Improving the Structural Properties of Sustainable Earthen Construction by Incorporating Lime

Authors

  • Fidjah Abdelkader

    Laboratory of Development in Mechanics and Materials, University of Djelfa, Djelfa 17000, Algeria

  • Rabehi Mohamed

    Civil Engineering Department, University of Djelfa, Djelfa 17000, Algeria

  • Kezrane Cheikh

    Laboratory of Development in Mechanics and Materials, University of Djelfa, Djelfa 17000, Algeria

  • Deliou Adel

    Département de Mécanique, Université Med Seddik Benyahia (UMSB de Jijiel), Jijel 18000, Algeria

  • Khemissat Boualem

    Department of Highway Engineering, Medeia University, Medeia 26000, Algeria

  • khorchef mohamed amine

    GIDD Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Ahmed Zabana, Relizane 48000, Algeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jbms.v7i2.9115
Received: 16 March 2025 | Revised: 26 March 2025 | Accepted: 1 April 2025 | Published Online: 3 June 2025

Abstract

Sustainable construction targets the reduction of the negative impacts of construction operations on the environment and improving the utilization of natural resources. It does this by reducing the cost of carbon emissions, the utilization of environmentally friendly materials, reducing energy and water usage, which increases the life of buildings, and reducing wastage through recycling. It is against this background that the current study discusses in detail how the physical characteristics of clay and sand bricks can be enhanced by the application of lime addition. From the results, it was concluded that 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% of lime addition in the bricks improved the physical properties of the bricks considerably by raising their density from 2.1% to 4.65% and reducing their water absorption by 6.36%, as well as their strength and durability towards the environmental factors. There were also mechanical property improvements, where compressive strength was improved in the range of 27.27% to 43.66% and modulus of ‎elasticity was improved in the range of 1.8% to 11.5%, being more load-carrying. The findings confirm the possibility of the utilization of lime as an eco-friendly alternative in traditional ‎construction practice, in alignment with the trend for the creation of more environmental and effective construction materials.

Keywords:

Sustainable Construction; Earth Bricks; Lime; Physical Properties; Mechanical Properties

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How to Cite

Fidjah Abdelkader, Rabehi Mohamed, Kezrane Cheikh, Deliou Adel, Khemissat , B., & Khorchef Mohamed Amine. (2025). Improving the Structural Properties of Sustainable Earthen Construction by Incorporating Lime. Journal of Building Material Science, 7(2), 34–46. https://doi.org/10.30564/jbms.v7i2.9115