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<p>The construction sector is a major consumer of natural resources and a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Raw earth construction presents a sustainable alternative due to its availability, recyclability, and low environmental impact. However, its mechanical weakness and sensitivity to moisture remain critical limitations. This study explores the potential of corn starch gel as a bio-based stabilizer to enhance the performance of compressed earth blocks (CEBs). Two types of soils were initially considered: a surrounding soil and <i>Macrotermes</i> sp. termite mound soil. Preliminary analyses revealed that the surrounding soil lacked the physical properties required for CEB production, and only the termite mound soil was retained for further testing. Several formulations incorporating 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% starch gel (wet mass) were prepared, corresponding to starch contents ranging from 0.24 to 2.5% (dry mass relative to soil). The physical and mechanical properties of the blocks were evaluated, including dry density, unconfined compressive and tensile strengths, shear parameters, and both dynamic and cyclic Young’s moduli. Results demonstrated an improvement in mechanical performance with starch stabilization. The optimal formulation (10M15G), containing 1.36% dry starch, exhibited compressive and tensile strengths of 5.80&#xa0;MPa and 2.67&#xa0;MPa, respectively, compared to 2.50&#xa0;MPa and 0.88&#xa0;MPa for the unstabilized control (0M0G). The dynamic Young’s modulus also increased substantially, indicating improved internal bonding and stiffness. Shear strength parameters were enhanced, with cohesion increasing from 15.69 to 37.65&#xa0;kPa and the internal friction angle from 18.3° to 31.8°. A linear relationship between dynamic and cyclic Young’s moduli was established. However, mechanical performance declined beyond the optimal starch content, likely due to the excess water introduced by the gel, which hinders compaction. These findings confirm the effectiveness of corn starch gel as a sustainable stabilizing agent, offering a viable ecological solution for enhancing the structural integrity of raw earth materials.</p>

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Influence of corn starch gel on the mechanical properties of compressed earth blocks made with termite mound soil from Macrotermes

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月29日

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  • Berthia Malonga,
  • Philippe Poullain,
  • Stéphanie Bonnet,
  • Fateh Bendahmane,
  • Nabil Issaadi,
  • Ahmed Koubaa,
  • Louis Ahouet

摘要

The construction sector is a major consumer of natural resources and a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Raw earth construction presents a sustainable alternative due to its availability, recyclability, and low environmental impact. However, its mechanical weakness and sensitivity to moisture remain critical limitations. This study explores the potential of corn starch gel as a bio-based stabilizer to enhance the performance of compressed earth blocks (CEBs). Two types of soils were initially considered: a surrounding soil and Macrotermes sp. termite mound soil. Preliminary analyses revealed that the surrounding soil lacked the physical properties required for CEB production, and only the termite mound soil was retained for further testing. Several formulations incorporating 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% starch gel (wet mass) were prepared, corresponding to starch contents ranging from 0.24 to 2.5% (dry mass relative to soil). The physical and mechanical properties of the blocks were evaluated, including dry density, unconfined compressive and tensile strengths, shear parameters, and both dynamic and cyclic Young’s moduli. Results demonstrated an improvement in mechanical performance with starch stabilization. The optimal formulation (10M15G), containing 1.36% dry starch, exhibited compressive and tensile strengths of 5.80 MPa and 2.67 MPa, respectively, compared to 2.50 MPa and 0.88 MPa for the unstabilized control (0M0G). The dynamic Young’s modulus also increased substantially, indicating improved internal bonding and stiffness. Shear strength parameters were enhanced, with cohesion increasing from 15.69 to 37.65 kPa and the internal friction angle from 18.3° to 31.8°. A linear relationship between dynamic and cyclic Young’s moduli was established. However, mechanical performance declined beyond the optimal starch content, likely due to the excess water introduced by the gel, which hinders compaction. These findings confirm the effectiveness of corn starch gel as a sustainable stabilizing agent, offering a viable ecological solution for enhancing the structural integrity of raw earth materials.