This study investigates the effects of incorporating date palm wood powder (DPWP) on the thermal, physical, and mechanical properties of lightweight fired earth bricks made from clay and dune sand. DPWP was added in varying proportions (0 %, 5 %, 8 %, 10 %, 12 %, and 15 % by weight of the soil matrix) to evaluate its influence on brick performance, particularly in terms of thermal insulation. Experimental results revealed that adding DPWP significantly reduced the thermal conductivity of the bricks, achieving a maximum reduction of 56.41 %. However, the inclusion of DPWP negatively impacted the physical and mechanical properties of the samples. Among the tested bricks, those with 8 % and 10 % DPWP achieved a desirable balance, maintaining satisfactory mechanical strength within acceptable standards while achieving thermal conductivity values of 0.333 and 0.279 W/m & sdot;K, representing reductions of 37.29 % and 47.46 %, respectively. To further validate these findings, prototypes of the DPWP-enhanced fired bricks and commercial bricks were constructed and tested under real environmental conditions during both summer and winter seasons, over a continuous 12-h daily period. The DPWP-enhanced prototypes demonstrated superior thermal performance, with temperature differences reaching up to 3 degrees C compared to the commercial bricks. These findings highlight the potential of DPWP as a sustainable additive for improving the thermal insulation properties of fired earth bricks, thereby promoting eco-friendly and energy-efficient building materials for sustainable construction practices.

This paper aims to enhance the effective utilization of construction solid waste renewable brick powder (RBP) and circulating fluidized bed fly ash (CFBFA), addressing the issues of resource consumption and environmental pollution associated with these two types of solid waste. It employs CFBFA to synergistically activate RBP for the preparation of solid waste-based earthwork subgrade backfill. This research examines the impact of RBP and CFBFA content on the performance of earthwork subgrade backfill (ESB), while the microstructure of the paste test block was investigated using XRD, SEM, FTIR, and TG-dTG techniques. The synergistic mechanism of multisolid waste was examined at the micro level, and the appropriate ratio of solid waste-derived lowcarbon ESB was thoroughly assessed. The findings indicate that an increase in the CFBFA content generally enhances the mechanical strength of the paste. At the experimental ratio of RBP: CFBFA: coarse-grained soil = 8: 32: 60, the 28-day unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California Bearing Ratio (CBR) value, rebound modulus value, shear strength value, and compression modulus value of the sample attain their maximums, measuring 5.3 MPa, 41.9 %, 71.9 MPa, 10.5 KPa, and 15.76 MPa, respectively, all exceeding the standard values. The hydration products of cementitious materials based on RBP and CFBFA mostly consist of C-S-H gel, ettringite (AFt), and calcite. The robust honeycomb gel structure, created by the staggered interconnection of C-S-H gel and ettringite, is the primary contributor to mechanical strength. The modified cementitious material, composed of RBP-CFBFA, exhibits effective cementation and solidification properties for heavy metals, achieving leaching concentrations that comply with Class III water standards as outlined in the Chinese standard GB/T 14848-2017.

As lunar exploration advances, the development of durable and sustainable lunar surface architecture is increasingly critical, with a particular focus on material selection and manufacturing processes. However, current technologies and designs have yet to deliver an optimal solution. This study presented an innovative designs pattern for laser-sintered lunar soil bricks, namely a sintered glass outer layer and a core composed of lunar soil particles. For structural reinforcement purposes, a combined system of columns and slabs was implemented to improve the overall strength characteristics. This approach leverages the low thermal conductivity of lunar regolith particles in conjunction with the thermal stability, radiation resistance, and mechanical strength characteristics of glass. In this case, our simulations of heat conduction demonstrated a marked improvement in the thermal insulation properties of the new lunar soil bricks. The low thermal conductivity of lunar regolith effectively serves as an insulating layer, while the column, plate and glass outer layer, with their higher thermal conductivity, enable rapid thermal response across the entire structure and enhance spatial heat transfer uniformity. We further investigated the influence of structural variations on heat transfer mechanisms, revealing that the thickness of the glass layer exclusively modulates the heat transfer rate without altering its spatial distribution. Additionally, comparative analysis of all designed samples demonstrated that the novel sample displays superior thermal insulation properties, reduces average energy consumption by three quarters, and maintains adequate mechanical strength, alongside the proposal of a suitable assembly and construction methodology. Consequently, we believe that glassy composites exhibit substantial potential for space construction. These findings offer valuable insights and recommendations for material design in lunar surface construction.

