Mud-Based Construction Material: Promising Properties of French Gravel Wash Mud Mixed with Byproducts, Seashells and Fly Ash as a Binder

Abstract

The French gravel industry produces approximatively 6.5 million tons of gravel wash mud each year. This material offers very promising properties which require an in-depth characterization study before its use as a construction material, otherwise it is removed from value cycles by disposal in landfills. We examined the suitability of gravel wash mud and seashells, with fly ash as a binder, as an unfired earth construction material. Thermal and mechanical characterizations of the smart mixture composed of gravel wash mud, Crepidula fornicata shells and fly ash are performed. The new specimens exhibit high compressive strengths compared to usual earth construction materials, which appears as a good opportunity for a reduction in the thickness of walls. The use of fly ash and Crepidula shells in addition to gravel wash mud provides high silica and calcium contents, which both react with clay, leading to the formation of tobermorite and Al-tobermorite as a result of a pozzolanic reaction. Considering the reduction in porosity and improvements in strength, these new materials are good candidates to contribute significantly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reduce carbon emissions.

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“…In the study by El Mendili et al [102] on the contribution of crepidula shells to optimizing cob properties, a similar trend was observed. Gravel wash mud was utilized as a construction material, supplemented with 2% straw, 5% crepidula fornicata powder, and 25% fly ash.…”

“…In terms of thermal conductivity, the addition of natural fibers or powders reduces dry density, increases porosity, and thus improves thermal conductivity (Figure 18). In the study by El Mendili et al [102] on the contribution of crepidula shells to optimizing cob properties, a similar trend was observed. Gravel wash mud was utilized as a construction material, supplemented with 2% straw, 5% crepidula fornicata powder, and 25% fly ash.…”

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“…El Mendili et al [2] contributed an article entitled "Mud-Based Construction Material: Promising Properties of French Gravel Wash Mud Mixed with Byproducts, Seashells and Fly Ash as a Binder". The French gravel industry produces approximatively 6.5 million tons of gravel wash mud each year.…”

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“…These materials are produced from renewable resources and can have lower environmental impacts compared to their synthetic counterparts Manal Bouasria et al [15]. However, the thermal properties of bio-based materials play a crucial role in determining their suitability for various applications such as insulation, packaging, and energy storage, according to Yassine El Mendili et al [16]. Accurate modeling of these properties is essential for the optimal design of these materials.…”