In the quest for sustainable construction materials, a recent study led by Ahmed Abdelaal from the Centre for Innovative Structures and Materials at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, has shed light on promising alternatives to traditional cement-stabilized rammed earth (RE). The research, published in Frontiers in Built Environment, explores the use of xanthan gum (XG) and animal glue (AG) as bio-binders for RE stabilization, offering a greener path forward for the construction industry.
Rammed earth construction, an ancient technique, has seen a resurgence in recent years due to its eco-friendly nature and the advancement of digital fabrication techniques. However, the widespread use of cement-stabilized RE has raised environmental concerns, given the significant carbon emissions associated with cement production. Abdelaal’s study aims to address this issue by investigating bio-based alternatives that could revolutionize the way we think about sustainable construction.
The research involved conducting unconfined compressive strength tests on RE specimens stabilized with XG and AG, with unstabilized RE samples serving as a baseline for comparison. The results were striking: AG-stabilized specimens showed a remarkable 294% strength improvement over unstabilized RE, reaching 6.86 MPa at 28 days. XG-stabilized specimens also performed well, achieving a 221% improvement. “These findings demonstrate that XG and AG have the potential to be viable alternatives to mainstream RE construction methods,” Abdelaal stated, highlighting the significance of the research.
However, the study also noted that XG-stabilized specimens exhibited susceptibility to microbial proliferation, a factor that will need to be addressed in future research. Despite this, the potential benefits of using bio-binders in RE construction are immense. The energy sector, in particular, could see significant commercial impacts. As the demand for sustainable materials grows, the construction industry is poised to embrace these bio-based alternatives, potentially reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to a more circular economy.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. If widely adopted, bio-binders like XG and AG could transform the construction landscape, making it more environmentally friendly and sustainable. As Abdelaal noted, “The findings from this research pave the way for advancing environmentally friendly RE construction.” This could lead to a future where buildings are not only structurally sound but also environmentally responsible, aligning with the growing global emphasis on sustainability and circular economy principles.
