• Hoxha, Dashnor
• Belayachi, Naima
• Phi, Do Duc
• Nicolae, Ungureanu Vladimir

Abstract

This paper presents results of hydromechanical characterization tests performed on some mortars used in eco-construction practice. Typically, such mortars could be found in buildings constructed following so called GREB technique that uses straw bales as structural and insulating elements in addition to a wood frame. The full experimental program includes thermal, mechanical and hydraulic - hygroscopic tests. Mechanical tests, including uniaxial compression test and three point bending test and hydraulic tests including water and vapor water permeability, retention curve and unsaturated water permeability have been performed on three earth-cement mortars with sawdust additive. Tests were performed in age of 7, 14, 28 and 120 days. For retention curve and so called relative permeability a simple method has been used based on measurements of masse variations of samples on a controlled humidity environment and an inverse problem approach. Using of sawdust improves hydraulic properties of these mortars but the early age strength of these mortars has to be improved by cement additives.

Topics

• strength
• cement
• bending flexural test
• compression test
• permeability
• wood