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  2. Vol 11, No 4 (2025)
  3. Kandasamy

Evaluating the Microstructure and Strength of Geopolymer Mud Blocks for Sustainable Architecture

A. Kandasamy, B. Ramesh, Mahmoud Al Khazaleh, K. Sabari

Abstract


This study investigates the physio-mechanical, microstructural, and durability characteristics of Geopolymer Mud Blocks (GMB) as a sustainable alternative to traditional Soil Stabilized Blocks (SSB). Utilizing locally available Alumino-Silicate Sources (ASS) and Alkali-Activated Materials (AAM), GMB were produced with varying molarity levels (6M, 7M, and 8M) and mix proportions (M1 to M3). Experimental results reveal that compressive strength increased by 10–20% with molarity escalation from 6M to 8M. The highest compressive strength of over 50 MPa, achieved with the M4 mix at 8M, equaled M50-grade concrete, making it suitable for load-bearing walls in earthquake-resistant structures. Durability tests demonstrated less than 10% water absorption, indicating low permeability. Type B6 (6% AAS, 8M, 28 days) exhibited superior performance, attaining the highest compressive strength of 47.32 MPa and prism strength of 33.12 MPa. Additionally, it showed commendable durability metrics, including water absorption at 5.20%, chloride diffusion at 1.87%, acid diffusion at 3.33%, and sulphate diffusion at 1.05%. The dense matrix and minimal porosity of this mix, resulting from the use of distilled water and optimal binder content, significantly enhanced its strength and durability. Type C6 (6% AAS, 8M, 28 days) exhibited the weakest performance, characterized by high porosity, suboptimal matrix quality, and unfavorable durability indicators, such as water absorption (10.33%) and chloride diffusion (4.47%). Type B6 demonstrates the highest effectiveness, providing an optimal balance of strength and durability, whereas Type C6 exhibits the lowest efficiency. GMB exhibited enhanced resistance to acid, sulphate, and chloride attacks with increased molarity. XRD analysis confirmed the geopolymerization process, with significant diffraction peak changes. SEM images revealed denser microstructures with higher molarity, correlating with increased strength. The study concludes that GMBs offer superior strength, durability, and cost-strength efficiency compared to SSBs, promoting sustainable construction practices.

 

Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2025-011-04-09

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Keywords


Geopolymer Mud Blocks (GMB); Soil Stabilized Blocks (SSB); Alumino-Silicate Sources (ASS); Alkali-Activated Materials (AAM); Durability Tests.

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DOI: 10.28991/CEJ-2025-011-04-09

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Copyright (c) 2025 Kandasamy A, Ramesh B, Mahmoud Al Khazaleh, Sabari K

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