Experimental Study on Long-Term Strength and Performance of Rammed Earth Stabilized with Mineral Admixtures

Abstract

The significance and appreciation of sustainability is rising within the construction industry in the recent past. Conventional rammed earth construction is an ancient form of construction which has many benefits in terms of sustainability. Rammed Earth (RE) in current years, together with other earth-building methods, has been increasingly finding acceptance in many countries worldwide. The overall target of this study is to understand the long-term performance of stabilized RE when exposed to temperature and moisture effects, along with its compressive strength and modulus of elasticity. An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the performance as per the relevant Indian Standard code. Rammed earth was stabilized with cement and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS). Twelve cycles of alternate wetting and drying tests were conducted on stabilized RE to evaluate its performance. Performance of stabilized RE was enhanced with a clay content of 12.4% and at higher GGBS content. Also, a substantial increase in long-term compressive strength was noticed with the addition of GGBS. After the 12th cycle of wetting and drying tests, the percentage reduction in mass was 1.6%, which is negligibly small for an exposed earthen surface without a plastering cover.