In the quest for sustainable and affordable construction materials, researchers have turned to an unlikely source of inspiration: termite mounds. A recent study published in the journal *Materials Research Express* explores the potential of termite mound soil (TMS) combined with rice husk ash (RHA) and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers to create high-performance stabilized earth bricks (SEBs). This innovative approach not only addresses the growing demand for eco-friendly building materials but also offers a viable solution for repurposing agricultural and plastic waste.
The study, led by Festus Ben from the Centre for Nanoengineering and Advanced Materials at the University of Johannesburg, along with the Centre for Advanced Materials Research and Development at the Federal Polytechnic Ede in Nigeria, investigates the mechanical performance of SEBs stabilized with cement and RHA binary binders. By varying the proportions of TMS, RHA, and PET fibers, the researchers identified an optimal mix design that significantly enhances the mechanical and durability properties of the bricks.
“Our research demonstrates that by carefully balancing the components, we can achieve superior performance in terms of compressive and flexural strengths, as well as durability,” Ben explained. The optimal mix, designated as PTR-A, consists of 60% TMS, 20% RHA, and 5% PET fibers, with a constant cement content of 15%. This combination resulted in a bulk density ranging from 1529.55 to 1669.75 kg/m³, water absorption between 7.41% and 8.85%, and a 28-day compressive strength of up to 11.07 MPa.
The study also delved into the mineralogical analysis of the bricks, revealing the presence of calcium hydroxide (CH), calcium silicates (CS), and silica (SiO₂). The formation of C-S-H gel indicated strong pozzolanic activity between the cement and RHA, contributing to the enhanced mechanical properties of the bricks. While increased RHA and PET content led to higher porosity and lower mechanical performance, TMS proved effective in enhancing matrix compactness and strength.
The implications of this research are significant for the construction industry, particularly in the context of sustainable housing and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9 and 11, which focus on industry, innovation, and infrastructure, as well as sustainable cities and communities. By valorizing agricultural and plastic wastes, this study offers a path towards more sustainable and affordable construction materials.
“Our findings highlight the potential for using termite mound soil, rice husk ash, and recycled PET fibers to create high-performance stabilized earth bricks,” Ben noted. “This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of construction but also provides a cost-effective solution for building materials.”
As the construction industry continues to seek innovative and sustainable solutions, the research published in *Materials Research Express* (which translates to “Materials Research Express” in English) offers a promising avenue for future developments. By leveraging the unique properties of termite mound soil and agricultural waste, researchers and industry professionals can work towards creating more sustainable and resilient buildings. This study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the potential for waste materials to be transformed into valuable resources, paving the way for a more sustainable future in construction.