In the sprawling deserts of Algeria, a revolutionary approach to sustainable construction is taking shape, blending ancient materials with cutting-edge science. Abdelhamid Khelifi, a researcher at the Laboratory of Civil Engineering and Hydraulics (LGCH) at the University 8 May 1945 Guelma, is leading a groundbreaking study that could redefine the future of eco-friendly building materials. His work, recently published in Case Studies in Construction Materials, focuses on transforming dune sand and Washingtonia waste into high-performance, low-emission mortar.
The study, which utilized response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the physical and mechanical properties of the mortar, revealed that the inclusion of Washingtonia waste (WW) and dune sand (DS) significantly enhances the material’s performance. “The optimal formulation obtained was 1.3 % WW, 5 % NaOH concentration, and 14.8 h of immersion time,” Khelifi explains. This combination resulted in a mortar with a specific gravity of 1972.77 kg/m³, a slump of 16.62 cm, water absorption of 2.63 %, bending displacement of 0.26 mm, and a dynamic elastic modulus of 20.46 GPa. These properties make the mortar an excellent candidate for a variety of civil engineering applications, particularly in bending elements and the repair of damaged structures.
The implications of this research extend far beyond the construction industry. As the energy sector increasingly focuses on reducing its carbon footprint, innovative materials like this eco-friendly mortar could play a pivotal role. By utilizing abundant, locally sourced materials like dune sand and Washingtonia waste, the construction of energy infrastructure can become more sustainable and cost-effective. “This study demonstrates the potential of this sustainable mortar for eco-construction applications,” Khelifi notes, highlighting the material’s versatility and environmental benefits. This could lead to significant reductions in the carbon emissions associated with traditional cement production, a critical step towards achieving net-zero goals in the energy sector.
The RSM approach used in this study not only optimized the material’s properties but also provided a reliable model for predicting future outcomes. This predictive capability is invaluable for engineers and architects seeking to integrate sustainable materials into their projects. As the demand for green building materials continues to grow, research like Khelifi’s will be crucial in shaping the future of construction. The strong correlation between the RSM model and experimental data underscores the reliability of this approach, paving the way for further advancements in the field.
The study, published in Case Studies in Construction Materials, offers a glimpse into a future where construction materials are not only durable and high-performing but also environmentally responsible. As the world seeks to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, innovations like this eco-friendly mortar will be at the forefront of the energy sector’s transformation.