Use of Sargassum muticum algae as binder strengthening for raw earth mortar

Raw earth construction (RE) is an interesting alternative approach for reducing the use of conventional construction materials. The aim of this study is the stabilization of RE by a new organic binder manufactured based on algae. The stabilization is performed on the mortar scale as well as evaluated by conducting mechanical and thermal tests. Samples of mortar were manufactured based on local soil and Sargassum muticum type algae. The incorporation weight rates of algae are 0 (reference sample), 2, 4, 6, and 8 wt.%. Results showed that the compressive and bending strengths of algae mortar were improved by 77 and 70%, respectively. In addition, it was noticed that samples with 0.63 mm maximum grain size algae binder provide higher strengths in comparison with 0.80 mm maximum grain size algae binder. It was found also that 2 wt.% of incorporated algae provide similar mechanical resistance to 15 wt.% of slaked lime. The thermal investigation of samples showed three peaks: two endothermic peaks at 100 and 800 degrees C, which can be respectively attributed to the desorption of H2O and CO2 due to the decomposition of calcite; the third exothermic peak at 500 degrees C is attributed to the decomposition of the macromolecules of the algae.