Physical and Thermal Properties of Raw Earthern Bricks from Ksar Ait Benhaddou

Research on the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou reveals that incorporating portland cement into recycled earthen debris significantly enhances its compressive strength, reaching up to 1.90 MPa, while also increasing thermal conductivity. Conversely, stabilization with lime or natural wheat straw reduces thermal conductivity without compromising structural integrity. The study employed a multi-faceted approach, including geotechnical analysis, physicochemical assessments (X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence), and microscopic examination (scanning electron microscopy) to characterize the debris. Standardized brick specimens were prepared with varying stabilizers and aging periods (0 to 4 days). These findings offer promising insights for sustainable restoration of historical earthen architecture in Morocco's Drâa-Tafilalet region, balancing mechanical performance and thermal properties.

LECHHEB, M. (2024). Physical and Thermal Properties of Raw Earthern Bricks from Ksar Ait Benhaddou. Mediterranean Architectural Heritage, 40, 186–197. https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903117-20