, soil erosion exposed these cisterns, which now serve as well-preserved indicators of the location and levels of the houses - that supplied the water. The study examines to what extent the land abandonment in the late Byzantine - early Islamic period resulted in denudation and soil property changes. We hypothesize that the abandonment of settlements and agriculture intensified soil erosion and amplified gully development. Approximately 140 cisterns were mapped in the study area, mainly north of the ephemeral Nahal Gerar stream. The height of the cisterns above the ground was used to calculate the denudation rate (DR) since abandonment. Findings indicate that over relatively flat terrains (1–5 %), cisterns protrude 0.5–1.2 m above the surface. Considering abandonment in the 6th or 11th century, DR was calculated as 0.35–0.85 mm/yr or 0.5–1.2 mm/yr, respectively. Over steeper slopes (10–12 %), along river banks and incised gullies, extensive bank erosion occurred, leading to the exposure of cisterns up to 2.5 m; DR = 1.8 to 2.5 mm/yr, depending on the abandonment time. The settlements' distribution and the surface topography directly correlate: in settled areas, Terrain Roughness Index (TRI) values are higher compared to other areas with the same lithology and rainfall amount. Following abandonment, decaying houses resulted in the complete disintegration of mud bricks, increasing the proportion of fine soil fractions. Cisterns acted as sedimentation basins, trapping surface-derived sediments and debris, including degraded brick material. This process influenced the mechanical composition of soils, affecting soil erosion and land degradation.

Influence of Some Key Parameters on the Efficiency of Flocculation–Solidification–Filter Press Combined Method for Sustainable Treatment of Waste Mud Slurry

The flocculation–solidification–filter-press combined method is a new type of method for treating waste slurry that combines flocculation and chemical curing with a mechanical filter press. Among these processes, the mechanical filter-press process is key to the efficient disposal of waste engineering slurries by the flocculation–solidification–filter-press combined method. In the mechanical filter-press process, parameters including the initial thickness of filtration mud, the magnitude of filtration pressure, and the duration of press filtration have important impacts on the dewatering and strength after subsequent curing. In this work, a series of laboratory tests were conducted to study the influence of filter-press parameters on flocculated–solidified mud by measuring the properties of treated and cured mud. The test results showed that the initial mud bag thickness is an important factor in the mud treatment effect. As the initial mud bag thickness increases, the greater the water content of the mud at the end of the filter-press process after applying the same amount of time and the same amount of pressure, the lower the post-conservation strength will be. The increase in filtration pressure and filtration time within a certain range can reduce the water content of the mud brick after filtration and significantly improve its shear strength. In the actual process of filtering in the project, the thickness of the initial mud bag should be no more than 140 mm, the filtration pressure is about 0.35 MPa, and the filtration time is suitable for 2 min.

Operative Temperature Variance and Life Cycle Assessment Impacts of Wall Construction Materials

The overdependence on concrete in the construction industry in sub-Saharan African countries limits the potential use of sustainable materials in the construction of buildings. Hollow Concrete Block (HCB), the industry’s most widely used wall material, contributes to excessive carbon emissions and environmental degradation. Moreso, constructions that employ HCBs, specifically in Nigeria, severely threaten the indoor comfort levels in Naturally Ventilated Spaces NVSs. This study relies on quantitative data to analyse the impact of alternative wall materials in a case building in northern Nigeria. Mud bricks (MB) and Timber/brick (TB) were compared with the existing concrete (CW) case building. The study uses Meteonorm 8 and Climate Consultant 6.0 for EPW file generation. At the same time, dynamic thermal simulation and comparative experiments for thermal comfort and carbon emissions were conducted using DesignBuilder V6 and OneClick Lifecycle assessment tools, respectively. Modelled and simulated under NVS conditions using ASHRAE’s PMV model, the result of the study suggests that the MB alternative, although with an intermediate U-value of 0.318 W/m²k, accounts for the best indoor comfort temperature annually. While the CW building accounts for 41.31% of hours above the comfort temperature of 28⁰C, the TB and MB alternatives account for 29.99% and 27.37% of hours, respectively. Furthermore, the MB alternative is the most environmentally friendly material with 510 KgCO₂/m² emissions, a value 26% less than the CW building with an embodied carbon benchmark of 690 KgCO₂/m² during the building’s life cycle stages. The author suggests that mud construction’s thermal properties and Global Warming Impact (GWI) make it a better alternative to concrete and timber buildings in the tropics.

