Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Seaweed biopolymers as additives for unfired clay bricks

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Materials and Structures Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Unfired clay bricks are an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional masonry materials such as fired bricks and concrete blocks but their use is currently limited by their relatively poor mechanical and durability properties. While products like cement and lime are commonly added to earthen materials in an effort to improve their physical performance, these additives can also have a negative influence on the overall environmental impact. The purpose of this research is to investigate the use of alginate, a natural and renewable biopolymer obtained from brown seaweeds, as an admixture for unfired clay blocks. A total of 5 different alginates have been investigated and combined with 3 soil compositions to create prototype specimens which have then been characterised and compared in relation to flexural and compressive strength, microstructure, abrasive strength and hygroscopic behaviour. The results demonstrate that improvements in mechanical strength are dependent on the type of alginate used and the composition of the soil. The greatest increase in compressive strength is achieved using an alginate sourced from the Laminaria Hyperborea seaweed and offers a value more than double that of the equivalent control specimen. Increases in the alginate dosage do not necessarily lead to an increase in strength suggesting that there is an optimum concentration at which strength improvement is most effective.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Takano A, Hughes M, Winter S, (2014) A Multidisciplinary approach to sustainable building material selection: a case study in a Finnish context. Build Environ 82:526–535. doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2014.09.026

  2. European Commission (2010) Europe 2020: a strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Brussels European Commission

  3. Thormark C (2002) A low energy building in a life cycle - it's embodied energy, energy need for operation and recycling potential. Build Environ 37:429–435. doi:10.1016/S0360-1323(01)00033-6

  4. Sartori I, Hestnes AG (2007) Energy use in the life cycle of conventional and low-energy buildings: a review article. Energy Build 39:249–257. doi:10.1016/j.nbuild.2006.07.001

  5. Fouquet M, Levasseur A, Margni M, Lebert A, Lasvaux S, Souyri B, Buhe C, Woloszyn M (2015) Methodological challenges and developments in LCA of low energy buildings: application to biogenic carbon and global warming assessment. Build Environ 90:51–59. doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2015.03.022

  6. Coulson J, Fuller R (2012) Use of renewable building materials in residential construction: a review. Presented at the ANZAScA 2009: Performative ecologies in the built environment| Sustainable research across disciplines: Proceedings of the 43rd Annual Conference of the Architectural Science Association, University of Tasmania, ANZAScA, pp 1–8

  7. Van Wyk L, Mapiravana J, Ampofo-Anti N (2012) Sustainable materials in building and architecture. Birkhäuser, New York

    Google Scholar 

  8. Galán-Marín C, Rivera-Gómez C, Petric J (2010) Clay-based composite stabilized with natural polymer and fibre. Constr Build Mater 24:1462–1468. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2010.01.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. BeMiller JN (2000) Carbohydrates. In: Ramanathan R (ed) Kirk-Othmer encyclopedia of chemical technology. John Wiley & Sons, New York

    Google Scholar 

  10. Nussinovitch A (1997) Hydrocolloid applications: gum technology in the food and other industries. Springer, New York

    Book  Google Scholar 

  11. Plank J (2005) Applications of biopolymers in construction engineering. In: Steinbüchel A (ed) Biopolymers online. Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim

    Google Scholar 

  12. Quagliarini E, Lenci S (2010) The influence of natural stabilizers and natural fibres on the mechanical properties of ancient Roman adobe bricks. J Cult Herit 11:309–314. doi:10.1016/j.culher.2009.11.012

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Vieira M, Klemm D, Einfeldt L, Albrecht G (2005) Dispersing agents for cement based on modified polysaccharides. Cem Concr Res 35:883–890

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Pacheco-Torgal F, Jalali S (2012) Earth construction: lessons from the past for future eco-efficient construction. Constr Build Mater 29:512–519. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2011.10.054

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Morton T (2006) Feat of clay. Mater World 14:23–24

    Google Scholar 

  16. Hall M, Allinson D (2009) Analysis of the hygrothermal functional properties of stabilised rammed earth materials. Build Environ 44:1935–1942. doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2009.01.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. McGregor F, Heath A, Shea A, Lawrence M (2014) The moisture buffering capacity of unfired clay masonry. Build Environ 82:599–607. doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2014.09.027

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Morton T (2008) Earth masonry: Design and construction guidelines. IHS BRE Press, Garston

    Google Scholar 

  19. Rode C, Grau K (2008) Moisture buffering and its consequence in whole building hygrothermal modeling. J Build Phys 31:333–360

