Abdelaal, A; Ma, J; Zhang, H; Shobeiri, V and Xie, Y M (2026) Bio-stabilized modular rammed earth blocks for sustainable and aesthetic construction. Construction Innovation, 26(9), pp. 1-20. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose – This study aims to address critical limitations in rammed earth (RE) construction through a novel modular block system integrating computational design, modular construction and bio-stabilization techniques. The research quantifies environmental benefits and structural performance, establishing empirical foundations for commercial implementation of prefabricated earthen construction technologies. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology used non-uniform rational B-splines (NURBS)-based parametric design for customized free-form blocks with five distinct types facilitating staggered assembly. Bio-stabilization was evaluated using animal glue and xanthan gum versus unstabilized variants. Life cycle assessment was conducted following ISO 14040 protocols. Full-scale prototyping validated manufacturing through CNC-milled formwork, while experimental validation included 28-day compressive strength testing and environmental impact quantification. Findings – Full-scale prototyping confirmed technical feasibility of the modular free-form RE block system, achieving consistent production through precision CNC-milled formwork. Staggered assembly methodology enhanced structural stability via embedded reinforcement channels. Animal glue bio-stabilization demonstrated superior performance metrics (6.86 MPa strength, 38.61 kg CO2-eq/m³ emissions) compared to xanthan gum (5.58 MPa, 60.12 kg CO2-eq/m³) and unstabilized variants (1.74 MPa, 12.32 kg CO2-eq/m³). Originality/value – This research pioneers computational design integration with traditional RE construction, establishing novel methodological frameworks for sustainable building. The synthesis of NURBS parametric geometry, prefabrication protocols and bio-stabilization represents significant advancement in earthen architecture, providing construction professionals with validated methodologies for achieving architectural sophistication while maintaining environmental sustainability.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | computer aided design; life-cycle analysis; open manufacturing/offsite construction; sustainability; sustainability and green buildings |
| Index terms: | quantification, geometry, formwork, aesthetic, parametric design, construction professional, reinforcement, implementation, prefabrication, testing, stabilization, foundations, construction technology, ISO, performance metric, life cycle assessment, stability, compressive strength, sustainable building, integration, modular construction, prototyping, methodology, computer aided design, environmental impact, green building, validation, environmental sustainability, open manufacturing |
| Subjects: | performance measurement, design practice, professional development, organizational analysis, measurement and scaling, mathematical modelling, design methods, standards development, building materials, factor and component analysis, structural engineering, manufacturing engineering, research methods, material analysis and testing, health safety and environment, sustainable construction, building construction, computational design, digital engineering, environmental impact, contractual arrangements, professional practice, innovation and technology management, economic analysis |
| Topics: | Organizational Design, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Construction Technology, Business Strategy, Information Management, Construction Materials, Research Practice, Quality Management, Sustainability, Procurement, Health and Safety, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here