Eco-friendly modification of earthen construction with carrageenan: Water durability and mechanical assessment

Javier Nakamatsu, Suyeon Kim, Jorge Ayarza, Eduardo Ramírez, Mariela Elgegren, Rafael Aguilar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

73 Scopus citations

Abstract

Carrageenan, a biodegradable natural polymer, was evaluated as a bioadditive to improve the physical and mechanical properties of adobe constructions. The results show that its incorporation in the mixture during blocks fabrication, or as a coating in existent earth constructions, positively modify their behavior providing water impermeability and resistance to erosion by water drops. Results of mechanical tests also show a considerable enhancement in compressive and tensile strength when the bioadditive is incorporated during the blocks fabrication process. The obtained results show the feasibility of using natural and eco-friendly compounds to modify the behavior of traditional construction materials.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)193-202
Number of pages10
JournalConstruction and Building Materials
Volume139
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 May 2017

Keywords

  • Bioadditive
  • Carrageenan
  • Earthen construction
  • Mechanical resistance
  • Water erosion
  • Water impermeability

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