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Oti JE, Kinuthia JM, Bai J (2009) Engineering properties of unfired clay masonry bricks. Eng Geol 107:130–139. doi:10.1016/j.enggeo.2009.05.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Walker PJ (1995) Strength, durability and shrinkage characteristics of cement stabilised soil blocks. Cem Concr Compos 17:301–310. doi:10.1016/0958-9465(95)00019-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Deboucha S, Hashim R (2011) A review on bricks and stabilized compressed earth blocks. Sci Res Essays 6:499–506

    Google Scholar 

  23. Heath A, Lawrence M, Walker P, Fourie C (2009) The compressive strength of modern earth masonry. Presented at the 11th international conference on non-conventional materials and technologies, NOCMAT 2009, University of Bath

  24. Lawrence M, Heath A, Morton T, (2009) Development of unfired clay brick systems for sustainable construction (No. TSB Project No. TP/5/SUS/6/I/H0192J). University of Bath

  25. Miqueleiz L, Ramirez F, Oti JE, Seco A, Kinuthia JM, Oreja I, Urmeneta P (2013) Alumina filler waste as clay replacement material for unfired brick production. Eng Geol 163:68–74. doi:10.1016/j.enggeo.2013.05.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Morel J-C, Pkla A, Walker P (2007) Compressive strength testing of compressed earth blocks. Constr Build Mater 21:303–309

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Oti JE, Kinuthia JM (2012) Stabilised unfired clay bricks for environmental and sustainable use. Appl Clay Sci 58:52–59. doi:10.1016/j.clay.2012.01.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Walker PJ (2004) Strength and erosion characteristics of earth blocks and earth block masonry. J Mater Civ Eng 16:497–506

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Walker P, Stace T (1997) Properties of some cement stabilised compressed earth blocks and mortars. Mater Struct 30:545–551

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Morel JC, Aubert JE, Millogo Y, Hamard E, Fabbri A (2013) Some observations about the paper “Earth construction: lessons from the past for future eco-efficient construction” by F. Pacheco-Torgal and S. Jalali. Constr Build Mater 44:419–421. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.02.054

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Aubert JE, Maillard P, Morel JC, Al Rafii M (2015) Towards a simple compressive strength test for earth bricks? Mater Struct. doi:10.1617/s11527-015-0601-y

    Google Scholar 

  32. Heath A, Maskell D, Walker P, Lawrence M, Fourie C (2012) Modern earth masonry: structural properties and structural design. Struct Eng 90:38–44

    Google Scholar 

  33. Hammond G, Jones C (2008) Inventory of carbon & energy: ICE. sustainable energy research team, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath

  34. Worrell E, Price L, Martin N, Hendriks C, Meida LO (2001) Carbon dioxide emissions from the global cement industry. Annu Rev Energy Environ 26:303–329. doi:10.1146/annurev.energy.26.1.303

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. McGregor F, Heath A, Fodde E, Shea A (2014) Conditions affecting the moisture buffering measurement performed on compressed earth blocks. Build Environ 75:11–18. doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2014.01.009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Theng BKG (2012) Chapter 11-polysaccharides. In: Theng BKG (ed) Developments in clay science. Elsevier, Oxford, pp 351–390

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  37. Emerson W (1956) Synthetic soil conditioners. J Agric Sci 47:7–121

    Google Scholar 

  38. Orts W, Roa-Espinosa A, Sojka R, Glenn G, Imam S, Erlacher K, Pedersen J (2007) Use of synthetic polymers and biopolymers for soil stabilization in agricultural, construction, and military applications. J Mater Civ Eng 19:58–66

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Balo F, Yucel HL (2013) Assessment of thermal performance of green building materials produced with plant oils. Int J Mater, Sci 3

    Google Scholar 

  40. Heaton T, Sammon C, Ault J, Black L, Forth JP (2014) Masonry units bound with waste vegetable oil—Chemical analysis and evaluation of engineering properties. Constr Build Mater 64:460–472. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.04.079

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Ogacho A, Aduda B, Nyongesa F (2003) Thermal conductivity of a kaolinite refractory: effect of a plant-derived organic binder. J Mater Sci 38:2293–2297

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Ruskulis O (2002) Additives to clay: organic additives (Technical Brief). Practical Action

  43. Beas MIG (1991) Traditional architectural renders on earthen surfaces (M.Sc Thesis). University of Pennsylvania

  44. Eires R, Camões A, Jalali S (2013) Earth architecture: ancient and new methods for durability improvement. In: Cruz PJS (ed) Structures and architecture: concepts, applications and challenges. Taylor and Francis Group, London

