Experimental Investigation on Rammed Earth Using Industrial Waste for Sustainable Construction

Abstract

ABSTRACT newline The present study is focused on the various aspects of an earthen construction as an effective and eco-friendly solution in the field of sustainable engineering. The study discusses the drawbacks of modern construction with respect to the material used, the embodied energy in manufacturing, and its carbon footprint. The study expands on the benefits of such structures in light of the current environmental scenario of global warming. As a part of waste management, the study focused on the use of industrial waste with soil and other materials to produce an effective geomaterial that enhances the strength and thermal properties of earthen construction. newline In the present research work, an attempt has been made to determine the suitability of non-swelling soil other than laterite soil deposits. The suitability of different soils is identified by conducting various laboratory tests. The test consists of physical properties such as; particle size distribution, plasticity characteristics, free swell index, and density. To restrict the mining of natural sand, demolition waste (DW) and manufactured sand (MS) have been studied. The gradation and specific gravity of both materials are determined by comparison with natural sand. newline A series of cube compressive tests were conducted on varying percentages of soil with MS and DW to get the optimum clay content in Rammed Earth (RE) material. Clay plays a vital role in strength gain and enhances bonding between the particles in the presence of cement. The wet cube compressive strength of a RE material increases with an increase in clay content of 14% 16%. A further increase in clay reduces its density and strength. In addition to this, the behavior of MS and DW with soil under compression is examined. The effect of the curing period on the wet compressive strength of both materials is verified from the test results. Where the nature of the stress-strain curve is well studied to identify the type of failure in geomaterials. The effect of saturated density