The brick walls of ancient buildings have got a lot of tiny and closely connected pores inside, so they can soak up water really well. This can easily cause problems like getting powdery and having efflorescence. To stop water from spoiling the grey bricks, this paper focuses on the brick walls of historical buildings in Kaifeng City. Based on our investigation, we study the distribution features of the problems. This paper tells about using the method of negative pressure infiltration to change the grey bricks. We measure all kinds of basic indicators and analyze how different ratios of modifiers affect the water properties and dry-wet cycle tests of the grey bricks. We look at the changes in the inside shape through SEM to show how it changes the grey bricks of ancient buildings. Second, we improve the wet walls by using a way that combines blocking and drainage. The main things we studied and the conclusions are like this: We use sodium methyl silicate and acrylamide polymer as modifiers to soak the historical grey bricks under negative pressure. We figure out the best ratio through orthogonal experiments. We analyze things like the water vapor permeability, how long it takes for a water drop to go through, the compressive strength, the water absorption rate, and the height of water absorption of the modified bricks. The results show that the crosslinking agent and acrylamide monomer have a big influence on how high the capillary water goes up in the modified bricks. The air permeability of the modified grey bricks with acrylamide polymer goes down a bit, but it's still okay. The surface of the modified grey bricks is very hydrophobic and there are fewer pores inside. The mechanical properties of the modified grey bricks get better in different degrees. The water absorption rate and the height of capillary water absorption go down. The modified grey bricks can really cut down the erosion of water on the wall when used in real life. They can reduce salt crystallization and efflorescence caused by rising water, and so make the brick walls of historical buildings last longer. This is super important for protecting historical buildings in Kaifeng City and taking care of other similar structures. Also, by using a way that combines blocking and drainage, and putting polymer infiltration reinforcement and the ventilation of the moisture drainage pipe together, the results show that this combination can really lower the height that capillary water goes up in the brick wall. So we get a way to control how wet the wall is.

Linqing bricks, a critical material in Chinese Ming-Qing Dynasty royal architecture, face performance deficiencies in modern production compared to historical counterparts, mainly due to uneven temperature fields in kilns and fluctuations in firing quality caused by empirical raw material ratios. Based on a real brick kiln, this study systematically investigates the effects of material composition and firing conditions on brick performance using locally sourced Linqing clay and laterite. Controlled firing experiments were conducted with varying laterite proportions (0-100 wt%), loess proportions (0-100 wt%), clay additions (0-10 wt%), and temperatures (1020-1058 degrees C), followed by comprehensive analyses of physical properties, phase composition, microstructure, and thermal behavior. According to the experimental results, increasing laterite content enhances compressive strength (from 11.9 to 38.1 MPa) and bulk density (from 1.45 to 1.65 g/cm3), with pure laterite achieving optimal performance. A clay content of 5 wt% maximizes mechanical properties, while elevating firing temperature to 1058 degrees C significantly improves strength (increased 13Mpa over 1020 degrees C). Using the CRITIC weighting method, we propose an optimized formulation (50-60 wt% laterite, 40-50 wt% loess, 5 wt% clay) fired at 1058 degrees C. This research not only promotes the standardization and scientific approach of modern Linqing brick production processes but also better controls the overall consistency of the quality of Linqing bricks in kilns. Additionally, it provides a more authentic and reliable material guarantee for the restoration of ancient architectural heritage.

Phosphogypsum (PG) is produced in large quantities, and its main resource utilization is in the construction sector. This study investigates the feasibility of using PG to manufacture phosphogypsum composite cement-based permeable bricks (PGCPB), focusing on the effects of aggregate size distribution, water-to-binder ratio, and slag powder (SP) content on their mechanical and durability properties and assesses the potential risks related to heavy metal content in PGCPB. The results indicate that the highest 3-day compressive strength of PGCPB is 21.1 MPa at a water-cement ratio of 0.26. The maximum 3-day compressive strength of 25.78 MPa is achieved when the fine-to-coarse aggregate ratio is 3:2. At 14 days, SEM observations reveal that incorporating 20% SP leads to an optimal crystalline microstructure and a denser matrix, corresponding to flexural and compressive strengths of 4.47 MPa and 15.25 MPa, respectively. The 14-day flexural and compressive strengths of the cementing material are 4.47 MPa and 15.25 MPa, respectively, when the SP content is 20%. With an increase in PG proportion, the 28-day compressive strength of PGCPB declines, the water permeability coefficient first rises and then falls, and its frost resistance progressively deteriorates. When PG content is 20-30%, PGCPB meets the JC/T 945-2005 permeability standard and reduces carbon emissions by 22.91% compared to conventional cement-based bricks. Environmental risk assessments confirm that PGCPB poses no risk to either soil ecology or human health, making it a safe and eco-friendly material for pavement applications.