    Google Scholar 

  45. Rehm B (2009) Alginates: biology and applications. Springer, Berlin

    Book  Google Scholar 

  46. Burey P, Bhandari BR, Howes T, Gidley MJ (2008) Hydrocolloid gel particles: formation, characterization, and application. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 48:361–377. doi:10.1080/10408390701347801

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Lencina MS, Andreucetti NA, Gómez CG, Villar MA (2013) Recent studies on alginates based blends, composites, and nanocomposites. In: Heinze TH (ed) Advances in natural polymers. Springer, Berlin, pp 193–254

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  48. Draget K, Phillips G, Williams P (2009) Alginates. In: Phillips GO, Williams PA (eds) Handbook of hydrocolloids. Springer, New York, pp 807–828

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  49. Grant GT, Morris ER, Rees DA, Smith PJC, Thom D (1973) Biological interactions between polysacharides and divalent cations: the egg-box model. FEBS Lett 32:195–198. doi:10.1016/0014-5793(73)80770-7

  50. Rees DA, Welsh EJ (1977) Secondary and tertiary structure of polysaccharides in solutions and gels. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 16:214–224

  51. Funami T, Fang Y, Noda S, Ishihara S, Nakauma M, Draget KI, Nishinari K, Phillips GO (2009) Rheological properties of sodium alginate in an aqueous system during gelation in relation to supermolecular structures and Ca2+ binding. Food Hydrocoll 23:1746–1755. doi:10.1016/j.foodhyd.2009.02.014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Iliescu RI, Andronescu E, Daniela C, Ghiţulică DB, Ficai A (2011) Montmorillonite-alginate nanocomposite beads as drug carrier for oral administration of carboplatin–preparation and characterization. UPB Sci Bull Ser B 73:3–16

    Google Scholar 

  53. Pongjanyakul T, Puttipipatkhachorn S (2007) Sodium alginate-magnesium aluminum silicate composite gels: characterization of flow behavior, microviscosity, and drug diffusivity. AAPS PharmSciTech 8:E158–E165. doi:10.1208/pt0803072

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Wang Y, Wang W, Shi X, Wang A (2013) A superabsorbent nanocomposite based on sodium alginate and illite/smectite mixed-layer clay. J Appl Polym Sci 130:161–167. doi:10.1002/app.39141

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Li Y, Xia B, Zhao Q, Liu F, Zhang P, Du Q, Wang D, Li D, Wang Z, Xia Y (2011) Removal of copper ions from aqueous solution by calcium alginate immobilized kaolin. J Environ Sci 23:404–411

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Yang L, Liang G, Zhang Z, He S, Wang J (2009) Sodium alginate/Na+-rectorite composite films: preparation, characterization, and properties. J Appl Polym Sci 114:1235–1240

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Bernu CJ, Bachman JL, Werler PF (2010) Soil stabilization compositions. US 20110113983 A1

  58. Quastel J, Webley D (1947) The effects of the addition to soil of alginic acid and other forms of organic matter on soil aeration. J Agric Sci 37:257–266

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Schneider GL (1977) Method of stabilizing soils, USA Patent 4, 002, 633

  60. Achenza M, Fenu L (2006) On earth stabilization with natural polymers for earth masonry construction. Mater Struct 39:21–27. doi:10.1617/s11527-005-9000-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  61. Han S-O, Kim H-S, Yoo Y-J, Seo Y-B, Lee M-W (2008) Seaweed fibre-reinforced biocomposite and method for producing the same using high-temperature grinding. Int Mater Rev 59:264–296

    Google Scholar 

  62. Lee K-C, Her J-H, Kwon S-K (2008) Red clay composites reinforced with polymeric binders. Constr Build Mater 22:2292–2298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  63. Minke G (2006) Building with earth. Birkhäuser, Basel

    Google Scholar 

  64. Galán-Marín C, Rivera-Gómez C, Bradley F (2013) Ultrasonic, molecular and mechanical testing diagnostics in natural fibre reinforced, polymer-stabilized earth blocks. Int J Polym Sci. doi:10.1155/2013/130582

    Google Scholar 

  65. Galan-Marin C, Rivera-Gomez C, Bradley F (2012) A combination of SEM and EDX studies on a clay-based natural composite with animal fibre and its mechanical implications. EECM15

