Advancing sustainable construction practices through an experimental investigation of geopolymer soil blocks incorporating recycled construction and demolition waste materials

This research investigates the production of Geopolymer soil blocks (GSB) incorporating recycled construction and demolition (CD) waste, aiming to progress sustainable construction practices. The study utilized 20%, 40%, and 60% proportions of recycled CD waste, including crushed concrete and brick debris, in geopolymer mixes. Experimental tests were conducted to evaluate the compressive strength, water absorption, and thermal conductivity of the blocks. The compressive strength of the blocks improved with increasing CD waste content, achieving maximum strength at 40% inclusion, with an average strength of 12.8 MPa compared to 10.5 MPa for conventional blocks. Water absorption tests revealed a reduction from 12% in conventional blocks to 8.5% in blocks with 40% recycled content. Thermal conductivity was observed to decrease by 15% in GSB with 60% CD waste, enhancing the material’s insulation properties. The research demonstrated a significant reduction in carbon emissions, with GSB generating 45% fewer emissions compared to traditional cement-based blocks, alongside a 30% reduction in production energy. These findings highlight the viability of GSB with recycled materials for structural applications, offering environmental benefits such as reduced landfill usage and lower greenhouse gas emissions. This study provides a framework for integrating CD waste into sustainable construction materials, supporting the circular economy in the construction sector.