Local ecological materials in construction represent a fundamental step toward creating living environments that combine environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort. It is part of an organizational context that encourages the adoption of these methods and processes. This study aims to improve the use of locally available materials, particularly soil and agricultural residues, in the Errachidia region (southeastern Morocco). In particular, date palm waste fiber, a widely available agrarian by-product, was incorporated into the soil to develop six different types of stabilized earth bricks with fiber contents of 0 %, 1 %, 2 %, 3 %, 4 %, and 5 %. The aim was to evaluate their thermophysical, mechanical, and capillary water absorption properties. Thermal properties were determined using the highly insulated house method (PHYWE), a specific methodology for assessing thermal properties in a controlled, highly insulated environment. In addition, mechanical measurements were carried out to assess compressive and flexural strength. The results obtained showed that the addition of date palm waste fibers to brick based on soil improves the thermal resistance of the bricks. Flexural and compressive strength increased up to 3 % of fiber content, while a reduction was observed above this value. The 3 % fiber content is optimal for the stabilization of brick based on soil. Then, the increase of fiber content in bricks resulted in an increase in water absorption with a decrease in the density of the bricks. Physical and chemical characterization (XRD, FTIR, SEM, and EDX) of the soil and date palm waste fibers was carried out with geotechnical soil tests. The results obtained showed that the soil studied satisfies the minimum requirements for the production of bricks stabilized by fibers. These bricks can be considered an alternative to conventional bricks in ecological construction.

The traditional brick-firing process, characterized by high energy consumption and significant pollutant emissions, poses environmental challenges that require innovative solutions. This research addresses these challenges by reducing natural resource usage, energy consumption, and gas emissions through the production of mudbricks in which 5-10 wt% of the clayey soil is replaced by tea grounds. This approach uses waste products and efficient manufacturing techniques aimed at achieving zero carbon emissions. The meticulous selection and processing of organic waste draws inspiration from ancient practices in which plant residues were used to enhance the durability and performance of building materials. This study demonstrates that the inclusion of 10 wt% tea grounds enhances the workability of the clay by 15 %, as the lignin and hydrogen bonds in the tea rearrange the molecules, hardening the material in a similar way to the starch retrogradation process in bread. These mud- bricks provide a 25 % improvement in thermal insulation compared to standard mudbricks, potentially reducing reliance on energy-intensive heating and cooling systems by up to 20 %. It also show a 30 % enhancement in impermeability relative to mudbricks made without tea grounds, with a 10 % increase in compressive strength.

In the surrounding rural region of Hawassa village houses are constructed by using soil, wood, teff straw, and water which is called chika in the local name, although its degradable materials prompt a shift to adobe brick for durability. Adobe brick, prevalent in rural locales, offers social, economic, and cultural advantages. However, its inherent flaws include brittleness, low compressive, and tensile strength, along with moisture sensitivity. This research aims to enhance the native soil attributes of Hawassa villagers by integrating sisal fiber for brick production. The investigation employed soil, water, and sisal fiber to create enhanced adobe bricks. A displacement controlled uniaxial testing machine was utilized to evaluate the compressive strength of the bricks. Findings indicated that a 0.9% sisal fiber inclusion achieved a maximum compressive strength of 13.44 MPa, outperforming conventional samples by 3.4 times, alongside a flexural strength of 0.097 MPa, exceeding conventional results by 3.34 times. The study includes a comparative analysis of mechanical properties and a cost evaluation between traditional and enhanced approaches.

In this research, the effect of using alpha fibres on the physico-mechanical properties of compressed earth bricks (CEBs) was investigated. CEBs were produced using soil, lime and different amounts (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%) of raw (RAF) or treated alpha fibres (TAF). First, the diameter, density and water absorption of RAF and TAF were determined. Then, the produced CEBs reinforced by these fibres were subjected to compressive strength, thermal test, density and capillarity water absorption tests. The obtained results showed that the addition of RAF and TAF leads to a reduction of the thermal conductivity by 33% and 31%, respectively. The finding also indicated that the density was decreased by 26% and 17% with the inclusion of TAF and RAF respectively. Besides, the compressive strength was reduced and water absorption coefficient was increased when fibres reinforced CEBs but remaining within the standard's recommended limits. Moreover, the addition of fibre improves the acoustic properties of samples by 98%. The CEBs developed in this paper could be an alternative to other more common building materials, which would lead to a reduction of energy demand and environmental problems.