Challenges for Bio-Stabilised Earth-Based Construction

The RILEM technical committee TC BEC is considering the development of alternative stabilisation methods for earthen materials based on natural stabilisers with low environmental impact. An in-depth review of the state of the art has been carried out to identify the advances made and the main challenges to be addressed to democratise this practice. It appears that a rigorous classification of methods needs to be drawn up to support the draft of guidelines, among other things. The effects on mechanical and hygrothermal performance are beginning to be studied, but to better describe the mechanisms and guide the choice of methods, a link between the effects on the microstructural scale and performance needs to be established. This requires new experimental protocols adapted to bio-stabilised clayey matrices. The development of a performance-based approach is presented to take into account the environment in which the structural component is used. Finally, elements are presented for assessing climate change adaptation.