Mineralogical, Geotechnical, Thermal and Mechanical Characterizations of an Energy-Efficient Building Material: Clay Stabilized by Wood Ashes or Crushed Waste from Traditional Pottery

This paper aims to study the possibility of incorporating wood ash or waste from the ground translational pottery into the formulation of ecological bricks. The lab-scale experimental study aimed to identify the best dosage for achieving ideal mineralogical, geotechnical, thermal, and mechanical properties in brick blocks through various formulations. Thermal, physical, mineralogical, and chemical identification tests were carried out on this introduced building material to have a better knowledge of its nature. The various components were prepared at a grain size below 400 μm. The dosage of wood ash and waste from crushed pottery varied from 0 to 50% compared to the total mass of the dry mixture. The substitution of clay for 5% wood ash or 20% crushed pottery waste makes it possible to obtain ecological blocks with an increase in tensile strength by bending three points and mechanical resistance comparable to that of blocks without addition. The optimal dosage of wood ashes was found to be 5% in combination with the clay. The addition of crushed pottery waste improved the absorption of these blocks, and the highest thermal resistance values were recorded with a dosage of 20% pottery waste. By replacing 5% of the clay with wood ashes or 20% with crushed pottery waste, it was possible to produce eco-friendly blocks with an increase in thermal resistance comparable to that of traditional building materials. The experimental study conducted on the utilization of wood ash and pottery waste as secondary raw materials in the production of ecological bricks represents an effective alternative for further exploration of earthen materials as environmentally sustainable and economically viable solutions for the building sector.