MgO-silicate cement as a stabilizer for clay-based construction materials
Full Project Title: Deciphering the role of magnesium in earth materials for sustainable construction
Duration: 2022-2026
Project team: : external page Raphael Kuhn, external page Dr. Ellina Bernard (external page Empa)
Funding organization: external page Schweizer Nationalfonds (SNF)
Project partner: Prof. Dr. Guillaume Habert (ETH Zurich), external page Prof. Dr. Pietro Lura (Empa)
Project Description
Challenges
The use of clay as a building material enables the valorization of excavated materials with a low CO2 footprint. Unfortunately, the widespread use of such clay-based materials is limited by disadvantages such as low strength, long drying times and poor water resistance.
About the project
The aim of this project is to overcome these limitations in physical and mechanical properties by stabilizing the clay-based materials using MgO-silicate cement.
Methods
The improvement of the properties is determined by investigating the hydration reactions and their link to increased strength and durability. In addition, the workability of the material is analyzed under the addition of admixtures.
Related Publication
- external page «Earth stabilisation with MgO-based cement»
- external page «Clean dirt»
- external page «Effects of MgO-based cementitious binder on smectites»
- external page «Comparison of early age properties of MgO and PC stabilized clays containing sodium hexametaphosphate»
- external page «Mg-binders as low carbon stabilization in earth construction»