  66. Rivera-Gómez C, Galán-Marín C, Bradley F (2014) Analysis of the influence of the fiber type in polymer matrix/fiber bond using natural organic polymer stabilizer. Polymers 6:977–994

    Article  Google Scholar 

  67. Galán-Marín C, Rivera-Gómez C, García-Martínez A (2015) Embodied energy of conventional load-bearing walls versus natural stabilized earth blocks. Energy Build 97:146–154. doi:10.1016/j.enbuild.2015.03.054

    Article  Google Scholar 

  68. Nugent RA, Zhang G, Gambrell RP (2009) Effect of exopolymers on the liquid limit of clays and its engineering implications. Transp Res Rec J Transp Res Board 2101:34–43

    Article  Google Scholar 

  69. Theng BKG (2012) Chapter 4-negatively charged polymers (Polyanions). In: Theng BKG (ed) Developments in clay science. Elsevier, Oxford, pp 111–127

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  70. Gu B, Schmitt J, Chen Z, Liang L, McCarthy JF (1994) Adsorption and desorption of natural organic matter on iron oxide: mechanisms and models. Environ Sci Technol 28:38–46. doi:10.1021/es00050a007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  71. Keil R, Mayer L (2013) Mineral matrices and organic matter. Treatise Geochem 2:362–369

    Google Scholar 

  72. Lützow MV, Kögel-Knabner I, Ekschmitt K, Matzner E, Guggenberger G, Marschner B, Flessa H (2006) Stabilization of organic matter in temperate soils: mechanisms and their relevance under different soil conditions–a review. Eur J Soil Sci 57:426–445

    Article  Google Scholar 

  73. Gu B, Doner HE (1992) The interaction of polysaccharides with Silver Hill illite. Clays Clay Miner 40:151–156

    Article  Google Scholar 

  74. Yalçın T, Alemdar A, Ece ÖI, Güngör N (2002) The viscosity and zeta potential of bentonite dispersions in presence of anionic surfactants. Mater Lett 57:420–424

    Article  Google Scholar 

  75. Benli B, Boylu F, Can MF, Karakaş F, Çinku K, Ersever G (2011) Rheological, electrokinetic, and morphological characterization of alginate–bentonite biocomposites. J Appl Polym Sci 122:19–28. doi:10.1002/app.33627

    Article  Google Scholar 

  76. BS EN 15935 (2012) Sludge, treated biowaste, soil and waste. Determination of loss on ignition

  77. BS EN 15933 (2012) Sludge, treated biowaste and soil. Determination of pH

  78. BS 1377-2 (1990) Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes: Classification tests

  79. BS 1377-4 (1990) Methods of test for soils for civil engineering purposes. Compaction-related tests

  80. Kouakou CH, Morel JC (2009) Strength and elasto-plastic properties of non-industrial building materials manufactured with clay as a natural binder. Appl Clay Sci 44:27–34. doi:10.1016/j.clay.2008.12.019

    Article  Google Scholar 

  81. Mesbah A, Morel JC, Olivier M (1999) Comportement des sols fins argileux pendant un essai de compactage statique: détermination des paramètres pertinents. Mater Struct 32:687–694. doi:10.1007/BF02481707

    Article  Google Scholar 

  82. BS EN 933-9 (2009) Tests for geometrical properties of aggregates. Assessment of fines. Methylene blue test

  83. Moore DM Jr, Reynolds RC (1989) X-ray Diffraction and the identification and analysis of clay minerals. Oxford University Press (OUP), Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  84. Burrows MT, Macleod M, Orr K, (2010) Mapping the intertidal seaweed resources of the Outer Hebrides (No. Scottish Association for Marine Science Internal Report No. 269). S.A.M.S & Hebridean Seaweed Company

  85. Grasdalen H, Larsen B, Smidsrød O (1979) A p.m.r. study of the composition and sequence of uronate residues in alginates. Carbohydr Res 68:23–31. doi:10.1016/S0008-6215(00)84051-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  86. Davis TA, Llanes F, Volesky B, Diaz-Pulido G, McCook L, Mucci A (2003) 1H-NMR study of Na alginates extracted from Sargassum spp. in relation to metal biosorption. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 110:75–90

    Article  Google Scholar 

  87. Government of New Mexico (2009) 2009 New Mexico earthen building materials code (No. NMAC 14.7.4)

  88. Standards New Zealand (1998) NZS 4297 (1998): Engineering design of earth buildings [Building Code Compliance Documents B1 (VM1), B2 (AS1)]

