Soil stabilization process using lignocellulosic residue ash by geopolymerization for the production of compressed earth bricks.

Abstract

The present invention eliminates the problems faced by earthen constructions, namely low mechanical strength, low resistance to hydration, and long drying times. The invented process is a soil stabilization process using geopolymerization. Indeed, during the process, the basic materials consisting of laterite, volcanic scoria, and ash from lignocellulosic materials are first homogenized and then activated with acid (H3PO4) or basic (individual (NaOH, KOH, Na2SiO3, and K2SiO3) and combinations (NaOH + KOH, NaOH + Na2SiO3, NaOH + K2SiO3 + KOH + Na2SiO3 and KOH + K2SiO3)). The activated mixture is then compressed. The formed clay brick is immediately placed in a wet curing process followed by a dry curing process, resulting in a stabilized clay brick. The proposed method requires neither a cementitious binder nor high-temperature firing, which offers significant economic, ecological, and environmental advantages.