Evaluation of the Geotechnical Properties of Cubitermes sp and Macrotermes sp Termite Mound Soils for the Manufacture of Earth Bricks

The use of local materials in construction contributes to solving the deficit of sustainable housing in some developing countries. Earth constructions have a low ecological impact and are among the cheapest, especially in rural areas. The durability of earthen buildings depends on the geotechnical properties of the soil used and the respect of basic architectural rules. Evaluation of the geotechnical properties of soils contributes to the choice of the appropriate technique to use them. The macrotermes sp and cubitermes sp termite mound soils are widespread and commonly used in construction in some regions of the world. The results obtained from the 27 samples showed that the clay content of some soils is higher than the maximum permitted of 30% and that other soils have a sand content lower than the minimum of 30% permitted by most standards for the manufacture of mud bricks. Some soils have good molding properties and a plasticity suitable for making mud bricks. To correct excess clay and limit the risk of cracking during drying, lime, plant fibers or sand could be incorporated into these soils. The cubitermes sp termite mound soils are composed of kaolinite and illite and the macrotermes sp termite mound soils of kaolinite, illite and montmorillonite. Soils containing kaolinite or illite are suitable for the manufacture of CEB, adobes, rammed earth and in the manufacture of tiles or pottery.

Quest for an Innovative Methodology for Retrofitting Urban Built Heritage: An Assessment of Some Historic Buildings in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Historical buildings have inhabited every epoch of history. Some of these built legacies are now in ruins and dying whilst others are somewhat undamaged. Knowledge of conservation techniques available today has allowed us to understand more innovative ways of conserving the built heritage. Such techniques are, however, incompatible with the building materials available in our historical epoch and environment. People seek to reclaim the forgotten cultural heritage in the midst of the heritage conservation era while bearing in mind that previous work seldom takes into account the inventive preservation methods of today. This study aims to explore the innovative built heritage conservation practice in the Kano metropolis, to detect deterioration and incorporate traditional wisdom and contemporary innovation according to modern urban development. The study adopted qualitative research with a descriptive approach. The descriptive research explains, examines, and interprets prevailing practices, existing situations, attitudes, reasons, and on-going processes, while the qualitative research approach uses spatial analysis methods (direct assessment of physical characteristics of the selected buildings) and focus group discussion (FGD) sessions with the custodians, prominent elderly persons, or ward head (Mai Unguwa) from each of the selected buildings. In this work, we found it necessary to survey 29 historical buildings of which three of the historic buildings from pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial architecture were purposively sampled for inclusion. This is on the basis of their value formation, processes, phenomena, and typology. The findings reveal that deterioration is due to decaying plaster and paint, moist walls, deformed openings, sagging roofs, wall cracks, roof leakages, exit spouts, stains, and corrosion. Other factors include microbes and termite attacks, inappropriate use and neglect, civilization, and inappropriate funding. Conservation was performed to avert the amount of decay while the techniques in practice are documentation methods and treatment interventions with no implementation of diagnostic methods. It further unveils the potential benefits of local treatment, as evidenced by the intervention at the Dorayi palace segment, the use of “makuba” (milled locust bean pod) to stabilize the geotechnical performance of “tubali” (local mud bricks) to improve its potency. This milled locust bean pod also serves as the water repellent consolidant in “laso” (local) plaster, which has proven to be eco-friendly, non-toxic, and effective in wall rendering. The need for immediate implementation of diagnosis techniques in the conservation of architectural heritage in the municipality and elsewhere in Nigeria and beyond is eminent. Intervention and implementation of policies, appropriate funding, and mobilization, raising awareness and sensitization on the value, significance, and state of affairs of our cultural heritage is also paramount.