  89. Walker P (2002) The Australian earth building handbook. SAI Global Limited, Sidney

    Google Scholar 

  90. BS EN 771-1 (2011) Specification for masonry units: Clay masonry units

  91. BS EN 1351 (1997) Determination of flexural strength of autoclaved aerated concrete

  92. BS EN 1015-11 (1999) Methods of test for mortar for masonry. Determination of flexural and compressive strength of hardened mortar

  93. Aubert JE, Fabbri A, Morel JC, Maillard P (2013) An earth block with a compressive strength higher than 45 MPa! Constr Build Mater 47:366–369. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.05.068

    Article  Google Scholar 

  94. Aubert J-E, Marcom A, Oliva P, Segui P (2015) Chequered earth construction in south-western France. J Cult Herit 16:293–298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  95. Quagliarini E, Orazio SL (2014) The properties and durability of adobe earth-based masonry blocks. Eco-Effic Mason Bricks Blocks Des Prop, Durab 361

    Google Scholar 

  96. Heathcote K, Jankulovski E (1992) Aspect ratio correction factors for soilcrete blocks. Trans Inst Eng Aust Civ Eng 34:309–312

    Google Scholar 

  97. Adam E, Agib A (2001) Compressed stabilised earth block manufacture in Sudan. Fr. Paris Print. Graphoprint UNESCO, Paris

    Google Scholar 

  98. ASTM C (1498−04a) standard test method for hygroscopic sorption isotherms of building materials

  99. BS EN ISO 12571 (2014) Hygrothermal performance of building materials and products. Determination of hygroscopic sorption properties

  100. BS EN 1015-18 (2002) Methods of test for mortar for masonry. Determination of water absorption coefficient due to capillary action of hardened mortar

  101. BS EN 772-11 (2011) Methods of test for masonry units. Determination of water absorption of aggregate concrete, autoclaved aerated concrete, manufactured stone and natural stone masonry units due to capillary action and the initial rate of water absorption of clay masonry units

  102. Sutton A, Black D, Walker P (2011) Infromation Paper (IP 16/11) unfired clay masonry-an introduction to low-impact building materials

  103. Sorgho B, Zerbo L, Keita I, Dembele C, Plea M, Sol V, Gomina M, Blanchart P (2014) Strength and creep behavior of geomaterials for building with tannin addition. Mater Struct 47:937–946. doi:10.1617/s11527-013-0104-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  104. Jiménez Delgado MC, Guerrero IC (2007) The selection of soils for unstabilised earth building: a normative review. Constr Build Mater 21:237–251. doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2005.08.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  105. Millogo Y, Morel J-C (2012) Microstructural characterization and mechanical properties of cement stabilised adobes. Mater Struct 45:1311–1318

    Article  Google Scholar 

  106. Atzeni C, Pia G, Sanna U, Spanu N (2008) Surface wear resistance of chemically or thermally stabilized earth-based materials. Mater Struct 41:751–758

    Article  Google Scholar 

  107. Padfield T, Jensen LA (2011) Humidity buffering of building interiors by absorbent materials. Presented at the Proceedings of the 9th nordic symposium on building physics, Tampere, pp 475–482

  108. Attou F, Bruand A, le Bissonnais Y (1998) Effect of clay content and silt–clay fabric on stability of artificial aggregates. Eur J Soil Sci 49:569–577

    Article  Google Scholar 

  109. Houben H, Guillaud H (1994) Earth construction: a comprehensive guide. Intermediate Technology Publications, London

    Google Scholar 

  110. BS EN 772-6 (2011) Methods of test for masonry units. Determination of bending tensile strength of aggregate concrete masonry units

  111. BS EN 772-13 (2011) Methods of test for masonry units. Determination of net and gross dry density of masonry units (except for natural stone)

  112. BS EN 772-16 (2011) Methods of test for masonry units. Determination of dimensions

  113. BS EN 772-21 (2011) Methods of test for masonry units. Determination of water absorption of clay and calcium silicate masonry units by cold water absorption

Download references

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank the funding providers for the project including the University of Strathclyde, the Energy Technology Partnership and Marine Biopolymers Ltd. Acknowledgement is also made to Ibstock for the provision of materials, the Advanced Materials Research Lab at the University of Strathclyde where the experimental work was conducted and the Department of Chemistry for the ICP analysis.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Fiona F. Bradley.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Dove, C.A., Bradley, F.F. & Patwardhan, S.V. Seaweed biopolymers as additives for unfired clay bricks. Mater Struct 49, 4463–4482 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-016-0801-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-016-0801-0

Keywords

Navigation