Assessment of the ability of different commercial binders for the stabilization of rammed earth based on by-products

Abstract This study evaluates the potential of a mix composed of three mining and one industrial by-product, stabilized with cement (CEM), hydrated lime (CL), and natural hydraulic lime (NHL) at 2.5% and 5% dosages, to develop a sustainable material for Stabilized Rammed Earth (SRE). Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), water exposure, and erosion tests assessed mechanical and durability performance, while Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TG/DTG) and X Ray Diffraction (XRD) characterized microstructure and hydration products. At 28 days, CEM-5 and NHL-5 achieved the best results, meeting all mechanical and durability requirements, with UCS values of 11.8 and 5.6 MPa and soaked UCS/dry UCS ratios of 0.40 and 0.33, respectively. Soaked UCS should be prioritized over the ratio criterion. SEM analysis highlighted that matrix quality, rather than paste quantity, governed mechanical and durability performances. TG/DTG revealed differences in dehydration and decarbonation among binders, whereas XRD patterns showed no significant variation between dosages. Graphical abstract