Evaluation of interlocking moulded bricks with the effective usage of agro - waste fibres in construction industry

For a very long time, fibres have been employed in building materials. The use of natural and synthetic fibres in prior studies and investigations has yielded promising findings because their presence has proved considerable benefits for the composite material's overall mechanical and physical qualities. The major objectives of this work were the creation of manually crushed interlocking mud bricks and a study of their compressive strength. Mud bricks containing rice husk (1–6% by weight of soil) and wheat straw (1–6 % by weight of soil) were made to accomplish this. Straw husk, a soil additive that varied from 1 to 6 %by weight, was also made by mixing rice husk and wheat straw. Compressive strength analysis was utilized to look at the interlocking mud bricks strength and failure pattern. Bricks made of mud under control had shrinkage cracks, whereas bricks made of fibres did not exhibit any symptoms of shrinkage cracking (wheat straw, rice husk and straw husk). As the number of fibres in the mud brick samples increased, there was a corresponding drop in compressive strength. However, interlocking mud bricks with fibres in them met the minimal strength requirements of several mud brick standards. Therefore, interlocking mud bricks with fibres can be used in earthen building as a long-lasting, cost-effective, and eco-friendly material based on the findings of compressive strength tests.

Sudheran-jo-Thul: Historical and Archaeological Perspectives

The Sudhern-jo-Thul is located in Taluka Mula Katyar, District Tando Muhammad Khan along the eastern edge of present Indus River. Its western is the hilly and remaining surrounded are the agriculture area. The Thul / Stupa is built with mud clay and mud bricks, and broken vessels of plain and painted are scattered. This historical site is described by the historian but they have not provided the archaeological evidences in details. And also focus the current situation of the site. Researcher visited site many times collected archaeological evidences to analysis scientifically uses Global Position System (GPS), compass and survey tools to record the site as well as the photographic information was also collected. It has been resulted that the site belongs different chronology / cultural affiliation of the history of human. It shows the site is belonging to the 1st century BC to 2nd century AD. It has been suggested that necessary attention be given to the site and sign boars should be installed over the surface of the site and to save it.

An Archaeological look into simple pit burials at Tepe Qara Hasanlu, Namin, Ardabil

Excavations at the historical mound of Qara Hasanlu, in the Namin County of Ardabil Province of northwestern Iran, brought to light several pit graves set on a massive mudbrick artificial platform. Cut into the uppermost courses of the mud bricks forming this platform, the graves were associated with scores of burial gifts of varied types such as arrowheads, daggers, scissors, mirrors, earrings, and necklaces. As a descriptive-analytical work drawing upon both field and library research, the present paper is set to characterize the recorded grave types and their relative chronology in quest of tenable answer to these questions: 1. What were the grave types and mortuary customs at Qara Hasanlu? 2. Where do they find parallels, and to which period do they belong to? Within the graves, the bodies were laid out in two supine and squatting positions. Based on the available circumstantial evidence, they were made sometime after the platform was constructed. The documented cultural material including sherd assemblages, the burial methods and the burial gifts suggested a date in the Parthian period for the site.

H κατοικία στην επικράτεια της Κορίνθου από την Αρχαϊκή έως και την Ελληνιστική περίοδο. Μια πρώτη κριτική προσέγγιση

H κατοικία στην επικράτεια της Κορίνθου από την Αρχαϊκή έως και την Ελληνιστική περίοδο. Μια πρώτη κριτική προσέγγιση

Synthesis and Evaluation of Eco-Friendly, Ambient-Cured, Geopolymer-Based Bricks Using Industrial By-Products

Geopolymer-based sustainable red mud bricks (SRMBs) were cast using industrial by-products under ambient curing. The ingredients used were red mud, fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag and alccofine, along with quarry dust and alkali activators as binders. This paper briefly presents the characterization, strength and durability studies conducted on SRMBs. The optimization techniques were used to fix the right mix proportions. The optimized mix proportion was identified as R45F40G10A05: 45% red mud, 40% fly ash, 10% ground granulated blast furnace slag and 5% alccofine. The compressive, flexural and split tensile strength of the ambient-cured specimens after 28 days were observed as 35.38 MPa, 6.4 MPa and 1.67 MPa, respectively. The results were analysed and validated by the finite element method using Analysis of Systems (ANSYS) software. The percentage of water absorption in the SRMBs was less than 6%, and it was an entirely efflorescence-free product with a pleasing appearance and colour. Fifty percent of the targeted compressive strength was acquired after three days of ambient curing. SRMBs are a green product casted by encapsulating industrial by-products into a functional building element. Thus, SRMBs are a suitable and alternative product to conventional clay burnt bricks.