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Language: search.filters.language.EnglishSubject: search.filters.subject.Earthen construction

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    Additive construction using enhanced earthen-based composites: Improvement of the mechanical strength and water durability using chitosan and agave fibers
    (Elsevier Ltd, 2024-01-12)
    3D printing has emerged as a revolutionary technology with potential applications in the construction industry. However, the prevalent use of ordinary cement in most 3D printing formulations results in significant greenhouse gas emissions during 3D printing construction. In contrast, earthen-based composites are an eco-friendly alternative for building materials. However, as a construction material, earth presents poor mechanical strength and low durability against water erosion. This study aims to obtain earthen-based composites with suitable mechanical and durability properties to investigate their extrudability and buildability in tests. It also explores the effects of incorporating short sisal fibers (l/d ratio = 138.7) and chitosan (DD = 91%, Mw = 598 kDa) to improve strength and water durability in earthen-based composites for 3D printing purposes. Chitosan is a natural macromolecule derived from a waste product from the food industry, whereas sisal fibers are obtained from the Agave sisalana plant. The change in compressive strength was analyzed through uniaxial compression. Water durability was evaluated by measuring the water contact angle, total and capillary water absorption, and accelerated erosion tests. The results indicate that the use of 3.0% (w/v) aqueous solution of chitosan and 1.0% (w/w) of sisal fibers have an important effect on the hardening and water durability properties of earthen-based composites. This study suggests that these materials could serve as natural additives to enhance the mechanical properties and water durability of new eco-friendly construction materials for 3D printing. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that appropriate formulations with natural and eco-friendly additives can lead to stabilized earthen-based composites with suitable printing, mechanical and durability properties for 3D printing applications in construction materials.
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    Comprehensive investigation into the influence of soil composition and water content on cracking due to drying shrinkage in 3D-printed earthen structures
    (Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2024-01-01)
    As a raw material for additive construction, earth offers a multitude of benefits, from environmental and economic to social points of view. However, the fresh-state properties of printable materials and the curing conditions of additively manufactured elements make large-scale 3D-printed earthen structures susceptible to suffering severe cracking from shrinkage during drying. This project investigates the effect of soil composition and water content on the development of drying shrinkage cracking in 3D-printed earthen structures. This article presents two strategies for minimizing those cracks: decreasing the clay content of the soil by adding fine sand and decreasing the required water content for printability by using a clay dispersant agent. Earth-based mix designs with different soil/fine-sand ratios and sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) contents were subjected to flow table, rotational rheology, and shrinkage cracking tests. The results indicate that the clay and water content are determining factors that minimize the appearance of cracks due to drying shrinkage. Two earthen-based formulations with zero cracks due to shrinkage resulted from replacing 50% wt. of the soil with fine sand and the addition of 0.55 and 2.20% wt. of SHMP. Further research is needed to confirm the validity of these findings across diverse soil types and curing conditions.
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    Improved resistance to water erosion and self-healing capacity of earthen-based 3D printed elements using enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP)
    (Springer, 2026-03-30)
    Cracking in earth-based construction materials poses significant durability challenges, necessitating sustainable solutions. 3D printing offers efficient, scalable construction with earthen materials, but requires durable, eco-friendly matrices. This study explores enzymatic-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) using urease to improve water resistance and self-healing in earthen-based 3D printed elements containing cement and rice husk fibers. Urease catalyzes urea hydrolysis, forming calcium carbonate (CaCO3) to fill pores and seal cracks. EICP was applied as a soil additive for water resistance and as a surface treatment for crack repair. The optimized formulation (1 M CaCl2-urea 4 U/L urease, Mod. B1-E4) achieved 25.5% less mass loss than 24. 7% for nonenzymatic controls after 60 min of immersion in water and sealed cracks up to 0.45 mm wide within 48 h. SEM, EDS, and XRD analysis confirmed a reduction in porosity 15% through CaCO3 formation, which improved resistance to erosion. The formulation yielded 0.75 g of CaCO3 per reaction cycle, demonstrating efficient biocementation. EICP offers a low carbon alternative for improving the durability of 3D printed earthen structures as a pore-filler and crack-sealer, with potential for sustainable and scalable repairs in construction.
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